Looking to getting into cosplay but don’t know where to start? You will learn the basics of cosplay, how easy it is to get into cosplay, the variety of materials you can use to make one, and that yes, you can even purchase your cosplay!

“Cosplay: do it right or not at all.” This kind of phrase has made many cosplayers ask themselves if they’re doing cosplay “right,” bringing anxiety, panic, and even toxicity into the cosplay community. We’re here to tell you there is no wrong way and that anyone can cosplay! We teach you how to foster an inclusive cosplay community and to cope with those who think it shouldn’t be.

A panel geared for budding sewers and advanced sewers alike! This panel will cover everything from types of fabric to which needles to use, and different sewing techniques for different applications. Want to know the difference between two way and four way stretch, or how to sew a French seam? This is the panel for you!

The Colorado Academy of Cosplay presents a hands-on workshop at FanExpo Denver 2022 where you will learn to build your very own EVA foam helmet for cosplay! Led by co-founder and Foamsmith Chris Clarke and sponsored by TNT Cosplay Supply, you don’t want to miss this amazing learning experience.

Learn how to create your very own cosplay and props with EVA foam. From the basics of foam and tools to use, to painting and wearing your cosplay, we will cover it all.

Ever felt the overwhelming desire to rage quit your cosplay, break it all up and start over, but you can’t because it’s so close to the con? This panel will break down how to break down your costume into small, bite-sized chunks so you no longer have to feverishly hot glue your costume together the night before a con in your hotel room! We will cover various methods of planning out your cosplay, how to travel with it, how to budget for your cosplay, and how to create a timeline of when you need to complete pieces of your cosplay so you can successfully, and less stressfully, complete your cosplay on time!

Learn how to make your own EVA foam cosplay

Note: It's large so please be patient while it populates upon opening

Sewing Techniques and Tricks

An Incredibly useful material for large props because of its light weight. But XPS is a whole different ballgame, do you know how to play?

Click for the power points to the panel as it was presented at FanExpo Denver 2022

Learn how easy it is to make your own custom Kingdom Hearts inspired prop

See how the body armor of this Monster Hunter cosplay was made

Makers of high quality wigs with a vast selection and an extensive library of wig tutorials.

The best quality and best variety of EVA foam in North America, and very affordable too!

Amazing thermoplastic, available and distributed by The Life of the Party in Fort Collins

Purveyors of high quality makeup and special effects supplies for cosplay, stage, and screen.

Makers of all the materials you need for molding, casting, and prosthetics. They also have classes on how to do it. Store located in Denver.

In charge of special effects for movies like Jurassic Park, Terminator, Aliens, and Iron Man, learn special effects and character creation from some of the best creators in the business.

With over 30 years of prop and costume experience in Hollywood, he is known around the world as the Godfather of Foam and one of the great pioneers of EVA foam cosplay as we know it today. Getting into EVA cosplay? This is the very first place to go.

Another great pioneer of cosplay, Kamui introduced the cosplay world to Worbla and has been teaching crafting since the beginning with her library of books and videos. She works with practically all mediums; truly a master of all trades.

Quite possibly the first person to begin using EVA foam for props and cosplay, and even introduced Evil Ted to its limitless possibilities, Bill Doran of Punished Props is another great pioneer of cosplay. He's written books and made numerous videos not just on foam, but many other mediums as well.

Another jack of all trades, Kinpatsu is a master cosplayer that does it all, and has books, tutorials, and patterns to teach you how you can do it too!

The best Marvel character references! These are pictures of the original costumes the actors wore in the movies!