I think its cool. Its nice to see something different amongst the clones. Also usually these people are really into the fandom they're portraying. Its also nice to know that there will always be accurate cosplay too, so I don't care. I have quite a few good examples I just need to find them.

It depends. If it's done well and there's obviously been some thought and work put into it, I don't mind.

I don't like them because usually characters have 1 or 2 alt. outfits so making up your own design seems lazy.

Ironically, I think it lacks imagination.

Like if you made up a character for Naruto or Bleach but only you & your friends really give a shit about it.
Result=Retarded

If you have your own comic, then its ok.

>>4148697
Except when you have groups like Koi who get butthurt and rage when people ask if they can do something similar...

I can understand about stealing the idea and claiming it as their own (I mean EXACT replicas) but come on, let them do the same idea. As long as it isn't patented it's fair game in my opinion.

I think it depends. Like, OPs pic, bad.There have definitely been great original designs though.

>>4148711

Retard didn't read all of OPs post

When I said 'existing characters' I didn't mean creating a whole new character. Character design as in 'outfit' is what I meant. Sorry if there was any confusion on my part.

If it is well thought out or there is an obvious joke behind it I like it.

People who cosplay their supah kawaii desu Naruto OC are just silly.

>>4148729
Like I said before... I didn't mean OC

I clearly state
>original designs for existing characters
The characters in this pic already exist in the series.

>>4148729
This is awesome. So is the one Darth Vader hello kitty design that one person did. It all depends. I've found joke outfits are usually the most entertaining- granted, that they're done well.

Kingdom Hearts versions of anything piss me off to no end. The idea is cute, but for the love of god don't actually cosplay it.

However, for a series like Hetalia where (I'm assuming) all the costumes besides WW2 uniforms are fan-made, making your own outfits can actually be pretty beneficial to the cosplay gene pool. Like, Matador!Spain or Space Race!Russia are really fucking neat ideas.

I like joke outfits, and alternate outfits if they are well thought out.
For example, my friends and I like to do alternate outfits for Psychonauts characters.
Like Oldeanders Obstacle Course Sasha, Black Velvetopia Milla, Waterloo World Raz, ect.

We should post more well-thought-out original/crossover costumes.

Only pic I have saved with an original design

>>4148752
Some of the kingdom hearts ones are pretty cool too though.

>>4148752
See now if more Hetaliafags did this.. I think the fandom would gain just a bit more respect. But sadly, it's just full of closet cosplay with no thought put into them... A shame.

But it would be cool to see. Especially Matador Spain... that would be really neat.

Sheryl from Macross has a dress that is pretty much just a giant blue sack that I see people heavily modify quiet often to a good effect.

>>4148766
Another pic.

>>4148762
This made me laugh so hard!

>>4148763
That isn't an original design. It's from the game, one of their dress spheres.

>Putting genuine thought, creativity and effort into making a design that is recognizable yet original
>Can be cool

>OMG let's take [series] and make all the characters maids/nekos/steampunk/pirates/lolitas!!!!!
>Nope

Pic related, it's an example I like. And I'm not even into Naruto.

Sorry... I know Koi is frowned upon here but I actually did like this idea they had for the Anbu outfits.

>>4148780
I think shes talking about the Lynn (that's her name right?)

>>4148780
The Lynne one is an original design.

These Princess Tutu cosplayers made Tutus that were more accurate to what would actually be used in a ballet performance than the original designs.

>>4148782
I saw them at that con... I really liked the outfits too. Very creative but staying true to the characters proper design.

If it's well done, recognizable, and it looks like you put some goddamn effort into it, then good for you. Great job. Pic related.
>>4148729
>>448766
These two are a good example of what I'm talking about.

But if it looks like you just pulled shit out of your closet/Hot Topic and slapped on a wig (poorly styled or not) then you can just fuck right the hell off.

>>4148780
Far right is the original design
>>4148786
>>4148787
I think you mean Lenne

I see most original designs as just another bid for attention. I'm going to make some generalizations here, but understand this doesn't apply to everyone, everywhere. Just most, in my opinion. To move forward, usually, original designs come out of huge fandoms, with a huge base of cosplayers. Speshul snowflake cosplayer wants to stand out at her next con so she chooses an original design as opposed to maybe looking for alternative outfits from OVAs or the manga. To me, original designs are often uninspired and just another bid to stand out from all those "others" in your own fandom.

