Studio Cosplay Breaks New Ground With Cosplay Makerspace

Studio Cosplay is a non profit organization dedicated to the art of cosplay. We're setting up a workshop in the DC metro area where we will have workstations, classes, and a place where cosplayers can come together.

Studio Cosplay, a Washington DC-based nonprofit, will be kicking off a crowdsourcing campaign this year to fund workshops, membership offerings and a multi-use creative space for Cosplay enthusiasts, photographers, costumers and more to enhance their skills and openly create.

Photographers and cosplayers can utilize these workshops as well as an open workspace to brainstorm, create and construct their creations.

"There are so many creative people in the cosplay community but many don't have the means or skill to transform into their favorite characters the way they envision. The art of cosplay should only be limited by imagination; not by logistics or lack of knowledge."

Stefanie Hackenberg, Studio Cosplay Secretary

Workshops will include hands-on classes and a state-of-the-art creation space for cosplayers across all skill levels, ranging from sewing to photo shoots to working with thermoplastics.

With multiple stations catering to making and displaying costumes, fabricating armor, and creating props, these stations will include sewing, painting, fabricating, wig styling, classes, 3D printing and more.  Photographers will also have the use of a green screen.

Studio Cosplay will also provide emergency repair support at fandom conventions nationwide where members can glue up, stitch up, finish up, and rest up before diving back into the crowd.

To unify cosplay enthusiasts and build community, the organization will also be offering multiple “cosmakerspace” membership tiers to meet the needs of interested cosplayers and to fund subsequent years during their campaign.

Studio Cosplay’s mission is to promote community through the art of costuming by providing workspace, opportunity, and education.  The organization’s founders, Liz Gmaz, Stefanie Hackenberg, “Katilist” and Daria Medved, are cosplayers who see a need in the community for a place cosplayers can work on projects, meet other cosplayers, learn how to make costumes and props, and expand their artistic expression.