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missmakercosplay-blog · 9 years ago

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Thoughts on Conventions from a First Timer

I don’t think I ever thought twice about conventions until I was 21 or so. Before that, my knowledge of fan conventions consisted of G4′s featured coverage of AEE (Adult Entertainment Expo) and any movie news that came out of SDCC. I didn’t even consider these the kinds of events I would enjoy.

Cosplay really triggered genuine interest in conventions. I started with Halloween costumes, putting together makeshift costumes with things in my closet and face paint. My love of Halloween extended longer than October and I would look up costume ideas on Pinterest...thus, cosplay. I already had a healthy love of anime, fantasy, sci-fi, and superheroes...so my obsession with cosplay came naturally.

After a year or so of longing to make and see costumes, life had come together to provide the perfect circumstances to attend a convention. I had time, money, and a friend eager enough to go with me. We chose Phoenix Comic Con 2016 as our first... I know...maybe I should’ve went with a smaller convention for my first time, but if I didn’t like a big convention, I don’t think I would’ve liked a smaller one any better. Also, PCC is a huge amalgam of pop culture, so I’d always be able to find something I liked.

We did the whole she-bang. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Stayed at a hotel next to the convention center. Cosplayed all four days. Attended parties, panels, and got our picture taken with Sean Astin (SAMWISE!!). We speed dated. We took pictures and spent more money than we intended. After all of that, here are the seven most important things I took away:

1. Everyone is as excited (if not more excited) as you are.

And excited people are usually nice. Be nice back.

2. People will address you as your character.

It is a strange thing the first time you realize someone is calling after you as your characters name. Once you get used to be called out, you’ll often hear your character being called as others point out the cosplay. It’s funny how many people get embarrassed when they get caught calling out your name.

When I was dressed as the Fem Khal Drogo, people often called out “GAME OF THRONES!” if they just saw me. My friend, dressed as Daenerys, was called “Khaleesi” more than anything else.

3. More people will ask for your picture than you think.

I had done my research on what to expect at conventions. Most of them said to expect to get your picture taken. So I did, but only maybe three or four times.

We put a lot of work into our cosplay and we got stopped more than we imagined. In total, probably about forty to fifty times. Everyone who stopped us was so sweet. They were easy with compliments and everyone (well, almost, but I’ll get to that) was respectful.

4. Lines are much more enjoyable if you talk to the people around you.

Time flies when camaraderie grows. We had the best time in lines, when we were able to talk to the people around us. Commiserate about the wait. If you’re both cosplaying, ask them about their costumes...if they bought it/made it...how long it took...what they made stuff out of...etc...You could even make real friends. So, Pyramid Head from the party on Saturday, if you ever read this, I wish I would’ve invited you to sit with us.

5. Like most events in life, BYOB.

Speaking of parties, if you are of legal drinking age, try to sneak in booze. It was way too expensive and the lines were too long.

6. Panels are actually fun.

I stupidly thought that panels would be dumb. I imagined them as long, awkward lectures that I would feel really uncomfortable in. We went to a Harry Potter panel called “Hogwarts...More Like Snogwarts.” It was 18+ and it was so much fun. There is something special about being in a room full of adults laughing over the implications Polyjuice Potion could have during sex. Find ones that sound interesting to you and GO!

7. You will remember the one shitty experience over the fifty amazing experiences. Stay as positive as possible.

We only had one experience that was less than positive. Day one, we were dressed as Zatanna and Raven. I wanted to wear Zatanna first, because I wanted to get over my fear of wearing a revealing costume in front of people and get my hottest (Like temperature wise. It was over a hundred degrees outside) costume out of the way. We were stopped to take some pictures for a few people in the hallway. They were lovely, then right after a group of men stopped to take our photos. We smiled and posed for them for all of their phone cameras. Afterwards, they said, “Tell your dad we said hi. We’re big fans of his work.” They laughed and walked off. We were a little confused to what they meant until after they had left. In all honesty, I’ve been called worse on the streets in public, but after posing for their picture, it made me feel gross and angry. It was only our first day and it easily could’ve ruined my entire trip. Instead, I shrugged it off and opened a bag of candy. Also, bring candy.

#cosplay #conventions #phoenixcomicon

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