Struggling to create a good cosplay Is always an adventure that every single person takes differently. Whether you've realized that you have only one week left before a con, or your most complicated costume part just fell off on stage in the middle of your performance, you have probably felt the slings and arrows of this hobby. Once somebody asked me how I cope with the stress and the difficulties of this complicated (but still very fun) and demanding hobby. The truth is I very often feel frustrated, uncomfortable and even angry at myself for various reasons. And why shouldn't anyone else for that matter)? It takes up much of your valuable time, spends vast amounts of money and requires a lot patience to maintain. Well the truth is, when I put on the costume or complete a prop for the first time or come on stage and see the bewildered faces of people watching me, it all just melts away. The thing is, most of the hobbies I have started in my life, either stuck to me or they didn't . There were no in between cases where I kinda liked it and sorta went along for the ride. I was either fanatically for it or I just left it behind. I've been like that for most of the things in my life and I would usually see things done, no matter what it took (and no matter how much I complained in the process). Cosplay, among a few other "hobbies" in my life, have stuck for this long because they are a part of who I am. They allow me the most freedom to be myself, and to express my passion towards the myriad of interesting themes modern pop culture has produced. So whenever I feel sad, or just too tired of doing all that work, I just try to remember the vision behind that project, what it means to me and what I want to show the world. That and a copious amounts tea and sweets. Taking regular breaks is always a good Idea; going about it tired or not motivated can be hazardous to your health (xacto blades have a nasty habit of going after your fingers). Also talking to someone that can help is something I cant stress enough. Today cosplay communities are popping up everywhere, and you can find a lot of good people willing to help you with advice. There are probably people around you too that are more than willing to throw in an extra pair of hands and help you finish your project. So fear not; no matter how much a situation seems bleak, there is always a way out. And you can always choose to have fun- even if it means waking up the neighbors in 3am with screams of joy because you just managed to complete that one damn part of costume that has been refusing to glue properly all night.