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| Left to right- My husband (Kyle Strickland as Tuxedo Mask), Anna Heim (as Sailor Moon), Myself (as Sailor Mercury), Awesome T-Shirt Vendor (as Sailor Jupiter) and Ryan Brown (as Melvin) |
Unfortunately, I'm now a Grad student. Money is not flowing.
Someone on the Anime Weekend Atlanta Facebook Group asked for DO's and DON'Ts. My list got too long for a Facebook reply, so here is my advice in long form. DON'Ts come first, so we can end on a positive note.
DON'T be rude. That girl who asks condescending questions, that guy who points out canonical flaws in costumes, and the attention-whore who spreads herself across the front of photos are NOT cool, even among nerds.
DON'T refuse photos, unless you're late for judging or a panel you're part of. If that's the case, explain. If you came in costume, you've asked to be photographed.
DON'T forget to hydrate. Heavy Cosplay + walking = heat stroke. I'd much rather have to unbuckle half my friend's costume for her so that she can pee than have to leave the con because she blacked out.
DON'T be a creeper. Shouting "SAILOR MERCURY IS HOT!" is fine, but overly-long hugs and groping are NOT Okay. Teen girls: don't spend the con stalking that cute Tuxedo Mask, especially when he's six years older and with fiance.
DON'T be late, you'll miss out on the fun!
DON'T tread on capes and trains.
DON'T host a panel and open it up to fan comments. That was hell.
DO pack cereal bars and water to save money on snacks. Experts- fill your hotel with cereal and microwave meals. Eating meals out quickly dwarfs a costume and admission budget. Save money for Manga and Pocky!
DO HYDRATE!
DO plan photo time into travel time if you Cosplay. I've spent the majority of my time at AWA in years past taking photos because my seamstress, Anna, is awesome.
DO get to costume judging early in case you need to pose or repair.
DO pack safety pins, superglue, and duct tape.
DO remember your spare camera batteries.
DO plan some plainclothes time so you can see the con.
DO make business cards with your blog, photobucket, flickr, or DeviantArt so people can see pics you took of them later.
DO double check all con rules before beginning costume construction. At AWA you cannot walk around hand-cuffed together, carrying realistic guns or metal weapons.
DO cosplay to your body-type/look. I'd make a poor Sailor Jupiter (short and skinny) and my husband would be a terrible Aang. Know your type. You'll get more love if you look like your character.
DO work a purse or pocket into your costume... unless you have an entourage.
DO practice poses beforehand so you can snap into them easily and so you know beforehand what is going to hurt in the long run.
DO shower Artists and Cosplayers with compliments.
DO remember that cosplayers come with different levels of skill, wealth, commitment, and talented friends. Cut the criticism from your conversations. "I love your boots" or "Speed Grapher is my favorite" are just fine, but if you really can't think of anything nice, zip it.
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