And then, of course, there's the slutty/lazy/closet/inside-joke-no-one-but-your-friends-get aspect that sometimes comes into play with original designs.

Despite my hang-ups, I won't tear-down a good original design if I see one. That Paine a few posts up is hilarious and well-done. I haven't seen too many original designs of that calibur and it would be fun to see more like her.

>>4148805
Oops, meant to quote >>4148766

>>4148787
>>4148786

OH, OOPS. Neglected to see her.

>>4148805
Yeah but I don't think even closet cosplayers consider their outfits 'original designs'

Closet cosplay usually is seen as 'casual cosplay'

Another shot of the Tutu cosplayer.

>>4148810
hurrf durff caliber
I'll try better next time.

>>4148762
MOTHERFUCKING WIN

>>4148762
It's worth noting that that probably wasn't their idea, though. The fanart has been around for a while.

>>4148815
>Casual cosplay
That's kind of what I meant. Sorry if it wasn't clear.

>>4148810
I don't see whats wrong with cosplaying something only a few people would get. That can be part of what makes the outfit fun to wear. For example not everyone is going to get that Paine. However I mostly agree with you.

>>4148838
Oh.. well then disregard my comment then.

There are a couple times where I've found original designs awesome.

Like a France, America and Britain dressed in couture, grunge and punk fashion respectively. Lazy? Maybe, but the concept was cool and they themselves weren't your typical Hetalitards.

Rule 63 is alright as long as its not just the original outfit but the chick was too lazy to bind her chest.

I think my biggest issues would be bad/lazy designs or people being extra out of character. Like I was at a Phoenix Wright gathering one year and this one chick was Edgeworth with cat ears and wouldn't stop running around squealing out meows and rubbing herself frantically against everything.

I know this isn't an original design. But I still llike when artbook outfits are done because few people even take the time to notice that there ARE alt. outfits out there.

>>4148845
That can be funny if the cosplayer can take it in the right direction instead of just being "lol so randum! XD" .

Wow more people are accepting of this than I thought...

Ok, let's raise the bar here.

What about Casual cosplay? How do you portray that?

For me, if the character really does wear casual like clothing in the series, then I think a cosplayer can really wear any normal clothing they want, as long as it is something similar to the character's clothing likes/style

Bleach for example is an OK series to do this with.

>>4148882
Speaking of which

It's Gendou.

Duh nuh nuh. Duh nuh nuh. Duh nuh nuh.

>>4148933
the cosplayer better look a LOT like the fucking character and make up for a casual cosplay with a ROCKIN' face and body.

>>4148933
>For me, if the character really does wear casual like clothing in the series, then I think a cosplayer can really wear any normal clothing they want, as long as it is something similar to the character's clothing likes/style

Now THAT is fucking lazy. If they wear casual clothes I think you should try to wear what they wear. Otherwise this >>4148946.

>>4148946
I agree.

I don't mind casual cosplays if the person is stunning.
If they're fat, average, or have a shit wig, then I rage.

>>4148968
I guess it is kind of lazy. But I think it can be pulled off well sometimes. Especially if it's a whole group with a set theme.

This has to be one my favorite original cosplays. The skit is still one of my favorites
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itXmwmpVpHM

>>4148842
Just going with my train of logic that someone does originals for attention, it seems counter-intuitive to wear an inside joke. Gag costumes can be great, I just don't undrestand why one would wear something only your group of friends would understand that might, to the outsider, look overly ridiculous, out of character, or just plain stupid. If you want to wear a subtle gag costume, why not do a personal photoshoot as opposed to wearing it to a convention, where the meaning is lost? And, if cosplay is about attention, then why not put the effort into something more people will like and understand?

Not the most water-tight argument but I'm not a fan of originals. I'll give props where they are due but I don't find many as impressive or inspired as they could be. That's my opinion, anyway. You're welcome to disagree.

>>4148977
It can be pulled off, but its still lazy.

>>4148933
My main problem with "casual clothes" cosplay like that is when the cosplayer bitches about not being recognised.
Very few characters are identifiable by only their hair. You can't strip the costume to a wig and make it up from there, then expect people to recognise you.

To make an "original design" cosplay work, you need to keep elements of the original design, just the colour scheme or something. Bonus points if you keep an iconic prop belonging to the character.

