Have photos of your WIPs and reference images physically printed out on paper (put together in a collage or soemthing)
I have done that everytime I've competed and the judges have always really appreciated it. It's always much easier to just hand them the paper then spend your precious judging time flipping through your phone.

It also helps to have your photos/wips out in a way of progress so in the moment you dont forget to tell/explain anything important.

and lastly if you dont know already, finish all your damn seams. Judges will usually get up and pull up/look at a thing or two to see how neatly it was sewn. Also be honest about parts you did and didnt make.

>>8923073
thank you
are there things that are preferred or that win over others? example would be armor. i feel like if you have armor you have the advantage

>>8923603
Armor, ballgowns, Sakizou, and cosplays with large wings have more of an advantage than most other things that enter.

Elaborate props won't help you with jack shit unless you're going for a prop prize.

>>8923603
A variety is better. Good sewing, good armor, good wig is usually better than just armor. But don't do it because you feel you have to.

>>8923616
How come props don't do anything? Let's say I'm making a big solid color dress with a few intricite details plus prop. What would be my chances? How could I increase those chances? Does the stage performance count for a lot?

>>8923622
I'm attempting a variety atm but am afraid my main piece might look plain

The best advice I can give is to make sure you have progress and reference pics. Go into pre judging as well as on stage feeling confident in your cosplay. Before going to prejudging and no less than an hour before you go on stage, make sure that everything is in check, function properly, and looks good on your cosplay (as to avoid any malfunctions from happening). If possible try to be in character on stage. Other than that, be confident, and have fun with it!!!!