Are you planning on joining your first cosplay competition competition, but are you unsure what a good reference image looks like? The guide below can be your first step towards a clear cosplay reference sheet! These are used by judges to decide how close your cosplay’s likeness is to the design of the character you’re portraying. The way these are used during the judging process can vary from contest to contest.

Reference images - a “how to” guide

First of all; decide what character you’d like to cosplay! As an example, let’s use the character “Jinx” from the animated series “Arcane”. A simple google search brings us on the right path.

Tip: Using your “character name” + reference can give you some useful images on any search engine.

TL:DR

  • Provide high quality images

  • Make sure all sides of the character are visible

  • Make sure provided images are consistent, and of the same character version

  • Add detail shots of any…

    • props / weapons / accessories

    • makeup

    • wig / hair

    • other important details

  • If possible, combine your images in a single collage for ease of use

First of all; decide what character you’d like to cosplay! As an example, let’s use the character “Jinx” from the animated series “Arcane”. A simple google search brings us on the right path.

Tip: Using your “character name” + reference can give you some useful images on any search engine.