>>4149028
Yeah but my thing is, that's the only option for some just starting out. Some may not be able to afford a sewing machine or to commission/buy a costume. Wigs aren't that expensive if you know where to look so I don't think there can be an excuse for lack of or shitty wigs...

But again some may just not have the means for the official costume.

I think original outfits are fun if you can get a group together to wear similar stuff, and it makes sense with the character.

Sadly, I havent seen many personally that fit that. A girl I know likes do make her own designs for outfits only, never cosplays official ones, and they're always over-sluttified and make zero sense.

>>4149041
See I don't mind 'casual' or 'original designs' at all if the cosplayer ALSO does the official cosplays... If someone can do it but only does casual then that's where it's a bit like ??? for me.

I mean, if you can do/afford it, why wouldn't cospaly the official outfit, you are wanting to cospaly the character because you like them right? It only makes sense to be true to them, at least at first.

>>4149014

>>4149040
Wait, are we talking about closet cosplay or people just throwing on clothes that look like the character. If its the latter, then that is what I'm talking about. I just think its lazy to that unless your doing a humanized version of a character.

>>4149068
I'm talking about taking a character and putting them in 'civilian' clothing basically. I'm talking about the ones that actually create a theme but it's still closet cosplay really.

Like rocker, punk, kimonos, ...
That kind of thing

Joke cosplays are awesome, I always get a kick out of them. Like that one Afro Yoko? Pure awesome.

For some reason, it kind of irks me when I see cosplayers do the maid version of a cosplay. Like in K-ON, they do wear maid outfits in a single episode but.. for some reason even though it's canon it just pisses me off. It feels lazy to slap on a maid outfit, a wig, and carry around a Guitar Hero guitar and call oneself Mio.

>>4149105
>guitar
>Mio

>>4149079
Oh! I get what your saying. A lot of Kingdom hearts cosplayers do that. I don't really care as long as they look good.

>>4149117

they think because it is black that it will work.

>>4149079
How many people do you know that have a kimono in their closet?

>>4149145
this IS /cgl/

>>4149145
Well... it's not really 'closet' cosplay perse but it's not an original design either. So I kind of lump it in with the 'casual/closet/random' outfit category.

here some cosplay i did KH style

>>4149161
Is this design based off something, or is it just a made up design completely.

>>4149161
It was my understanding that "KH style" meant taking characters from other series and making them look like Kingdom Hearts designs. (Like >>4149014.) Not original designs for KH characters.

So, who's wrong here? Because that does not fit my definition of "KH style"

Mostly all base on a fan art we saw on DA

>>4149161
That Kairi really reminds me of Sakura for some reason.
Maybe it's just the pose?

>>4149217
yeah kinda she did a cosplay of sakura at one point kinda funny now that you mention it

>>4149186
I'm sorry but that's a gear grinder for me... If you're going to base your cosplay off of someone else's fannart, why not try and come up with your own design instead?

I'm not trying to burst your bubble but this actually applies to all those who do this.

>>4149250
I just murdered the word fan art... excuse me

well ME roxas was made by my girlfriend so it is a original fanart and for the other 2 we did ask the person to do it and she say yes and unlike most people that cosplay Orifinal stuff we did not just wear normal clothes with a wig .
With so many KH cosplay out there we try to stand out of the crow and it work we wont 2 price .

>>4149264
In the name of the English language, I beg you to stop.

Fine i be more careful with my grammar.

English not my 1 language.

>>4149287
Protip: To quote previous post

>>number of post you are responding too

This makes it easier to figure out who you're talking to.

I don't really care, they're freaking cartoon characters and you shouldn't take dressing up as them so seriously.

>>4149377
No need to get your panties in a twist..

>>4149377
This. Damn, I say this all the time. There is no need to be so freaking attached to a fictional character.

>>4149217
>>4149161
Recognized it instantly- pic related.
There's another one where she wears a dusky rose crown, but can't find it.
Subconscious inspiration?

>>4150876

>>4149014
I love this and the skit
alot

They're cool if they're done well. Otherwise, no. Just no.

Depends I like when people take costumes and make them in other styles like steam punk, cyber punk etc. But for me it should be something really recognisable to do it well.

Heres one from a friends pics. Cardboard storm trooper.

>>4150024
I don't understand how you are connection being attached to a character and 'closet cosplay'

The whole point of cosplaying a character is because you are fond of that character is it not?

