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Cosplay: A Manifesto

• I use canon-appropriate materials when possible (considering place and time setting)
• I try a new thing with each cosplay (new technique or fabrication method)
• I value and try to execute my own visual interpretation/design

Glossary of internally-referenced terms

Mostly my own personal jargon, sorry

Canon-appropriateness

Period-accuracy pedantics

2D interpretation

Designing and fabricating a cosplay based on animation or comics/manga requires interpretive decisions to render the 2D image in a 3D medium. Compromises and decisions must be made based on the individual cosplayer's priority and framework of understanding the image. I break these down into schools:

2D interpretive school: Visual Literalism

An approach to cosplay design targeting the closest visual approximation of the 2D image. Concessions to the shapes and colors of the literal image are prioritized over maintaining the qualities of the base layer human body.

2D interpretive school: Functional Interpretation

An approach to cosplay design targeting the cosplayer's determination of the "spirit" or "intent" of the character design. Character design elements are compromised to better suit the base layer.