Four Cosplay Club members at a Halloween meeting.
Courtesy of USF Cosplay Club
By Samuel Talero
At the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus, the Cosplay Club is a group of like-minded individuals who gather together to create costumes based off of their favorite characters from various media.
Though this has been regarded as a niche hobby in the past, it has since evolved into its own widespread art form with a variety of avenues for people to explore, even for those who do not wish to dress up. The members of the Cosplay Club are more than happy to aid those who are curious.
“We have a great community right now, with a lot of people who are really skilled in a lot of different things, which is very helpful,” Caroline Motte, the club’s current president, said.
When she took the reins of the Cosplay Club, Motte’s goal was to help foster a community for the hobby. Not only as a way for people who already enjoyed the hobby to find one another, but also for newcomers who are interested so they may find the resources they need.
“A lot of the chatting is newer people asking for advice and the more seasoned cosplayers giving all the fun tips, which is a lot of fun. It’s very helpful,” Motte said.
The nature of the Cosplay Club also means that there are numerous people with different specialties. Motte herself knows how to work with sewing machines and photography while other members, such as Logan Berggrem who acts as the club’s treasurer, know how to work with 3D printed materials and foam.
As with most other hobbies, cosplay does have a time and money investment. However, this investment can be as small or large as a person would like it to be. The club has run numerous budget cosplay contests, where contestants must create a costume under $30, and common advice within the club is to look for clothing at thrift stores. However, this does not stop certain members from putting more time and money into their creations.
“The amount of time I spend on a cosplay is like, a month of pure grind… and it’s usually like a few $100,” Berggrem said.
The community of the Cosplay Club has encouraged people to gather for large events and conventions. Not only going as a group themed after a specific media, but creating lasting friendships that go beyond the club itself.
Motte said that she has a dedicated friend that she attends conventions with, despite them not being in the club anymore due to graduating from USF.
Despite the hobby’s niche history, the Cosplay Club has used its unique art form in order to foster a small community of its own. One that various people of different skill levels and are always willing to aid one another in creating the perfect cosplay.
“It’s so much fun being able to see what everyone can make,” Motte said.