Explain...

>>4151291
>connecting

>>4151291
I think they meant cosplaying properly, and trying to accurately recreate the character's clothes means you're obsessed.

>>4151479
Interesting logic to that anon... too bad it makes no sense.

>>4151164
Your friend looks sort of like Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Chavez Plaza...at that angle...at that time of day...with that many ugly girls. That photo should not exist. Both the cos-players and the photographer need more work

>>4153837
For the record, that picture is a few years old by now.

>>4153856
Well you have a comparison shot so I can see improvement, because right now it's making SJ look bad.

Im going to say this
>closet cosplay/casual cosplay where you go through your cupboard and go "This'll do! I'll look so awesome!" for a con is a bit lazy. I understand if its a bday party or a casual meetup; by all means do so.
>Making original designs for characters you love that fit with the theme are usually pretty cool.
>Making gag costumes always rule

On that note; I'm considering making an outfit for China to fit into the "APH Pirate theme" however it wont be a pirate outfit. By the theme I mean that era; and I think China would have been wearing a Hanfu (Imperial outfits that the royals used to wear) To represent time. Would I be ratted on for this? (Also noting I've made China's military outfit before).

>>4148766
No. That Kairi is so unappealing, looks nothing like Kairi, and has too many original (badly designed) costumes. It's THAT Kingdom Hearts shit that pisses me the fuck off. Wtf is that other shit, Cinderella and Xion? REALLY? Excuse me while I go gouge my eyes out...

As something that is so easy to get wrong and seems attention-seeking, I'm not that much of a fan, but ho boy can I appreciate a decent one, like this one >>4149014

And seeing as though there are some mixed reactions, I'd like to get a balanced opinion on a K-ON cosplay I'm planning on doing.

Thug Mio and Biker Mugi. How would you react if you saw this?

>>4154059
Oh fuck me, I just realized the 3rd abomination of a costume is Namine. I mean there is just nothing pretty, cute OR kingdom hearts-ish about any of those...what is the point of using cheap satin to make something that's not even flattering?

Sage for my stupid. Or for their failure to make a convincing Namine.

>>4154022

It would be better if you did a Chinese sailor's outfit from that era instead. It would fit the theme better.

>>4154081
Huh. Didn't even think of that. Thanks for the suggestion!

>>4154089
You didn't think of using a Chinese sailors uniform as a basis for your Chinese pirate costume...

>>4153856
That's actually the last con that those outfits were worn.

>>4153856
>A few years old
wut

That was taken in '09
Not THAT long ago. And it's never been worn to a con since...

Two words... Death Note

Another prime example of how easily you can fail at wearing everyday clothing.

I mean, it's pretty much closet cosplay on it's own (with the exception of maybe Misa) So why not just wear the outfit the character wears?

>>4154877
Slightly OT: i saw one of Light's artbook shirts at Abercrombie for like $80.

>>4154886
It's easy to find that shit

Hell my gf bought her outfit for Light (the first one he wears in the series) at JC Penny and it looks pretty much identical.

So no one really has an excuse not to do the original outfits

Although... I don't think I'd pay $80 for a shirt, I'd be better off just making it hahaha

bump

It can be a beautiful thing.

>>4154063
I wouldn't care, in fact I would like to see that very much.

>>4154877
Maybe Death Note could be a good target for original design cosplay because the official designs are so plain, bland when you think about the clothes you see in some other anime series.

It might be cool to see a cosplay of a plain-clothes series like DN "if the costume designer was..." or "if it was set in the world of..."
Making the designs more showy, more like something you'd see in a fantasy anime or RPG.
"Original design" doesn't have to mean closet cosplay or making the design simpler.


Of course, the Death Note fanbase is rather crazy on the whole, so they'd probably screw it up.

>>4158135
It has been done... failed miserably because of exactly that reason you stated.

Plus, those who haven't gotten over their DN craze are pretty much nut-jobs anyway. (not all mind you)

>>4154552
>sailor outfit
>pirate outfit
>2 different places in timeline
>why would I think this straight away?
>still making a Hanfu anyway because fellow Hetalia friend wants to see it

props to good original designs.>>4148809
>>4148802
>>4148782
>>4148729
>>4148763
>>4148762
i'm all for it if it's done well. usually doesnt work as well for obscure/lesser know anime though