How to make imitation jewelry?

Could I make a good profit from making a living off of selling costumes (anime, etc) and jewelry?

• I am considering making a business out of selling costumes and jewelry as soon as I graduate from college. I am currently allied with my grandmother in her mini company that makes jewelry and normal clothes as a thing on the side. But I would really like to be able to live off of this trade. I would be making things like: - Anime cosplay - Japanese Lolita dresses - Medieval clothing - Steampunk costumes - Steampunk accessories (goggles, gizmos, etc) - Steampunk jewelry Stuff like that. I would like to work at conventions, not just sell things on ebay. I know that I probably can't fully support myself on just that (at least, not at first), and I am willing to work a part time job or something on the side. I might also work with other people, like my grandmother and cousin. Can I make a living off of this? Would I be able to at least live in an apartment and pay bills and afford food? How good is the market for this sort of thing? Do have any suggestions/guides on how to do this? Any sort of information you could give me would be great. Even if it's a website where someone is sharing their experience with this lifestyle.

• Answer:

  Possibly, I'd bet on it as a side job than just full time. The problem with this is that 1) Anime is still not a mainstream culture in America, and 2) Currently people are deciding that Chinese sellers are better than American, because they don't realize that while they seem cheaper, their costumes are more than likely warehouse/sweatshop made, and are missing certain details. You make up for it because cosplay is not all you're selling. With the dresses, they need to be you're own design, so look up the main rules of lolita. And don't just dabble in gothic/sweet/classic, go for the lesser known ones, like Qi-lolita. I should mention that tables at dealer's rooms at Otakon are around $800, so you should expect prices in that range.