Pinterest is a fantastic tool for organizing cosplay ideas, finding inspiration, and tracking your costume-making process. With its powerful visual organization and easy-to-use pinning features, Pinterest allows you to compile character references, tutorials, material sources, and progress photos in one place.

Create Project-Specific Boards

Start by creating a dedicated board for each cosplay project you’re planning. This helps keep all related content organized and easy to access.

Set Up a Character Board: Name your board after the character or specific cosplay theme, like “Jinx Arcane Cosplay” or “Final Fantasy Costume Ideas.”
Organize by Subcategories: Within the board, you can create sections for specific aspects like “Wigs,” “Make-up,” “Props,” and “Outfit.” This makes it simple to focus on one costume element at a time.
Add a Detailed Description: Write a short description for the board, including keywords like “cosplay planning” and “costume resources.” This helps other cosplayers find your boards if you make them public.

Gather Costume References

Pinterest has a vast library of fan art, screenshots, and official art that can serve as valuable reference material.

Pin Various Character References: Look for pins that showcase different angles and details of the character’s costume. Try to collect both close-up shots for intricate detailing and full-body shots for the overall look.
Include Color and Texture References: Save pins that help you capture the color scheme, fabric type, or material texture. This is helpful when shopping for supplies or determining how to achieve specific effects.
Organize by Character Elements: If your cosplay has multiple layers, accessories, or props, organize pins according to each element for quick access while you’re working on different parts of the costume.

Find Tutorials and DIY Techniques

Pinterest is home to countless DIY guides that cover everything from sewing techniques to prop-making tips.

Save Relevant Tutorials: Search for tutorials on cosplay techniques you’ll need for your project, like “Foam Armor Tutorial,” “Sewing Stretch Fabrics,” or “Weathering Techniques.” Save these to sections within your project board for easy access.
Pin Material Guides: Look for pins that explain different materials and which to use for various cosplay parts, like EVA foam for armor or worbla for detailed props.
Explore Make-up and Wig Styling Tips: Tutorials on make-up and wig styling can bring your cosplay to life, so gather pins that cover character-specific looks, such as contouring tips, eye make-up, and wig spiking.

Track Progress with Visual References

Using Pinterest as a visual log for your progress can help keep you motivated and organized as you work through different project stages.

Pin Your Work-in-Progress Photos: Take progress photos, upload them to Pinterest, and add them to your project board. You can keep these private or make them public to share your process.
Create a Checklist: Use pins as markers for each step you need to complete, like “cutting fabric” or “painting armor.” Checking off each one visually can help track your progress.
Save Inspirational Cosplays: If you come across other cosplayers’ photos that inspire you, add them to your board for motivation. Seeing completed cosplays of similar characters can help you stay focused on your vision.

Locate Material Sources and Stores

Pinterest can serve as a shopping resource for cosplay materials and supplies.

Pin Links to Online Stores: Save links to shops that sell the materials you need, such as fabric, foam, paint, and other cosplay essentials.
Create a Wishlist Section: Use a “Wishlist” section to organize materials you haven’t purchased yet, like fabrics, wigs, and prop materials. This will make shopping more accessible when you’re ready.
Explore Costume-Specific Material Tips: Some pins may link to specialty shops that sell materials specific to cosplay needs. Save these to your board for easy reference when shopping.

Use Pinterest’s Visual Search

Pinterest’s visual search can be an excellent tool for finding similar pins based on images you love.

Search for Similar Cosplay Ideas: Find a pin you like, click on it, and use the magnifying glass feature to discover more pins in the same style or theme.
Locate Hard-to-Find Items: Visual search is beneficial when looking for niche items or props that may be challenging to locate. Using this feature can lead you to unexpected resources and ideas.
Explore Board Recommendations: Based on your saved pins, Pinterest may suggest related boards or pins. Explore these to expand your cosplay inspiration!