My Cosplayer Debut: A Journey from College Fascination to the Main Stage

I’ve always been fascinated by the world of cosplay, ever since my college years. It was a time when I was diving deeper into anime and K-pop, constantly exploring new interests. My college best friend was the first to introduce me to the magic of cosplay. She was already a dedicated cosplayer, and one day, she invited me to join her at an event. With her encouragement, I made my debut dressed as a minor character from a classic anime, complete with a school uniform. Although I wasn’t a main character, the thrill of stepping into someone else’s world was unforgettable.

Fast forward a few years, and the pandemic had us all stuck at home. My birthday came around, and I thought, why not cosplay again? This time, it was in the comfort of my own home. It felt spontaneous but exciting, bringing back that same sense of creativity. I did another cosplay the following year, each time growing a little more comfortable with the process.

This year, however, was different. It was time to go all out. I decided to attend an actual cosplay event, and I wanted to make sure everything was perfect. To do that, I rented a cosplay outfit complete with props. The character I chose had always been close to my heart, and I felt like this was my moment to fully bring them to life. Since I had the outfit for three days, my mom and I decided to do a full test run the day before the event.

This was when we learned the importance of the little details. From makeup to posing, to properly wearing the wig and clothes, everything mattered. By the time the day of the event arrived, we were ready. The preparations from the day before made everything smoother. My cosplay looked even better, with small adjustments making a big difference.

To truly capture the experience, I hired a photographer because I wanted this moment to be remembered forever. While waiting for him to arrive, I was already approached by other attendees who instantly recognized my character. They greeted me warmly, asking to take pictures and even suggesting specific poses for me to recreate. It was heartwarming, and honestly, a little overwhelming in the best way possible.

Having my boyfriend with me was such a relief, too—he took photos, helped carry my things, and made sure I could focus on enjoying the event. One moment that will stay with me forever was when someone came up to me and said that my version of the character was the best they’d seen. Hearing that made all the effort feel so worthwhile—from my mom’s help with makeup to the time we spent learning how to get everything just right.

For someone who thought only popular cosplayers got noticed, the entire experience was beyond anything I could have imagined. I felt the love from the community, and it filled my heart with joy. That day marked a milestone in my cosplay journey, and it’s something I’ll cherish for a long time to come.