It’s official. The new year has arrived, and if you haven’t started planning your cosplay calendar for 2016, now is the perfect time to start. It’s fine to fly by the seat of your pants and let cosplay inspiration strike you whenever, but why not start tackling some of the costumes on your dream list? We all have those costumes we’ve been meaning to make for a while. This is the year to prioritize. Start with the basics: Create a folder on your computer and save reference photos. Gather tons of images of the character and his/her outfit and then start saving images and notes about materials needed from fabrics to wigs. Then make a shopping list.

If you work well with deadlines, go through your convention and event calendar for the year (hey, it’s a good idea to make a loose plan for that, too) and decide when you want to finish your costume by. Give yourself milestones to hit along the way. You can share your progress on your website, Facebook page, or on places like the Replica Props Forum if you want others to hold you accountable.

While you consider your plan, take a look at this week’s Cosplay Friday:

Kotal Kahn (Mortal Kombat X) | Source: Yeliz Cosplay, photo by SLDixon Photography

See more costumes in the gallery below. You’ll find Mr. Bubbles from Lilo and Stitch (I’ve never seen this costume before!), Rogue and Gambit, and much more.

What cosplay projects are you working on? What cosplay projects have you finished? Head to the comments and let me know. I’d love to include your creations in a future Cosplay Friday round-up. You can leave links to pictures of your work in the comments, tag/mention me on Instagram, or get photos to me on Twitter. Be sure to let me know the photographer’s name and include your Facebook page, website, or whatever you want me to link to for credit.