Cosplayer and Game Designer
Brendan Jackson (Jax Cosplay) is a seasoned cosplayer with over 10 years of experience in crafting detailed costumes, competing in contests, and creating accessible tutorials to help others get started. Under the name Jax Cosplay, he’s become known for combining technical skill with a passion for storytelling through costume. Brendan has also studied cosplay from an academic perspective, having written a Master’s dissertation on the artform, exploring its cultural significance, creativity, and community. His work bridges both the practical and theoretical sides of cosplay, making him uniquely equipped to guide newcomers on their own cosplay journeys.
Interested in cosplay but unsure where to begin? Getting Started in Cosplay is a beginner-friendly introduction to the tools, materials, and foundational techniques used to start creating costumes and props. Designed for newcomers with little to no crafting experience, this panel breaks down the essentials of cosplay in a practical and approachable way, helping attendees understand what they actually need to begin without becoming overwhelmed by expensive equipment or advanced builds online. The panel will cover commonly used cosplay materials such as EVA foam, fabrics, thermoplastics, cardboard, and basic crafting supplies, as well as the tools most beginners should consider owning, from heat guns and craft knives to adhesives, paints, and sewing basics. In addition to technical advice, the talk focuses on beginner-friendly problem solving, budgeting, safety, and learning through experimentation rather than perfection. The goal is to make cosplay feel accessible, achievable, and creatively rewarding regardless of skill level or budget. Whether attendees are interested in anime, gaming, comics, or film cosplay, this panel provides a strong foundation for starting their cosplay journey with confidence.
Ready to take your cosplay skills beyond basic foam builds? Beyond Foam: Advanced Cosplay Techniques is a deep dive into the next level of cosplay craftsmanship, exploring the materials, tools, and techniques used to create high-end costumes and props. This panel covers a wide range of advanced methods including chainmail creation, metalworking, thermoplastics, 3D printing, resin casting, advanced painting and weathering, electronics, LEDs, and hybrid construction techniques that combine multiple materials into a single build. Attendees will learn not only how these techniques work, but when and why to use them. The panel focuses on practical decision-making for cosplay construction: choosing the right material for durability, realism, comfort, budget, and convention practicality. Real examples, behind-the-scenes insights, common mistakes, and lessons learned from complex builds will help demystify advanced cosplay crafting and make intimidating techniques feel more accessible. Whether you are an intermediate cosplayer looking to level up your skills or an experienced maker interested in expanding your toolkit, this panel offers practical advice, creative inspiration, and a realistic look at what goes into building convention-ready cosplay that truly stands out on the convention floor.
