Recently the amazing Stella Chu posted a breakdown of her Jaina Proudmoore cosplay—everything from materials to convention costs. Some people applauded the transparency. Others? Not so much.
Here is the original post that started it all.
📸 From Stella’s facebook photo Caption: (Let’s talk about cosplay. Here is a breakdown of the cost of my Jaina Proudmoore cosplay. Made in 9 days to bring to Blizzcon. I had painting help from Kirakira Cosplay and Chubear Cosplay. Photography by Saffels Photography Many people don’t realize what exactly goes into the creation of a costume. We don’t get paid to make these and only a small portion of us make money off selling prints. This is a labor of love. I’d like to see more of these kinds of cost and time breakdowns from other cosplayers.)
So, here’s my take. There are valid points on both sides. Some folks are right, some are wrong, and some are just loud. 😅
But beyond the hot takes and knee-jerk reactions, I think there’s room for a real conversation here—about community, perception, accessibility, and how we choose to share our experiences. Whether you’re a cosplay veteran or someone eyeing their first con from the sidelines, these kinds of discussions shape the vibe of our whole scene.
I want to unpack a few things I keep seeing pop up in response to these cosplay cost breakdowns. Some of this might sting, some might make you go “yep,” and some might just be me yelling into the void.
These are just my opinions—so take what resonates and toss the rest in your scrap pile. Let’s go: 🔧🧵🔥
1️⃣ “People are wasting money on cosplay!”
Look. How someone spends their money is not your business. You don’t have to justify your Starbucks habit, and I don’t have to justify my thermoplastics. We all blow money on stuff we love. Cosplay is no different.
Sure, some folks post their breakdowns to raise awareness—and that’s great! It helps people understand the time, effort, and money that can go into a build.
There’s probably some truth that others might do it to flex a little. Hey, it happens. People want to brag about their new Maserati. 🚗💅 They’ve worked hard, they’ve been successful, and they want to share that.
When it comes to cosplay, though? I really don’t see that kind of flex all that often.
Now if someone rolls up like, “Here’s my diamond-encrusted Batman suit made with hand-stitched cashmere and tears of the gods…”
Well yeah. That’s a flex. 💎🦇
And honestly? Respect. But also—please let me touch the cape.
Personally? I don’t post my cost breakdowns—unless someone’s requesting a commission, and boy oh boy, do their eyes get real big. 👀💸
I know I spend more than the average cosplayer, and honestly? I don’t feel like dealing with the peanut gallery. I pay my bills, I pay my taxes, and I feed myself (and my cats, thank you very much), so I’m gonna spend my money on what brings me joy.
And that’s cosplay. Fabric-hoarding, thermoplastic-melting, glue-everything-to-myself joy. 😌
That said, if you ask me, I’ll totally be honest and even link you to the exact supplies I used. I believe in transparency. Just not performative pressure.
2️⃣ Cost breakdowns are informative, not threatening.
If seeing someone else’s cosplay budget makes you feel bad… that’s a you thing. Seriously.
Yes, cosplay budgets are real. But skipping meals or putting your health at risk for a build? Absolutely not. Please read Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and prioritize accordingly. Read it.
💡 Transparency Can Be Intimidating
Let’s be real—when someone posts an $800+ cosplay breakdown, it can feel a little intimidating. For some folks, the first reaction is:
“Welp, guess I can’t cosplay.”
And that sucks. Because cosplay is absolutely for everyone. 💖
Yes—some creators have the resources to invest big. Their work is stunning, their builds are jaw-dropping, and they deserve the praise. High-budget cosplays can be inspiring and push the craft forward. That’s awesome!
But let’s not forget: spending big isn’t the only way to cosplay.
You can thrift, closet cosplay, or build from foam floor mats, clearance-bin fabric, hot glue, and pure determination. I started in the “party city wig and sharpie body paint” era and still had a blast.
A complex, high-budget cosplay doesn’t make your creative, budget-friendly one any less valid. One isn’t “better”—they’re just different approaches. Both come from a place of passion and fandom love.
Let’s keep reminding new folks:
There’s no wrong way to cosplay. Whether you’re rocking Worbla and LEDs or duct tape and dreams—you belong here. 🧵
Cosplay is about expression, joy, and community—not your wallet. 💸
3️⃣ Spending ≠ Love of the Craft
I’ve seen comments implying that bigger budgets mean more love or dedication.
Hard. No.
The amount you spend has zero to do with how passionate you are. I could write a whole thesis on this—footnotes, citations, PowerPoint with dramatic transitions—but for now, I’ll just say: that mindset is bogus.
Cosplay is about creativity, not your credit limit.
I’ve seen jaw-dropping builds made entirely out of clearance-bin fabric, recycled foam, and sheer determination. I’ve seen someone win a contest with a costume held together by double-sided tape, safety pins, and spite. And I’ve seen people spend thousands on a build and not even wear it twice.
You know what does show love for cosplay?
