Recently, I've had at least two or three people say to me about themselves, "I don't have the skills to make my own cosplay."
Now if you choose to buy your cosplay because of this, that's absolutely fine. I'm not saying one way is better than another, cosplay is a personal experience. This post isn't about that.
But saying you don't have the skill to make your own cosplay is silly. NOBODY gets into cosplay with the skills necessary to be a great cosplayer. Nobody. Every great cosplayer started out being a shitty cosplayer.
When you look at a fantastic cosplayer, and you think to yourself, "Wow, I could never be that good," just remember: That cosplayer once made a costume that was too small to fit, and once they stitched a costume inside-out, and once they butchered a wig beyond all repair, and once they broke their prop the night before the convention. Don't put yourself down because you think someone else is better - they went through exactly the same stuff you're going through. They never thought they'd ever be a good cosplayer either. And look at them now.
It won't happen overnight - but as long as you keep at it, you are ALWAYS improving. And you WILL be great.
Remember to challenge yourself. With every costume you make, try a new technique or advance a skill you already have. Never quit because you think you 'don't have the skill' - and before you know it, you'll be the cosplayer someone else is wishing they were.
Good luck and don't give up! ♥