Cosplay: Convention Tips for Newbies
It’s hard to squeeze ten years of experience attending conventions into a list, but we’re going to try and do it anyway! Here are 5 things you need to know about your next convention~Ruth and Mel.
1) Is pop culture your thing?
Many people are dragged to conventions practically kicking and screaming. Sometimes this is a good thing; they’re introduced to a world of wonder. But I’ve seen many sad faces in these happy places. If you’ve read the website and you don’t think there is going to be a single thing that can entertain you for a day (or a weekend), don’t go.
2) Is it local or out of town?
It makes a big difference to your time, budget, and preparation where you will be based for the event. If you’re at home then less planning is required (cause you have your stuff). However, if you’re staying in a motel or with a friend, you need to do a bit more work to ensure you have everything.
Pre-Con Must Haves: tickets, maps, Cosplay (finished), money, and accommodation.
EXTRA! Never leave your packing to the last minute for out-of-town Cosplaying. Be hyper-organised and you’ll have a smashing weekend.
3) Photographs
Pictures are one of the best parts of a pop culture convention. You have to take them otherwise people are not going to believe what you’ve seen! But please, for the love of Cosplay, smile! A melancholy Cosplayer is a downer, especially when dressed like Wonder Woman. Get into character; if that means you’re perky – smile. If that means you’re neutral – bring it!
Never feel shy about asking for a photo. Be polite, walk up to your person of interest, and say, “Hey, I love your outfit. May I please grab a photo?” They would be the biggest a*** ever to turn you down.
DANGER: Some people use photos as an excuse to be offensive. Don’t excuse this behaviour, tell them off, and walk away. If they continue to harass you, see staff immediately. Family-friendly conventions have a zero tolerance policy for people like this. They will throw ‘em out faster than you can say, “Look! Another My Little Pony Cosplay!”
4) Manners
Some people don’t know when to zip it. It’s wrong to say something about someone’s weight or appearance, whether you assume they can hear you or not. Keep your opinions to yourself and have a post-convention debrief over drinks.
5) Things you might see: The Weird, The Wonderful and The Warped.
Scar from The Lion King said it best: “Be prepared!” You’re going to meet all types at your convention. Here are just 3 examples of what I mean.
The Weird: If you like anime/Japanese pop culture then you might have heard the word Weeaboo. A Weeaboo is someone who is not Japanese but acts stereotypically Japanese. It’s essentially an offensive term, so use it wisely. They may only speak to you if you speak to them first in Japanese. (This actually happened to me a few years back.) They’re okay, just strange. No need to panic.
The Wonderful: Cosplaying superstars are always around in droves. Feel free to fawn over them, just don’t get creepy.
The Warped: People often emerge from the depths of I-don’t-know-where to attend conventions. Just be ready to see some non-Cosplay fashion that you’ve never seen before.
6) Enjoy! Conventions are our safe zone!
But you don’t have to take it from us! Here are the top tips for first-time Cosplayers from some of the greats themselves (we picked a couple of our faves)!
Chibinischan as Grell Sutcliff from Kuroshitsuji, photo by Tanja Konrad
Chibinischan says:
“Make a checklist. Nothing is more frustrating than working on your Cosplay for hours and miss a piece of it at the convention. Make a checklist for everything you have to pack and check it off after you put it into your suitcase. That way you won’t leave any important things at home.”
Middle Earth Barbie as Mad Moxxi from Borderlands 2, photo by DreamCoat Photography
Middle Earth Barbie says:
“Come prepared! Bring deodorant, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, and a water bottle. The crowds are massive and can be overwhelming, but don’t be afraid to make new friends. Chances are the people you’re queuing with have similar interests to you!”
The Artful Dodger as Crysta from Fern Gully, photo by Jessica K Photograph
Artful Dodger says:
“My first ever convention I was super nervous because all I could think about was how ridiculous I must look to everyone! Took me a few hours to relax and get into it but I don’t regret anything actually! I regret not bringing a camera, as there were so many incredible Cosplays. I was gobsmacked! Don’t be intimidated by experienced Cosplayers. They’ve all had to learn and start from scratch too! Just get into it and have fun. That’s what it all comes down to.”
Major Sam as Poison Ivy from DC Comics (original design), photo by Steven Brown
Major Sam says:
“My first convention, I made a Cosplay I couldn’t sit down in. Small regret there. But the best advice I can give you is – make sure you DRINK WATER. Can’t stress it enough.”
That’s a wrap for us this week! Hopefully we’ve soothed some of those convention nerves for you!
