I've been asked this question many times over the years and I think I've finally come up with an answer that satisfy me. Will it sit well with everyone? Probably not, but I'm not here to please everyone.
When I get contacted to create a costume, I have a few questions that I always ask:
1) When do you need it by?
2) What's your budget?
3) Is this for cosplay or costume work?
That last question throws people for a loop. "Isn't it all the same?" or "What's the difference?" are the responses I usually get. Now, I've been in the costuming world for many many years and this is a huge divide. For me it's plainly this: attention to detail and accuracy. If you just want something that looks like the character--or a version of the character, then its cosplay. Entry level stuff. If you're aiming to look like you've jumped off the screen/page and are aiming for one specific look, then it's being a costumer.
I am a costumer. I HATE the word cosplay. I will build you a cosplay outfit, no sweat, but if you want a costume, then it's going to take more time and money. I will try and make sure that you look like you're ready for the screen or the image you give me will pop into real life.
This is the short answer, but it's just that. I am NOT a cosplayer. I am a Costumer.
When I ask you a load of questions, please understand that it is my way to figure out how much time and money you want to put into this piece of clothing. Don't take offense at it. If you do, then perhaps I'm not the costume designer you're looking for.
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