How to Show Off Your Cosplay at Comic Conventions: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

However, one thing the limited and absurd experience we call life has taught me — is that people want nothing more than to be someone else from time to time. In my day, pull up a dusty old cowboy hat of nobody wanted it and what was mostly a stick with the potential for rifle. But today? In 2014, we make suits of lights and cloaks so great even Shakespeare would cry.

Well, you know that little voice in your head is going to demand a turn strapping on the boots of another soul—a Jedi or pirate, magical girl or monstrous titan—and walk through those fantastical doors strolling down Boogeyman Boulevard beside hordes upon ever-loving hordes of eager cosplayers. Welcome to comic con! So, for the newcomers to this wild and crazy world — a little word from the wise (that might not actually be wisdom) wrapped in 50 shades of sassy!

1. Picking a Life Partner = Choose (Choose your Character)

What you should not type: the new trendy anime demon slayer no name Choose somebody you actually admire—or even better, someone who makes your blood boil. The Aesthetic of Princess Mononoke That mopey, brooding silhouette of Batman? So what is there not to like about Deadpool, right? Excellent. That passion will outsparkle all the rhinestones on your breastplate. Believe me, if you half-arse it folks will smell that uncommitted cosplay from a mile off like the stench of month-old milk in church.

 

2. Whether the item is made or purchased, it should be done so with heart.

Cosplay is not about being rich, it’s all about resourcefulness. Make your own —If you have the hands of a seamstress and skills to match, become master-level haunted by creating from scratch. If not, there is no shame in buying a high-quality one (just steer clear of those dollar store fails that even look like they were spit out by the dust bunny under your bed).

Detail is detail whether you are using a hot glue gun or credit card. Wrinkles ironed. Armor pieces secured. You brushed your wig like you were going to meet the queen. Cosplay, the devil is in the details — and that camera be his cousin too.

 

Read More: Best Cosplay Ideas for Couples and Groups

 

3. Practice Posing As If You Pay It Rent

Come on you star gazing dumb arse. Consider mobility: how does your character move? Smile? Sneer? Have fun and make a few of your signature poses in the mirror until you look like an idiot to that stalking cat);} Confidence is half the costume, and if you strut like that convention center was made for your cosplay?

Top tip: hit 3 killer poses All fun, all flair and just a tiny gasp from photographers.

 

4. Be Ready … Because Comic Cons Are Air-Conditioned Jungles

What they never say: Comic conventions suck. They are noisy, packed and the air stinks of overpriced popcorns and fate. Bring water. Bring snacks. Bring deodorant. (Yes, my friend — with a lot of deodorant especially.)

This is also the time to pack a cosplay repair kit: safety pins, double-sided tape, maybe even a tiny sewing kit or some glue sticks. It is the amount of your Halloween costume, this drops more than others. Possibly you.

 

5. Respect is a Part of the Ensemble

Superhero laws, the rules of human decency. However, just remember that everyone of every level is a human person on the inside: sweating in their costume with sore feet and granola bars. Not touch without asking, admire no leering and never ever supporting by mocking.

How about if someone wants to take a picture of you? Smile as if you are about to be named the new King of Nerds.

 

6. Show Your Work to The World

Don’t just disintegrate your cosplay away to dust after the convention like those poor Avengers. Upload pictures through the interwebs, make sure to find cosplay groups or communities (we never say NO) snap chat you stuff WIP and talk with other magic makers. The cosplay community is huge and like any good tavern, all are welcome with a story to tell, or better yet an outfit.

 

Read More: Custom vs. Ready-Made Cosplay Costumes: How to Choose the Best Option for You

 

Final words

But I learned that cosplay is not what you look like — it’s how much effort and heart you put into your passion. It’s not the price of what you bought but your intention behind. You deserve to be on that con floor, whether you’re in cardboard or couture.

So go on – slip into those high heels, work the carpet and show your true self to the world… under all that foam rubber, glue, and sequins.

 

FAQs

1. Do I have to look like the character in order to cosplay as them?

 

Pish posh; if we all had to be our characters, there wouldn’t be anyone left aside from Mr. Hemsworth himself suited up as Thor — and I gather he has things going on. Cosplay is not a dance mimic; it’s an expression of love and respect for one’s favorite fictional characters. That — along with your love of the character — is all you need.

 

2. But what if my costume breaks at the convention?

 

And lo, verily I say unto thee: friend let me spin you a tale most tragic—EVERYTHING BREAKS; boots and armor fall to pieces under the tides of time, wig fibers fade with but one tug and even spirits themselves shudder at hour four confined in vendor hell! And that is why any smart cosplayer always carries a “repair kit. A little duct tape, handful of safety pins and a closet can spare you wardrobe nightmare turned meme-profitable moment.

 

3. Should I speak as that character if in costume?

 

Act? You dont have to do anything — except enjoy yourself, sir or madam. Yet turning the video game into a full-on LARP can make the entire quantity more enjoyable that is whole. All you have to do is pretend: You are a sorcerer, or maybe a mercenary hunter…or the cool magical school girl. You may as well enjoy the flash lights and illusions of it all; just continue to smile for the camera, the world will go along with you.