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Get ready to unveil your creativity at the Novice Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest! This competition is designed for novice cosplayers with lots of talent but little experience and no major award wins. So if you’re newer to contests, this is your time to shine! (Cosplayers who have won major awards should apply for the Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest.)

The Novice Craftsmanship Cosplay Contests showcases your handmade costumes in a competition for $200 in cash prizes and cool trophies — and the valuable recognition from talented cosplay veterans. More than just a contest, it’s your opportunity to take that first step toward cosplay greatness and share your craftsmanship with the community.

If accepted to participate, you will receive a link that will allow you to create a profile on the event website that allows you to add photos and videos as well as social media and more. In addition, you also receive template social media graphics for you to personalize, which you can use to promote your participation. Plus accepted contestants get 1 free weekend pass, and 1 free dessert ticket. See our Contestant FAQ for more info.

Application Deadline & Prizes

July 31st – or until all 20 spots are full. $200 in cash prizes plus trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd as well as two Judge’s Choice.

Rules and Guidelines

  • Entrants will either enter as a child (17 and under) or an adult (18+).
  • All entrants must buy an event ticket.
  • Craftsmanship Novice Contest is limited to 20 entrants.
  • If we have not received 20 online entrants for the Craftsmanship Contest prior to the convention, walk-up registration may be available.  
  • Children will not count toward the 20 entrant limit. 
  • All entrants must check-in for the cosplay competition when they arrive at the convention.
  • Nudity is not a costume. Costumes must be PG-13.
  • Craftsmanship Contest will take place on Saturday and pre-judging is mandatory.
  • Missing pre-judging will disqualify you for any award.
  • Selected Craftsmanship entrants will receive an email including their pre-judging time. Pre-judging is beside the main stage near the guest cosplayer alcoves.
  • This is a Craftsmanship show. Costumes must be 75% handmade, or altered, upcycled. Entrants will be judged on craftsmanship only. (Please note, store bought costumes are welcome to enter our runway contest on Sunday. Registration will be day-of at the convention!)
  • Re-Run Rules: Any costume that has won an award at a previous convention or event is not eligible to win an award. This includes best in show, category awards or minor awards. Winning an award during the Craftsmanship contest will make that costume ineligible to win an award at Sunday’s Runway contest. A costume that does not place at the craftsmanship contest is welcome to renter their costume at the runway show on Sunday. You can enter a new costume on Sunday regardless of Saturday results.
  • Group cosplays will be judged as one entry. 
  • Craftsmanship Novice Contest awards will be 1st, 2nd, 3rd as well as two Honorable Mention- plus Best Child.
  • Build books and/or references are not required, but highly recommended
  • Judges’ decisions are final.