Photo: Bonesaw, RED Medic | Team Fortress 2

Like any art form, cosplay is susceptible to feelings of plateauing, artist's block, and just plain 'not being good enough'. This past summer left me with plenty of free time that, for once, wasn't dedicated to creating an entirely new costume. Instead, I utilized this time by researching and taking notes on what makes the 'top' cosplayers so successful- sometimes, it's not in the presentation of your costume, it's in the planning!

I've complied the most useful recommendations to lvl-up your cosplay from behind-the-scenes. Getting organized and thoughtful and strict planning helped me to re-focus, take my time, and be more truthful and objective about how a costume's progress is going. When you're not stressed with a con on the horizon, try these simply steps to improve your cosplays from before you even start sewing!

Pattern Binder // I picked up this useful tip from an Anime Boston panel, where the seamstress described that she saves all of her patterns within a 3-hole, sheet-protected binder. While each pattern has details such as measurements and name/piece of the pattern, she utilized this to write comments, build tips, and reference back in case of re-doing a piece or using it again in the future. She even brings the appropriate binder to masquerades, where judges can leave no doubt as to the construction of her costume.

In my pattern binder, I keep all of my hand-made or printed patterns, extra artist's tracing paper, a graph notebook for sketches/references/ideas/general build information, some fragile or WIP single-EVA foam pieces, and extra page protectors. I also label each page with a paper flag for future references, and will add additional tab dividers once the need arises.

Use Tags // If you frequent sites that utilize a tagging feature, such as Pinterest or tumblr, I recommend using this system for the benefit of creating an archive of cosplay references. The key here is to create a consistent set of tags that you can look up any time you're in a cosplay rut. I use tags such as 'cosplay tutorial' if it's a detailed walk-through on how to create something, 'patterns' if it's a online pattern source, 'armor', and 'sewing'. The time to start using your tags or boards for good is now!

Cosplanner // This relatively unknown app is designed for planning any and all of your future cosplays! It has a budget calculator, the ability to store reference photos, and keeps track of your progress through a 'percentage done' meter. If you want to get serious about that endless list of cosplay plans, download this free iOS and Android app to turn those plans into tangible realities.

Network // If the word alone gives your introverted self the goosebumps, fear not! Not only are cosplayers easier to contact than ever (most have some type of social media account), but odds are that they'd be genuinely happy to help fellow cosplayers and their craft. If you can't reach out to them in person at a con, check to see if your questions hasn't already been answered in their online FAQ, and be sure to specify the item(s) you need advice on. Getting advice will help you and your cosplays in the long-run, and will give you a unique perspective on how to build

Stepping up your prop-making, sewing skills, or even touch-up ability is as easy as getting yourself organized. If you have any advice on how to lvl-up your cosplays, let me know in the comments! Happy building!