The funny thing about me cosplaying is that I never thought I'd do it in the first place. Probably just a year before I actually started (maybe less), I thought cosplaying was a little beyond the edge. Once I started, though, I was crazily all for it. I developed my own ideas and feelings towards people who cosplay, people who don't cosplay but critique those who do, and people who make and sell cosplay for profit.
I've made cosplays and cosplay items for friends before. I didn't charge them anything, just had them pay for the materials. Never ever did I think I would end up making a costume and charging someone for it. Yet, here I am, with my very first commission.
Let's rewind a bit and tell you how this came about. While at work on Friday, I got a call from one of my old bosses. Part of the reason she called was to see if I wanted to come help her with an opera show she was working on. The other was because she knew someone who was looking to commission a cosplay. She knows I've done cosplay and the commission costume was rather similar to the one I wore last year. Would I be interested? Of course! So here I am, two days later, with a commission finalized.
Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about it, except to know that I'm excited. I don't even really care that I'm being paid.
Before having a commission of my own, I always thought that the prices people (who make and sell costumes a lot) charged were kind of outrageous. Now that I actually have to figure out a budget, I understand now. Making cosplay is expensive! I guess I never thought about it too much, since I never budget myself when I'm making a costume. I sort of gave myself sticker shock....
Anyway, I'm way excited about this. Hopefully it goes well!
