Although I have won pretty much all the competitions I entered locally that is not why I do it, I do it for the fans and their reactions as they are plenty enough prize for me as well as just the entire process of making a costume, dressing up, and seeing all the reactions and people scared but also wanting pics, videos, autographs etc. Also the personal gratification of completing the entire project which was once just a thought, and then bringing that thought to life and making it a reality.
I don't think art should be rushed or even judged seriously, it is all just opinions, and all the drama and time limits make for good TV to those not fully interested in the building process. No one is a loser if they did their best and had fun, and many get disappointed if they "lose" but sometimes it forces them to go to the next level with the builds if anything positive can be gleaned from it all. Some judges have no clue, or just like different styles more than others so in the end it is just their opinion. "overly complex" costumes also does not necessarily mean "best" it just depends on what you are looking at or what you like. Sometimes there are small intricate details that are pretty impressive also that can't be seen farther away. So I don't really take the whole competition aspect seriously. But as I said it can be a positive experience if it motivates you to learn more skills, and craftsmanship and just keep raising the bar until you stand out from the rest. But as long as you had fun that makes you a winner anyway. But I know being a "winner" based on the perception of a few others feels great also, but at the same time brings others down if they take it too serious. So either way both should be taken with a grain of salt and one should just focus on doing the best they can, and enjoy the overall experience.
I also had very limited resources and some old books and Tom Savini DVDS on special FX but not much, I mostly developed my own methods. Today you have everything at your disposal and tons of videos on Youtube and forums etc, wish I had that back then. But I am also kinda glad that I was determined enough to find my own way and get it done however I could. I also love the TV shows and wished there were those types of shows back then, but better late than never. I know it is niche market and made for TV, and I would be happy just watching the build for an hour lol. But I got Youtube and DVDS to do that anyway. Most people who watch will be regular people with short attention spans so the time limits and "problems" that come up right before every commercial is essential to keep their attention. But as a hardcore cosplayer I just want to see the building process and the finished product. But I know you only get an hour also. I wish there was a cosplay channel on 24/7 but then I might not get a much work done lol.