- Spending 30 hours hand-stitching trim even if no one notices.
- Crying into your coffee because your shoulder armor warped again but still pushing through.
- Practicing a walk cycle for your character because you’re that committed to the performance.
- Just showing up and enjoying yourself—because you love this weird, wonderful hobby.
Passion isn’t in your receipt total. It’s in the late nights, the learning curves, the DIY hacks, the “oops I glued my fingers together again” moments, and the pride when you finally put that cosplay on—even if it’s not perfect.
Some folks build from luxury fabrics. Some build from old bedsheets. Doesn’t matter. If you love what you’re doing? You belong here.
Don’t let anyone gatekeep this hobby with a price tag. Whether you’re crafting with Worbla, craft foam, cardboard, or whatever you found in the recycling bin last night, your love for cosplay is valid.
You can’t put a dollar sign on heart. 💥
4️⃣ More process posts, please! 🙏
What I do love seeing? Progress pics. Build logs. WIP selfies. Tutorial videos. Time lapses of blood, sweat, and thermoplastics. Those are gold.
Watching someone slowly bring a cosplay to life—whether it’s sewing a single seam or sculpting an entire monster head—is ✨chef’s kiss✨. I get hyped for their reveal like it’s my own cosplay debut. It’s the buildup, the behind-the-scenes chaos, the inevitable fabric-eating cat, the “why isn’t this gluing right?!” meltdowns—it’s all part of the story.
Please, please, share your mess. Share the ugly first draft. The pile of foam scraps on your floor. The marker-stained hands. The moment your heat gun nearly took you out. Share it all.
Because guess what?
- It helps others learn.
- It makes people feel less alone.
- It shows that cosplay doesn’t magically materialize in one perfect, aesthetic Instagram post.
And let’s be real—there’s something so satisfying about watching someone go from “I have a chaotic pile of fabric and ambition” to “Look! It’s wearable art!”
Not only does it demystify the process, it makes it feel possible for others to try it themselves. Your journey can inspire someone else to pick up a glue gun for the first time—or finally finish that cosplay they shoved in a drawer months ago.
Even if you think your build isn’t perfect, or your WIPs aren’t “interesting enough”—they are. Trust me. We’re all curious little gremlins. Show us your stuff. 👀✨
The community thrives when we share, teach, uplift, and laugh together through the chaos. Your process is part of the magic. So throw it up on your feed, your stories, your blog, your burner account—wherever. Just share it. 💖
5️⃣ Budgeting is smart—not shameful.
We all have different financial limits. Some folks thrift and coupon clip, others are blessed with deep pockets. Either way, I’d love to see more folks share when materials go on sale or where they find budget-friendly gems. (Yes, I would 100% follow a cosplay deals blog.)
🛍️ Budget Builds Are Powerful, Okay?
Let’s talk about cost-effective cosplay for a hot second—because not everyone has a vault full of gold coins like Scrooge McDuck. And guess what? You don’t need one to cosplay.
There are so many ways to bring your character to life without bankrupting yourself:
✂️ Thrift Stores Are Gold Mines
That blazer? That dress? That weird curtain with potential? All waiting at your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. I’ve thrifted pieces for characters and repurposed them with nothing but scissors, fabric glue, and a prayer.
Pro tip: bridal sections often hide silk, lace, and other fancy fabrics for super cheap.
💡 Closet Cosplay Is Still Cosplay
You don’t need to sew a ballgown from scratch. Dig through your closet, mix and match, and accessorize. Boom—now you’re a modern AU version, and no one can tell you otherwise.
🛒 Dollar Stores, Baby
Want armor with texture? EVA foam mats. Need gems? Glass pebbles. Want a prop handle? A foam sword and some imagination. Just don’t sleep on your local dollar section—it’s a crafter’s playground.
🧵 Recycle and Reuse
Take apart old cosplays and make something new. I’ve ripped seams and repurposed jackets from one build to another (RIP to the hoodie that became both Medusa and Tashigi). Nothing goes to waste in this house.
🖥️ Free Tutorials = Your Best Friend
YouTube. Instagram. Pinterest. TikTok. We’re in a golden age of free information. You can learn to make anything from a breastplate to monster feet if you’re willing to watch a few videos and fail gloriously on your first try.
🎨 Craft Foam is the Hero We Deserve
Can’t afford Worbla? That’s okay. Craft foam is cheap, flexible, and available everywhere. Seal it with glue, hit it with some paint and a heat gun, and it’ll still look amazing from five feet away on the con floor. (And really, that’s the goal.)
💬 Final Thoughts
Cosplay is a small community built on big passion. Stop tearing each other down over how much someone spent, whether they shared it, or if they jumped on a trending post. This isn’t high school drama. It’s not that deep.
And for the love of Worbla:
✨ Stop comparing yourself to others. ✨
Take a deep breath, sip a beverage of choice, listen to some Coldplay, and chill.
We’re all just trying to bring our favorite characters to life. Let’s support each other while we do it.
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