portraying a character a different age/race or sex from you?

[sp1derman]

Hi guys so random question how do you tackle playing a character with a very different age to you either older or younger do you use make up or just go with it. I really want to do a jackman wolverine but I'm half his size muscle wise and have no side burns (let them grow for 6months still terrible lol. ) I'm only 21 I wonder if In 10 years I can pull it off and maybe in 20 years I can pull off dark knight returns batman.

On a side note what about different races and sex? Would you do a male tomb raider for example

Could I do blade without serious scrutiny or upsetting people ( I am in no way against any race sex or religious and would be mortified if I upset anyone I love blade as a character and want t do a daywalker costume but am scared I will be judged)

What are your opinions please speak your mind and I hope this question has not offended anyone

Also I put this in the costume thread as I felt it was the best place to put it moderators please move if it should be in an off topic section
No idea how this was put in PROPS

 

[RocketCow]

If you do it for cosplaying: Go for it. There's no rule not to cosplay out of your bodytype, age or sex. Sure, depending on what the difference between you and the character is, the result can be entertaining at best and absolutely humiliating at worst, but that is in the eye of the beholder.

On a side-note: Genderbent cosplay is a usual thing, isn't it? Though it's usually male characters made female, but that should not stop anybody to do it the other way around. Personally, I would love to see a male Lara Croft (Lars Croft?).

When it comes to film production: Acting as a character who looks massively different to you can make your film... well... bad (or even better, if it's meant as a comedic effect). But I think that is quite obvious.

 

[The Ronin]

Honestly, do whatever the heck you want. If anyone gives you flack, tell them where they can shove it. The only rules to costuming/cosplay is have fun and don't harm others in the process.

If your chops aren't Logan grade, you can alway get fake ones that stick on with Spirit gum. If you want to do Loren Croft, go for it. If you want to be a white verson of a black character, or a black version of a white character, or a purple version of a green character, DO IT. Rock that ****, own it, and have FUN.

The only time you really have to worry about specific accuracies are if you're looking to join a specific club/guild like the 501st or the Mando Mercs, who have very specific guidelines as to how the costumes should look and be made, to comply with screen accuracies.

Costuming/cosplay is about fun, the creative process, and learning who you are through the characters you portray. Anyone who tells you differently is just a ****** that's trying to rain on your parade.

 

[kialna]

Do what you want. I cosplay men, creatures, women and I love it. The only advice I have: Cosplay a character you really love. All the work you put into it, will be rewarded that way. Because you can be proud, and you love the character a lot and it's just part of you. Characters we love define us in a way. Why do I love cosplaying Khan as a young woman?

I'm not a 6" buff man with light eyes. I'm a 5"6 young woman with a bit of muscle mass and curves. I wear a binder, contacts and a lot of make-up to get it done. I love cosplaying him because when I wear him I become him partly. Parts of my persona are revealed which are usually subdued and vice versa when I take him off. I spend more time perfecting this costume than I ever did and I have yet to reach a point where I want to give up on it, which I certainly had with Smaug.

That is the only advice I will give. LOVE your character. Then you can BE the character. And if you can BE the character, you will have that attitude and the cosplay becomes 10 times better.