Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest

Important: Signing up places you in the queue; it does not guarantee entry. All submissions are recorded, and acceptance emails will be sent closer to the convention date. Waitlisted emails will also go out at that time. If someone drops or does not check in by the appointed time, we will contact waitlisted participants.

If you receive an acceptance email, your email will include a confirm-by date. If we don’t receive your confirmation by the date stated in your email, your spot will be forfeited and offered to the next person on the waitlist.

Eligibility & Handmade Requirements

  • Your costume must be at least 70% handmade by you.
  • Store-bought costumes are not permitted.
  • Modifications count toward the 70% only if the item is altered by 50% or more from its original state.
  • Any assistance from others must total below 30% of the build.
  • Accessibility notes: Disability aids do not count against entrants.
  • The maker of the costume must be present and enter their own work. You may wear it yourself or have a model wear it.
  • Costumes may not be presented on a mannequin.
  •  Competitors may not enter a cosplay that has previously won a major “Best Of” award (e.g., Best in Show, Best Overall, or Best in Division). 
  •  Groups are welcome! Please submit one entry per group. Group division placement will be determined by the highest-level member of the group.( For example, if a Journeyman and a Master enter together, the group will be judged at the Master Division level.)

Note: If, during judging, your cosplay does not meet the 70% handmade requirement, you will have the option to be transitioned to the Exhibition Category. You will also have the opportunity to speak with the judges about your craftsmanship and receive feedback on how to meet the 70% requirement in the future. Participation in Exhibition is optional, and you may decline if you prefer. 

Accepted Sources

We welcome many sources, judged by skill division (Novice, Journeyman, Master):

  • Published source material
  • Original designs/fan art (your work or another artist’s with permission)
  • Mash-ups or original takes on existing characters

Reference Materials (Pre-Judging)

  • You must upload one reference image at the time of sign up.
  • You must provide a reference image at your pre-judging appointment.
  • Printed/physical references are preferred (photos, sketches, etc.).
  • Missing references will result in a point deduction.
  • Group Entries: If entering as a group, you must provide reference materials for all characters included in the entry. This ensures the judges can fairly assess each aspect of the group’s craftsmanship.

Build Books: A build book is optional for Novice entries but required for Journeyman and Master levels. Unlike reference photos, which show what the costume should look like, a build book documents how you created it. This may include progress photos, notes on materials, construction methods, and techniques used. Color build books are preferred, as they provide the clearest details for judges. A well-organized build book highlights your craftsmanship process and the effort behind your costume. Groups may submit a single combined build book for the entire entry if they choose.

Convention Cosplay Rules (Must Follow)

  • Costumes must be public-appropriate; this is a family-friendly event.
  • No hateful, offensive, or provocative symbols, designs, or text.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings, especially with large or bulky builds and props.
  • If you need assistance or accommodation, please inform staff; any staff member can help.
  • Be polite and courteous to all attendees and staff.

Conduct & Online Behavior

  • Entrants who are rude, hostile, harass, or stalk cosplay staff, judges, or other cosplayers will be removed from the lineup and may be disqualified from future events.
  • This standard extends to online interactions before and after the event.

Attendance & Communication

  • No-Show / No-Contact = Disqualification.
  • You will receive all necessary event details and contact methods.
  • Please respect your fellow contestants and staff by arriving on time for pre-judging, mandatory greenroom, and rehearsals.
  • Failure to appear without prior communication may result in removal from the lineup or disqualification.

Judging

  • Assessments are at the full discretion of the judging panel in accordance with these rules.
  • Judges reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not meet requirements.

Questions?

Not sure if your costume qualifies? Email us at concosplaysafari@gmail.com.

Exhibition / Walk-On Category

The Exhibition (also called Walk-On) category is a non-competitive portion of the Masquerade. It is designed for cosplayers who want to show off their costumes on stage without being judged. This is a great option for store-bought cosplays, new cosplayers, or anyone who simply wants the fun of walking the stage!

Guidelines

  • Time on Stage: Each walk-on will be given up to 30 seconds on stage. This includes walking across, striking up to three poses, and exiting.
  • No Judging: Exhibition entries are not judged for awards. This category is purely for fun and celebration of cosplay.
  • Costume Types:
    • Store-bought, commissioned, thrifted, or handmade costumes are all welcome in this category.
    • Costumes must still follow the convention’s cosplay rules (see below).
  • Poses: Each contestant may strike up to three poses for photos. Please keep poses safe and family friendly.
  • Props: Props are allowed but remember what goes on stage must also come off.
    • No glitter, confetti, liquids, or messy props.
    • Oversized props should be manageable and safe.
  • Audio: Walk-on entries will use house background music provided by the convention. Custom audio is not accepted for this category.

Rules & Conduct

  • Costumes must be appropriate for public wear; this is a family-friendly event.
  • No hateful, offensive, or provocative symbols, designs, text, or audio may be included.
  • Be polite and respectful to fellow contestants, staff, and judges. Harassment or rude behavior may result in removal from the event lineup and disqualification from future contests.
  • Online behavior is also included, harassment before or after the event will not be tolerated.

Attendance & Communication

  • No-Show / No-Contact = Removal.
  • Entrants must check in at the scheduled times provided in acceptance emails. Failure to appear without prior communication may result in removal from the lineup.
  • Please respect staff instructions and appear on time for any mandatory meetings or green-room seating.
Apply for the Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest Today!

Acceptance emails will begin 11/13/2026
Waitlist Outreach on 12/11/2026
Sign ups close 12/26/2026