How do you get to be a "known" Cosplayer?

[Clara Oswald]

Okay, so Matt posted a link on his Facebook page yesterday about Cosplay Heroes.  I don't have cable or regular TV (I'm a Netflix/stream from the internet cause it's cheaper kind of gal) but I had heard of the show.  Upon reading the article, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about and watched some clips from the show on SyFy's web site.  It got me to thinking about some of our well known cosplayers in the community.  How did they become so well known?  So I guess I'm putting it out there to ask the few of us here who are well known such as Matt, how is it that people began to recognize you for what you do?  What can other cosplayers do to get to that level (if they desire)?  I personally am working really hard to put together a range of Clara costumes and a portfolio, but I don't know what to do beyond that.  Ideas for me an others?

[Matt Holden]

I have a number of thoughts on this, I'll post them later tonight for you.

[Clara Oswald]

I hope you all don't think I'm trying to be all "I wanna be a famous cosplayer like Yaya Han." when I ask about this. 1). I am just curious how people have got to be so well known. 2). I want to get involved in being a 'look-a-like' for charity events and other things to promote our fandom and generally just have fun with kids. As a teacher, it makes me feel SO good when I see my students smile when they walk into my classroom door and see my lifesize TARDIS on my wall, or notice my TARDIS necklace or lanyard. And when I hear stories shared about other people who are in cosplay making a child's day that just warms me up. This is part of what cosplaying is all about, spreading joy and fun. So, I guess I just wanna know how to jump in and join the fun, because I feel like I'm missing out!

[Matt Holden]

I still need to sit down and watch ‘Heroes’ of Cosplay but I’m not sure I can bring myself to do so… but in order to have a proper opinion on something you should watch it first so I will…

As for ‘known’ cosplayers it’s a tough one as there isn’t really a formula (if there was everyone would be one).

In the Doctor Who community there are three ways (in my opinion) to become better known, they are:

• Be the spitting image of the character you cosplay
• Be active in the community/attend events
• Be more than ‘just’ a cosplayer.
  

Be the spitting image:

This relies on genetics being kind so isn’t possible for everyone (See Matt Elliott for an example), but if you do resemble a character do shots as them in their poses. A good photo can go viral quite quickly (The 'Is that a 50th pic' of me and Matt is a good example, it appeared everywhere!)

Be active in the community/attend events:

The more people you meet and more events you attend the more people will get to know you, having a Facebook page can be helpful as well as it’s somewhere you can direct people to, it also stops you having to give out your personal profile. I remember my first event and the reaction I got, after getting lots of friend requests I joking said I should have a page, the rest as they say is history.

Be more than ‘just’ a cosplayer:

It’s the old adage of having more than one string to your bow. The more things you are involved with the more people will know of you. A great example is Megan Lara, not only is she the spitting image of Billie Piper, she’s also an amazing artist as well.

My view is that if you enjoy what you do and attend events and don’t worry about being known then you’re doing the right thing. If you have a good costume and have the right look then people will remember you. Ifyou want to do charity events make contact with local charity groups and join in with them.

Chat to everyone, be yourself and have fun. The rest will come in time.

[Clara Oswald]

Matt you rock. That's so helpful. I know myself and others just want to get involved and really give our fandom a good name at events. Thanks a bunch.

[Matt Holden]

Happy to be of some assistance

For me it's all about having fun and bringing enjoyment to others (and helping good causes at the same time).

The day that cosplay ceases to be fun is the day I stop doing it

[curlykirsty]

To be honest, why would you want to be "known" by everyone. My daughter keeps me grounded as she loves cosplaying for the social side rather than having her picture taken. She is notorious for doing cosplay and never getting her pic taken as she seems to hide behind people or just disappear whenever a camera comes out. LOL However she has been praised by Billie Piper for her cosplay at a convention so she and I are very proud of her attempts. I have lots of cosplay friends and am "known" by them which is the best experience to have. I adore all my Doctor Who cosplay friends. As for a recipe or formula for being famous for cosplay, I don't think there is one. It is a random phenomenon.

[Clara Oswald]

I guess all I was trying to find out was how to get asked to help at charity events, and things of that nature. I see a lot of well known cosplayers at such events and I always think, 'wow, their costumes are SO great, and people love it when they arrive, how to I spread the DW love like that?' That's all. And I was also curious how people like Yaya get so famous. I had never heard of her until recently, and I wanted to know 'why is she such a phenomenon?' I wouldn't ever want the stardom she has. I'm happy being a teacher and impacting other's lives from the classroom

[Matt Holden]

Yaya is a bit of a one off, plus she has worked for a long time to promote what she does. Running a large cosplay business has helped her... Most 'named' cosplayers have got there due to being good at self promotion, to me there are a lot less know male cosplayers than female...

With charity events, join a few groups and be chatty and enjoy what you do, that's the best plan.

I would never claim to be a known cosplayer, I'm just me