Follow This Path to Get Your Cosplay Sponsorship!

Hello ShowFans,

All of you must have wondered about how to get sponsors and what path should you go to get them. There are so many cosplayers who managed to have sponsors after a few stunning cosplay performances in their life. It's a combination of marketing strategy, some dedication, little luck, and a whole lot of determination!

So how does someone with skill, experiences but a small following get noticed?

COSPLAY FORUMS

For starters, most sponsors ignore cold calls or emails. Why? Well, they receive hundreds and/or thousands of communications a day that could be more relevant, lucrative, and even more important for their business.
Just because you emailed them or left them with your business card doesn’t guarantee you a moment of their time or notice. Take a moment, breathe in and realize that not all is not lost.

If you want to reach sponsors you’ll need to START SMALL. Join Facebook groups that focus on Cosplay Marketing, Networking, and Product Testing. Many of these groups are public but you will need to fill out a form explaining why you want to join.

These groups often have people working their way towards cosplay as a professional who can offer advice. The promotional groups help get your name out and there are often representatives for big cosplay companies lurking in these groups looking to secure talents.

NETWORK LOCALLY

Interacting with people in your area is another way to build rapport in a rather smaller circle. Since your audience will likely start where your home region is, you want to ensure you have a good relationship with other local cosplayers.

Look for postings in libraries, community centers, and local web forums related to costumes, cosplay, and comics-related events. It is here where you can commune with other creators and develop a network of support.

Sometimes sponsors can be a local government, company, or even affluent person. Branding yourself as 'THIS COSPLAYER' at public events increases recognition and gives you a chance at obtaining a sponsor.

SPONSORS

The sponsor was fishing for cosplayers in a Facebook forum and we need to grab it fast as the opportunity arises. But, you also need to realize that these sponsors will be VERY thorough. They will have deadlines for delivery, requirements for the content, and how much of the product I would be given.

Following these contracts means you agreed to their terms and comply with the requested contents as implied in the signed agreement. This is going to be your good resume for other sponsors and a few more will likely check up on you soon.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Getting one sponsorship does not guarantee another but it DOES get you noticed by the industry. When discussing sponsorships with potential companies be sure to mention your reach.

Make sure you explain your talents and NEVER short sale yourself just because your Facebook or Instagram following is under 1,000. You can do this. Branding, Marketing, and Networking are keys to success!

Good luck, ShowFans!