What drives the cost of a cosplay commission
No price list here, because every build is different. Your references, finish level and deadline set the number, and bids from real makers show it.
What moves the price
- Reference quality — Clear front/back/side references cut design time. A single blurry screenshot adds hours of guesswork that you pay for.
- Wearability — A display piece and a piece you'll wear for 10 hours at a con are different builds. Straps, padding and ventilation add work, and that shows up in the bids.
- Finish level — Con-ready is clean at arm's length. Photo/competition finish is clean at 30 cm. Screen-accurate means weathering, decals and hardware matched to the source, which takes the most time and costs the most.
- Deadline — A tight deadline is a rush job. Rush work usually costs more, and some makers will pass.
- Materials — EVA foam is cheapest and lightest. 3D-printed resin or PLA costs more but holds fine detail. Worbla, fibreglass and metal are specialist.
How to brief a maker (paste this into your post)
- Character, source and the exact version (game, film, skin, episode).
- Three or more reference images: front, back, side, plus detail shots.
- Which pieces you want made — list them.
- Your measurements for anything wearable (height, chest, waist, hips, head circumference, shoe size).
- The date you need it in hand, and the con it's for.
- Finish level: con-ready, photo, or screen-accurate.
- Budget range. Makers bid better against a real number.
- Shipping country.