Tips for getting started.

[Hikari Amaya]

I recently decided that I wanted to try and cosplay as Hatake Kakashi from Naruto and maybe other characters if I like it. Problem is, I can only bug my friend so much for tips. Do any of you have some helpful advice you'd like to share with me? Thanks.

~ Celaeon

[Dark]

I've cosplayed as Iruka and made a my friend's Kakashi cosplay. I'm not sure what you're looking for in tips, generally in cosplay or specifically for Kakashi, but I can offer some advice.

1) When making the vest, make sure you use a lighter airy material. I used a heavier material similar to what the characters wear, but it's extremely hot to wear for a long time, especially outside.

2) I would recommend using bandages for the legs.

3) For the sandals, you can alter a pair of sandals you already have or buy a cheap pair and alter those.

4) There are a lot of minor parts to any of the ninja cosplays so make sure you catch everything. One way to do this is by making a list, drawing it out or finding a character sketch.

5) If you're planning on going somewhere as Kakashi, really think if you're going to cosplay for a long time. Personally, I don't like to be in my Iruka cosplay for a long time.

I hope that helps. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask them.

[Hikari Amaya]

Thanks Dark! My friend and I have been trying to figure out the Kakashi cosplay for months! How about some tips for overall cosplay, like the best place to look for and buy materials?

~ Celaeon

[m0D3g0N3]

Rag Shop, JoAnn's Fabric, and Walmart are great places to buy fabric.
JoAnn's seems to have the best variety of fabric, from my experience.

Also, show the people who work at the stores what you're making (don't be embarassed about it) since they should be able to help you out.

[Dark]

I would recommend JoAnn's Fabric; it's a good place to start considereing they specialize in fabric. :P

Oh, I forgot a couple of other tips for the Kakashi cosplay.

1) I would recommend getting a silver gray wig and styling it. You can also style your own hair and spray it silver gray. I sprayed my friend's hair gray, but she didn't let us style it even though we insisted. :P

2) For the pockets on the jacket, use the buckles that snap together. Sorry, I don't remember what they're called. You'll need 6 of them and they can get kind of pricey when you add all the cosplay materials up so you can substitute them for open pockets. The buckles and the buckle straps hold the pockets closed, but there's really no use for them other than decoration.

3) Buy the forehead protector. I wouldn't recommend making one from scratch because they don't tend to hold together as well unless you have amazing metal-working skills. You can find them on ebay or at some local anime stores. Unfortunately, the prices for them can go pretty high. I know some people that paid $60+ for their forehead protectors. >.> However, I believe the price has gone down tremendously.#nosmileys#nosmileys

[Hikari Amaya]

Ahhh, but JoAnn's is so expensive. However, I've got money to spend I guess. Thanks for the tips, guys, it's deeply appreciative!

~ Celaeon

[Iced]

Hey, Cow...Michaels is far less expensive than JoAnn's but i think it also depends on area. just look around

[Dark]

Personally, I go to a local fabric store so I don't go to JoAnn's that often. Just letting you know before you start Kakashi that it won't be a "cheap" cosplay.

[Hikari Amaya]

You are all my saviors, especially you, Dark!

~ Celaeon

[Tk]

hehehe your a lifesavor Dark ^_^

any tips, or know anyone whos done Sango from Inu Yasha? Im mostly concerned on her Hiraikotsu. I was thinking Balsa wood then hard lining and cloth. but im strong so i could do real wood too. that and im really tall and im trying to get it somewhat in proportion to me, so i need one thats about 6 feet long [lol] maybe a tad shorter. I have the Kirara doll and the sandals. plus my hair looks like hers normaly and i can do the makeup. just need places for her kimono and her hiraikotsu...

any tips? ^_^

[Quin]

Does your school have a shop room?
Do you have an axe?
Is there a large enough tree near your house?

[Tk]

mmhmmm dont go to school, but i can check the college i attend... no ax and no tree that Im taking down

[Dark]

Tk said:

hehehe your a lifesavor Dark ^_^

any tips, or know anyone whos done Sango from Inu Yasha? Im mostly concerned on her Hiraikotsu. I was thinking Balsa wood then hard lining and cloth. but im strong so i could do real wood too. that and im really tall and im trying to get it somewhat in proportion to me, so i need one thats about 6 feet long [lol] maybe a tad shorter. I have the Kirara doll and the sandals. plus my hair looks like hers normaly and i can do the makeup. just need places for her kimono and her hiraikotsu...

any tips? ^_^

1) Hm... I think balsa wood would work well for the hiraikotsu. I'm not sure you would want to use real wood because carrying it around for a while might tire you out. When I go to conventions, I like to choose a cosplay that I can run/walk fast in because I don't want to worry about my cosplay.

2) As for the shoulderguards and shinguards, I think you can use foam or some or of material that's light and has a hard structure.

3) Buy a plastic sword and build on that. I wouldn't suggest a real sword if you're going to take it to a convention. Most of the staff are usually picky just for saftey.

4) For your hair, you can either cut it shorter at the ears or leave it be.

I hope that helps!

[Tk]

Your a peach Dark ^_^ but I aint goin in spandex... I would scare too many people. Im gonna try to get her normal outfit, the pink and white Kimino and green sarong. but I did kinda plan out that outfit too.

I figured a real sword would be kinda odd.. seeing as Id be taking the Train in and Id probably be stoppped [lol]

[Dark]

Tk said:

Your a peach Dark ^_^ but I aint goin in spandex... I would scare too many people. Im gonna try to get her normal outfit, the pink and white Kimino and green sarong. but I did kinda plan out that outfit too.

I figured a real sword would be kinda odd.. seeing as Id be taking the Train in and Id probably be stoppped [lol]

The normal outfit will be much easier to do, and probably be much more comfortable to wear.

Actually, there are always a couple of people that break the rules reguarding weapons. The staff at A-kon made my friend put away her staff for her Skuld cosplay, but we turned around and saw a One Piece cosplayer carrying 3 real swords. ^^;;