Step into the spotlight—minus the pressure—at our Novice Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest! Tailored for cosplayers of all levels who are new to the competition scene (or novice competitors), this division follows the same craftsmanship rules as our main contest but lets first-time entrants square off against fellow newcomers instead of seasoned contest veterans. Bring your meticulously built costume, share the story behind every stitch and seam, and have your work evaluated by an expert judging panel that values growth as much as technique. With cash prizes, trophies, and personalized feedback up for grabs, the Novice division is the perfect place to dip your toes into competitive cosplay, earn recognition, and start building your contest résumé.
If accepted to participate, you will receive a link that will allow you to create a profile on the event website that includes adding photos and videos as well as sharing your background as part of our marketing of the contest. In addition, we may include you to our contest graphics and promos – so watch our Instagram and Facebook.
We treat our contestants and panel hosts in the most excellent way! Each accepted or panel host will receive:
- 1 free weekend pass to enjoy the full event, and your name will be at the front info desk (skip the ticket window line).
- 1 dessert ticket, you’ll receive when checking in.
Learn more about all of the things we do for contestants and panel hosts here in our guide to being part of the show.
Application Deadline & Prizes
August 31 or until all spaces are full. $200 in cash prizes plus trophies for 1st place, second place, third place, and two judge’s choice.
Rules and Guidelines
- Entrants will either enter as a child (17 and under) or an adult (18+).
- Novice Craftsmanship Contest on Saturday is limited to 25 entrants.
- If we have not received 25 online entrants for the Novice Craftsmanship Contest prior to the convention, walk-up registration may be available.
- If there are more then 25 online entrants, not every online entrant will be able to participate. 25 entrants will be selected prior to the convention and notified via email.
- Submitting a photo of your progress in your pre-registration may increase your chances of being selected if there are more than 25 registrants.
- Children will not count toward the 25 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.
- Novice Craftsmanship Contest will take place on Sunday and pre-judging is mandatory.
- Missing pre-judging will disqualify you for any award. Pre-judging times are posted on Contestant Profiles on the Con Map.
- This is a Craftsmanship show. Costumes must be 50% 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 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. Winning an award during the Novice Craftsmanship contest will make that costume ineligible to win an award at Sunday’s Runway contest. A costume that does not place at the novice craftsmanship contest is welcome to renter their costume at the runway show on Sunday.
- Group cosplays will be judged as one entry.
- Build books and/or references are not required, but recommended.
- Judges’ decisions are final.