Cosplay on a Budget:
- Scour thrift stores
Thrift stores are an awesome source of used shoes, clothes, and accessories. Spend a couple hours, if you can, going through your local Value Village or Salvation Army and you’ll probably come out with something helpful for your costume.
- You are never above tape or hot glue
If you can’t afford any more thread and you’ve got some double-sided tape laying around, that just may well be the perfect solution for drawing in the sides of your fitted school uniform. Hot glue, when used correctly, is also perfect for detailing light additions to your outfit (think fabric-to-fabric details).
- Buy non-perishable food two weeks before the convention
Instead of eating out every night of the convention, pack a large bag with crackers, cup noodles, granola bars, and fruit leather. This will keep you satisfied for breakfast and lunch, as well as save money that might’ve been spent in a pricey hotel restaurant.
- Don’t be hesitant to phone or look around
Stores will often compete for the lowest price on an item (think of Walmart, Super Store, Zellers, etc.). As an alternative to driving around for the lowest price on paints, for example, call ahead to a couple different stores to see if they have the item you want and how much it is. Don’t forget to say if the other place was cheaper!
- One thing can be another
Dollar stores can be quite handy to the cosplayers’ cause. For example, hula hoops are an excellent base for hoop skirts, mascot costume bodies, weapon structures, and more. Use your imagination and a couple dollars to see what you can do.
- Spray paint is your friend
If you’ve found the perfect shin guards and they’re not the right colour, spend $2 to buy a can of the right colour. Remember to follow the directions on the can and place something under the item you’re painting before you start.
- Experiment with household materials
What’s under the sink or in the cupboards can be a godsend. Common cleaners can help with a stain you put into your carpet by accidentally spilling some acrylic paint. Need some molding dough last minute? Try mixing together some flour, water, and corn starch (Google for the exact recipe).
- Learn to use Rit Dye
Remember step number one? Well, use Rit Dye to make the clothing items you find the correct colour for your costume. Check out our tutorial on how and when to use Rit Dye.
- Order online
Instead of looking around the costume shops in your town, try looking on Ebay. In off-seasons you’re most likely to find Halloween grade props on sale. Wigs can also be found for a wide range of prices.
- Recycle
Don’t throw out that cardboard box! Other than being an awesome Solid Snake costume, it make come in handy as a table to use your exacto-knife on, or as an insert for a collar that just won’t stand up. The possibilities are endless!