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Dear Fellow Awesome Cosplayers and Avid Readers Alike,

Thank you so much for all of the support that you have given me and the rest of the people on Costume Grab since day one. It was a pleasure to have written sewing and cosplay blogs for Costume Grab.

I especailly have learned quite a lot about everything there is to know about creating costume blogs from learning how to utilize Ghost Platform and Markup language to knowing how to tailor my writing style and (to some extent) my preferences in pop culture media to my appopriate audience members.

While I am sorry to say that starting now, I will no longer be able to write blogs for Costume Grab (for the time being, anyway), at the same time, I do treasure the time spent on here. So please, don't take this as "the end." Instead, take this as the beginning of a new chapter. :)

Without further ado, here are six lifelong costume blogging lessons that I've learned while blogging:

1.Don't be afraid to utilize feedback from your "significant other"

Image via[https://pixabay.com/en/portrait-people-woman-one-3036868/]

I know, I know. It's a pain in the butt to have to deal with that one person who gives you unsolisicated suggestions. Especially if that person happens to give you the list of changes at the last minute.

However, don't take whatever your "editor" says too personally.

Nine times out of ten, having your editor be your significant other is the best way to find the true message from your acticles and hone your blogging skills at the same time.

So instead of hatching an evil plan to get rid of your "unpaid editor", sit down and listen to what he or she has to say about your blog.

2. Use your images(and videos) to tell a story rather than show the thing as it is

Image via[https://overwatch.gamepedia.com/File:DVA_GC2018.png]

Depending on what's available around you, sometimes, you don't get the luxury to pick and choose whatever images and videos that you want to use without drawing some controversy.

However, whether or not you're a fan of royalty free media, don't let that stop you or anybody else from being creative. Part of being creative is about learning to use what is already given to you.

Let's say that you want to show an image of a Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader cosplay combination in your DIY Star Wars Cosplay Combination blog. However, your ideal image happens to be copyrighted.

In addition to looking up free images online, you can also make your own by taking two seperate images: one of Luke and one of Darth Vader, and putting them together using Adobe Photoshop or Paint. While your result may not come out exactly as you would have hoped for, you never know as to what kinds of future cosplay blogs you would be able to create.

Side note: Moving images such as Giphy images are noctorious for taking up a lot of space. Even if your images don't look big on the surface, keep in mind that the person who is indexing your blog will have to deal with a lot of spacing issues.

3.Be open to learning new skills!

Image via[https://pixabay.com/en/still-life-school-retro-ink-table-851328/]

Prior to having joined Costume Grab, I didn't know how you could use Paint and markup languages to create the blogs that you want outside of an "educational sandbox situation."

However, after being given the opportunity to practice these skills in a more realistic setting, I've gained a better understanding as to how these two skills could intermingle with my writing skills.

As frustrating as it may be sometimes to have to learn more than what the job requires you to do, by the end of the end, it is worth doing some extra homework on the side, so to speak.

4. Let your "how-to-make-a-[such-and-such]-cosplay" blog tell more than just how to make a certain cosplay

Image via[http://ouran.wikia.com/wiki/Ouran_High_School_Host_Club_Wiki]

While sharing with your fellow readers your "secret steps" to making awesome DIY Anime Character cosplays may seem appealing, keep in mind that a good blog should do more than just "tell people what to do."

Part of the beauty of cosplay blogging (and blogging in general) is conveying your message through more than just words. So don't be afraid to experiment a little with your platform.

5. Be sure to create a content schedule beforehand!

Image via[https://pixabay.com/en/time-timer-clock-watch-hour-488112/]

Cosplay trends may come and go. However, as you're blogging them, it's always a good idea to create a schedule. Especially if you're the type of person who needs to space out your work.

You never know as to what sorts of ideas you may come up with.

6. Be Creative and Have Fun!

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Even if some of your readers end up not buying anything off of your client's official website, there is nothing wrong with having a little bit of fun creating your blog. Just make sure that your sense of humor is appopriate for the type of audience that you want to attract.

So what?

In the meantime, if you are ever interested in keeping up with me and/or want me to help you write your cosplay blog such as this one right here, please feel free to reach out to me either on LinkedIn and/or UpWork.

Otherwise, I wish you all the best of luck on your cosplaying journey.

Cheers,
Athena

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