Cosplay Senpai

Leading by example through positivity and acceptance.

Anime Expo is a strong advocate for the idea that Cosplay is all about having fun! No matter your race, faith, gender, sexuality, identity, age, or level of experience, Cosplay is for any and everyone!

The Cosplay Senpai Program hand selects Cosplayers that have supported the community with positivity both online and at conventions and they are invited to the Cosplay Senpai Program to further influence the community with fun, passion, and acceptance through panels and discussions. When they are not at a workshop or panel, they can always be found in the Entertainment Hall, ready to answer questions, give advice, and talk to attendees.

Anime Expo Cosplay Senpais are typically found…
· Giving back to the community by providing tutorials or other resources.
· Promoting positivity online through meaningful dialogue about a variety of topics.
· Actively engaging with the cosplay community in-person and online.
· Maintaining a family-friendly feel with their representation through photos and content that would be comparable to a PG rating.

 

2025 Cosplay Senpais To Be Announced

Examples of Past Panels

Cosplay Senpai Round Table

The art of building a Cosplay following can be daunting. But have no fear, for your Senpai are here! Come join our fantastic Cosplay Senpai to learn about establishing your social media presence as a Cosplayer and more!

Breastplate Patterning Workshop
Presented by 2024 Senpai Tiffany Gordon Cosplay
Let’s make a breastplate pattern together! Come watch or participate in this hands-on workshop where Tiffany Gordon Cosplay will go over how to make a breastplate pattern on a person using Saran Wrap, Masking Tape and Sharpies.

Cosplay Armory 101 - Foam, Worbla, and Other Media
Presented by 2024 Senpai Zavage Cosplay
Do you want to make your own armor, props, and cosplay accessories but don't know where to start? Join Zavage Cosplay for a panel on cosplay armor craftsmanship and prop making using materials such as foam, thermoplastic, resin, 3D printing and other media.

Enter Stage Right: The art of creating and performing cosplay skits
Presented by 2024 Senpai Luna Lady of Light Cosplay
Are you an aspiring cosplay performer? Do you want to perform in cosplay contests but you are unsure of where to start? Do you dream of being on the world stage and performing at an international cosplay contest? Join Luna Lady of Light for a seminar on skit writing, creation, and performing. She will review the basics and present an overview of the process from start to finish and cover ways to add to your performance with effects, sounds, or video. After the talk there will be time for questions.

Telling a Story with Cosplay
Presented by 2024 Senpai AriNico Cosplay
When creating a cosplay, accuracy isn’t everything! Building upon a character’s original design can make a cosplay feel more life-like and tell a story about who your character is. This panel will focus on analyzing your character, researching historical and aesthetic inspirations, organizing ideas, and making decisions as you design your cosplay.

Wig tips to elevate your next Cosplay
Presented by 2024 Senpai AllieCat Cosplay
In this workshop you'll learn techniques and methods to elevate your next cosplay wig! From texture to gluing we'll answer and questions you may have.

Previous Senpai

2024

AllieCat Cosplay, AriNico Cosplay, Lady Luna of Light Cosplay, Tiffany Gordon Cosplay, Zavage Cosplay

2023

VEGA Cosplay, Jahara Jayde, NipahDUBS, Aicosu, UbersCosplay

2022

Echow Ecko, Jihatsu, Nomes Cosplay, Kaye Cosplay, Nyanbifairy, Project NAUTILUS, Phil Mizuno

2019

Amber Arden, Amber Kohaku Chan, Jihatsu, Kaye Cosplay, Kiss a Frog Cosplay, Little Sprite Cosplay, Nipah, Peyton Cosplay, Phil Mizuno, and Utahime

2018

Amber Arden, Amber Kohaku Chan, Joo Skellington, Kiss a Frog Cosplay (Alicia Renaé), Little Sprite Cosplay, QueersPlay, Steff Von Schweetz, Utahime

2017

Amber Arden, Corgi Cosplay, Dustbunny, Kiss a Frog Cosplay, Little Sprite Cosplay, Queersplay, Steff Von Schweetz, Stella Chuu

2016

Stella Chuu, Dustbunny, Joshua Hart, WindoftheStars, Aicosu, VAMPY BIT ME, Garnet Runstar, Steff Von Schweetz, Corgi Cosplay, Chocolate Covered Cosplay, Queersplay

2015

Aicosu, Chocolate Covered Cosplay, Chubear, Dustbunny, Futange, Garnet Runestar, Kiba the Corgi, VAMPY BIT ME, WindoftheStars

2014

Aicosu, Chocolate Covered Cosplay, Futange, Giada Robin, VAMPY BIT ME, WindoftheStars

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