Part 2: At the Convention
Staying in hotel
It can be a lot of fun at conventions, but it can also cause drama. A few things to keep in mind:
* Before getting to the hotel, discuss with your roommates what is and isn’t ok in the room. Is it ok to bring your sewing machine and turn the room into a work room? Some cosplayers love getting together to work late into the night on their costumes, but you may have someone staying with you that will want to go to sleep early. Respect the wishes of your roommates.
* Keep the floor and tables clear so your roommates can move around and use the space. This will also avoid accidents, if a piece is left on the floor, it may be stepped on.
* If you can, hang up your costumes in the closet.
* Take advantage of the in-room iron and iron your costumes! You put a lot of work into them and you want to look crisp and wonderful for your photos.
Morning of the Conventions
Whether at home or staying at a hotel, you’ll want to give yourself extra time in the morning to get ready. In a hotel room you’ll have to take into consideration that you will be sharing your bathroom with other cosplayers. If you’ve had a chance to Costest before the con, that will give you you’re best bet at getting out on the convention floor when you planned to.
On the Floor
If you’ve been to a convention before you know it’s important to have a bag with you. Not just for the essentials like your phone and wallet, but a bag for all your treasures you will be purchasing at the convention. This is a problem for cosplayers, characters rarely carry bags as part of their design(where in the world to they put their wallet? Ha!)
Sometimes you can work in a bag as part of your costume; Pokemon trainers always have backpacks. You can also sew pockets into big sleeves and robes. But what if you are wearing a skimpier costume, or something that would get in the way of carrying a bag? How about a friend who isn’t cosplaying! Affectionately refereed to as a “Pack Mule”, they can help carry your stuff around during the day. Make sure you ask before you get to the convention and make it up to them later with lunch. Be good to your Pack Mule and they will be good to you.
What’s in you’re bag?
With all this talk of bags, you probably wondering “What could I possible be carrying around that I would need a friend to help?” Even if you have a hotel across the street, there are a few cosplay specific items that you’ll want with you, so that you are not running back and forth.
* A pocket sewing kit including hand sewing needles, thread clippers, thread in the colour of your cosplay, safety pins, extra buttons
* Duck tape
* Make-up for touch-ups
* Detergent pen
* Comb to brush long wigs
* Contact case & solution for contact wearers
* (optional) Glue gun w/ sticks
Masquerades and Hallway Contests
Masquerades are cosplay competitions were craftsmanship is judged by a panel. It involves 2 parts; walking across stage, and questions from the judge. Behind stage the judges will look at the construction close up and ask questions about the work process. This has become an important part of the judging and cosplayers bring detailed notes and photos in a notebook to show the judges. Masquerades also have a skit competition and the rules will be posted on the website before the convention.
Hallway contest are less formal competition, unlike a masquerade, cosplayers don’t have to sign up for it. Judges will walk around the convention and hand out awards to cosplayers.
It is completely up to you whether you want to be in the masquerade, it doesn’t make you an more or less of a cosplayer if you don’t compete.
Before Leaving
Your costumes will go through a lot of wear and tear during the con. Treat stains as soon as possible to avoid setting. When taking costumes off, pack them away neatly with all the pieces together to avoid losing or damaging anything. Take note of any damage they may have to be repaired later. Give your wigs a quick brush before re-bagging.
Remember the most important thing, conventions and cosplay are supposed to be fun. I can’t promises that there won’t be blood, sweat. and tears in your cosplay, but take it easy on yourself if things don’t go as planned. There will always be another convention.
That’s part 2 of the 3 part series Cosplayer’s Guide to Convention Season. At the Convention is next!
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