This is not a tutorial I thought I’d be writing, but here we are. With the surge of new events that host cosplay competitions, I am disappointed. Massively.

Why? Because they claim to be “beginner-friendly”. And why do they claim that? Because they have no rules. And let me tell you: that’s not the way to make it beginner-friendly.

If you agree, skip this part. I’m going to explain/rant why this is untrue. 
Let’s grab an example. Let’s say you’re entering a photography competition. They only say that the picture has to be made with an analogue camera, so it is beginner-friendly! Right? Just get a cheap single-use camera and everyone can join! Doesn’t this raise questions as a creative person? Is there a subject that has been decided as a theme? A technique that has to be used? Is there a certain brand of camera you’re only allowed to use?
So you decide to ask the organisation: what are the rules? And they reply “There are no rules! It’s beginner-friendly!” And thus you leave, demotivated. A chance to grow, is not a chance at all.

There is no use for a creative person to enter in a competition with no rules. The rules are a framework. Something that can be used for judging and feedback! If you want to grow, which SHOULD BE THE POINT of beginner-friendly competitions, you NEED RULES. Judges can’t decide a real winner, if there are no rules. They can only say someone’s vibes were the best that day. Hooray! They won! And learned nothing… A waste of time.

You might think: “Amirine, you have been cosplaying for years and entered competitions often. Why is this a big deal to you?” Multiple reasons.
I am a crafter, it is a passion. And one I would like to share. But finding new crafting cosplayers is difficult and bad competitions are part of the problem. They lose to a bought costume, or someone who just was funny and get no feedback on what they could have done differently to grow. There is no feedback and they just leave.
But I also have a degree in Event management and Communication. AND HOO BOY. It is a bad look to be like “Join the competition, it’s beginner-friendly!” and then reading there are no rules. What can beginners expect? They are new! They are nervous! They NEED INFORMATION. And what is information? Rules! The framework of your competition. Don’t go crying on socials or extend your entry period for the competition multiple times, if you don’t provide information to would-be participants for a competition. It’s Communication!

Okay, rant over (I hope, I’ll try my best!)

So what does a beginner cosplay competition need?

  • Rules: on all kinds of things. Self-made outfits only? What sources are allowed? How much has to be self-made? How to prove a participant made their outfit? This is the framework for any entry in a competition.
  • Information on side-requirements: are build-books a must? If you want participants to submit audio, how long should it be? Do they need to refrain from certain things? Are stage props allowed and if so, what are the limitations? Do participants have to submit a lightplan? And if so, in what way? How much time does everyone get on the stage?
  • A schedule: if you want participants to actually show up, make sure they know when and where they have to be. And let them know even before they sign-up. This is a way to reduce sign-ups of people who can’t make it in the end.
  • What will the event provide: will there be back-stage snacks and water to make sure participants don’t faint? What does the stage look like? Is there a back-stage area and what facilities does it have?
  • Feedback: and it’d be best to have the participants sit down with the judges after the competition to talk about their entry and have the judges give feedback in person. If participants have to chase the judges online, feedback gets lost. (I have had this happen, multiple times and I wanna grow, so this sucks.) I know this is an annoyance for the judges, but in person feedback is easier to handle than written (online) feedback, because people look each other in the eye and can provide useful pointers to help each other grow. If there truly is no option for in person feedback, make sure to have judging forms that are uniform across your competition and give the judges a bit of time to write down useful feedback for the participants.

Look, these are all points I have seen MISSED in the years I have been cosplaying. When I organised competitions I made sure everyone knew all these points. If you REALLY want to go no-rules, don’t complain about low attandance. You can try making up categories, so people have an idea of why they won something, but that still says nothing much.

And no, I did not mention prizes for a reason. A title and feedback that helps a beginner grow are PLENTY for a beginner competition. Of course, it’s better to also provide them with a gift card or some materials to try their feedback on. But those go to waste without good feedback.

Amirine rant over. Please, if you organise a competition, take these words to heart. Or shoot me a message for help. I might even help you for free. Yes, that’s how annoyed I am.