Cosplay 101: Commissioned vs. Made-From-Scratch

Cosplay 101: For Newbies

Cosplay 101: Commissioned Cosplays vs. Made-From-Scratch

Commissioned Cosplays

So, you've got your character decided and now your next task is whether to create your costume from scratch, which means you create the entire thing yourself, or hire a cosplay commissioner to create it for you. 

In this post, I'm going to be talking about commissioned cosplay costumes. Now, there's nothing wrong with wanting to hire a cosplay commissioner. To each their own, but here are some tips and facts about them that you need to know.

Facts:

1. Remember what kind of cosplay commissioner you're looking for. There are the costume commissioners, wig styling commissioners, prop and accessories commissioners, along with shoe commissioners. 

2. Each cosplay commissioner are different in their prices. Normally, the costume commissioners can charge from $100, to $200, up to $300, and so on. It all depends on what character you want them to create for you. Don't be surprised at this because they have to cover the cost of materials, along with time and labor. 

3. Some craftsmanship Cosplay Contests allow commissioned costumes to enter, as long as the creator of the costume is present during Pre-Judging. Otherwise, if allowed, the commissioned costume is only eligible to be an Exhibition category, which normally means that the cosplayer isn't allowed to win a craftsmanship award. 

Tips:

1. If you're not satisfied with the quote that the costume commissioner, shoe commissioner, or prop and accessories commissioner gave you, it's okay to shop around and let them know that you'll think about it. Once you found the right commissioner that suites you, then let them know the details and give them reference pictures.

2. When you find the right commissioner, make sure you give them the details that are necessary for a perfect fit. For example, you hired a costume commissioner, then make sure you give them the appropriate size of your bust, waist, and hips so they can base it off of those measurements. I mean, they can't read your mind or assume your measurements. They need something to go by. Once you give them the appropriate measurements, tell them the deadline you want the finished costume to be completed by and tell them the convention date as well. 

3. If by any chance that a craftsmanship Cosplay Contest allows a commissioned cosplay costume to enter, that means that they can only be entered under the Exhibition category. That means that the cosplayer that commissioned the costume itself and didn't make it themselves are not eligible for a craftsmanship award. They can only show off on stage and nothing else. Now, if the convention that you're attending has a Closet Cosplay Contest, that means that the commissioned cosplays are more than welcome to compete and possibly win an award. 

I know you're probably thinking, "Why can't the commissioned cosplayer win a craftsmanship award in the craftsmanship Cosplay Contest?" Well..... here's why. The craftsmanship competitions are for the ones who truly spent hours, days, weeks, months, and on the occasion, years on that very particular cosplay themselves to enter that very Cosplay Contest. There are various different classes of craftsmanship that some win awards for that they truly earned it. 

Again, the ONLY time a commissioned cosplayer can win a craftsmanship award is when the commissioner themselves that created the costume that you're wearing is present with you during the Pre-Judging. Other than that, you're better off either entering under the Exhibition category or just enter the Closet Cosplay Contests. 


So, I hope this helps you better understand commissioned cosplay costumes. There's nothing wrong with commissioned cosplays, just whatever floats your boat is perfectly fine. These are just facts and tips to help you know what to expect in terms of commissioned costumes. I hope this helps you and happy cosplaying^_^