Hi there!
First of all, I'm so happy you decided to cosplay! Cosplay is an awesome and fun activity that really gives you a chance to be creative. As someone who was vice president of an Anime Club myself, I know that looking after such a large club at a convention can be hectic. Here's some tips I can recommend to you and I hope they'll help!
COSPLAY:
1. PLANNING
- Always always plan ahead! Some cosplays take months ahead of time to plan for.
- Decide on a cosplay you're comfortable with. If your character shows a lot of skin and you're uncomfortable with it, don't push your comfort zone! Better yet, modify your character's costume so that you ARE comfortable.
- Doing cosplays with your parent is even more fun! I myself love seeing people of all ages cosplay.
- Plan your costumes accordingly. Write down what you need, what you think you'll need, and where you think you can get it. Then gather your cosplay together.
2. PUTTING COSPLAYS TOGETHER (Homemade)
- Homemade cosplays are always fun to do. Gives you a chance to be free and creative with what materials you use.
- Learn how to sew! It'll not only help with cosplay, it'll help you later in life as well
- What kind of cosplay? Fabric cosplays require a lot of sewing, a handy tip is, if you need a lot of fabric, try going to Joann's when they have coupons! Always use coupons or it'll cost you a fortune! If you do armor cosplays, foam (craft foam or yoga mat foam aka EVA Foam) is your best friend! EVA foam is a little more expensive but it's nice to work with. There are plenty of tutorials on youtube that can help.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help! You can find many cosplayers with experience who are more than happy to give you advice. A lot of us are friendly and little weird but fun haha.
- Don't spend too much! As 8th graders, I think it'd be a bit crazy to spend $300 on a cosplay unless you want, but this is just my advice.
- You can also buy premade items and piece your costumes together that way instead of starting from scratch! Ebay and Amazon are the place to go.
3. PUTTING COSPLAYS TOGETHER (Buying Full Cosplays)
- Beware of scammers! If you plan on commissioning, go to a reputable commissioner with good reviews and lots of feedback showing proof that they received their items. Many people are bad and pose as commissioners only to take money from people over the internet. AND ALWAYS USE PAYPAL. With Paypal, if you do not receive commission photos or items within 2 weeks, you can cancel your payment and get a full refund.
- Be courteous! Cosplays take a LONG time to make. Sometimes weeks, sometimes months. Be patient. Don't rush your commissioner.
- There are many reputable cosplay stores online such as Cosplayhouse.com -- Cosplaysky.com -- etc. These may take a while to arrive though as they come from out of the country (some stores are in country as well)
- They're expensive $$$$ Cosplays can run from as low as $80.00 - $200+ I recommend finding facebook pages where people resell their cosplays. Such as
www.facebook.com/groups/cosplay.for.sale/4. COSPLAY TIPS
- Don't wear shoes that are uncomfortable for you! Cons go on for a while and walking around a lot will make your feet hurt.
- Bring a bag. A small satchel or backpack can help with carrying your wallet, a water bottle (this is essential btw), and so on.
- No means no! If someone approaches you and you are uncomfortable, you have every right to reject them and tell them to leave you alone.
- Be confident. Nothing fits a character more than confidence (i mean unless your character is unconfident)
- Have fun!
CONVENTION TIPS:
1. KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR KIDS
- CELL PHONES. Write down everyone's cell phone numbers!
- Pairs/Groups. NEVER EVER GO OFF ALONE AT A CON. I cannot emphasize how dangerous that can be. Always stay in groups of 2 or more to ensure safety. Better yet, assign groups with adult leaders to walk around with them to make sure they are ok.
- Assign schedules. Make a schedule for when you leave, and when you come back. This way you can do head counts to make sure everyone is accounted for. And assign meeting spots!
2. CON ETIQUETTE
- I think this video explains it best
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BVKu8Pt1pc3. PANELS
- Do go to panels! They're really fun and awesome
- I recommend the maid cafe as well, it's a genuine experience and the staff are v v nice.
4. THINGS TO BRING
- Money! Food costs A LOT at the con, I typically recommend going off premises to eat or bring your own food, but if you do plan to eat there, bring money. Bring money for cool artists items and fan merchandise as well!
- Water bottles. You will get thirsty. There will be a lot of people at the water fountain. Water bottles will be expensive. Bring one.
- A camera/phone. First of all, you need a phone in case people call you because of an emergency. Secondly, take pictures ~ Memories all around.
Well, I think that's about all I can give you tips on. It should about cover everything. If you ever need any more help or have more questions, I run this cosplay page and you can always send me a message and I'll reply ASAP
Have fun!
www.facebook.com/Venixcos/
