Word Out 2014

Mummies Alive cosplay!

FanExpo 2014 will be held in downtown Toronto from August 28th-31st!

If you’ve never been to an anime or fan convention before, they can be pretty overwhelming. Especially if you decide to go for your first time in a costume! Here are a few suggestions on the etiquette and common sense to follow!

On taking care of yourself

• If you’re staying at a hotel—even if you aren’t!—try to get at least 6 hours of sleep per night. There may be tons to do, but you’ll enjoy it better if you aren’t exhausted!
• Drink lots of water! Cons get pretty hot, especially in summer, and if you get dehydrated, you won’t be getting the most out of your experience
• Eat at least 2 meals a day, for the exact same reasons!
• Be sure to shower and use other personal hygiene products as appropriate. Close quarters and hot spaces can mean people get pretty sweaty!
• Unless your costume prevents you, wear comfortable clothes and footwear. There can be a lot of standing in line for popular panels, or to see certain celebrities, as well as lots of walking!
• If you have any problems with any other attendees at the con, left the staff or security know. It’s their job to make sure everyone is safe and having a good time
• Check out all con policies before you attend, just to familiarize yourself with their rules and so you know what to do if you have problems or concerns

On hugging

Tim Horton's mecha!

It might seem a bit weird to include this as a special section, but believe it or not, this is something a lot of cons have had problems with! Always, always, always, ask permission before hugging or touching anyone who isn't a close, personal friend!

On picking a costume

• Be aware of any convention restrictions, such as appropriate attire (typically you need to be dressed enough to pass a PG-13 rating!), as well as restrictions on props
• Carefully read the convention’s weapons/prop policy if you plan on having props for your costume! Most of those rules are very inflexible, for the safety of everyone at the con, and you don’t want to have to leave your accessories in your car, hotel room, or with convention staff!
• If you’re going to wear a very big or bulky costume, be aware that in crowds, you may be difficult to walk around—and find moving around difficult yourself!—and the costume may be bumped into. Make sure it can resist damage, or avoid wearing it during the busiest times at the con
• Also if your costume is big and bulky, or restricts movement or vision, you should have a friend with you to help out. Note that some cons will require this, for your safety and the safety of others

A Digimon Photo Shoot

On photographing cosplayers

• Ask permission! If multiple people are already taking photos, ask permission anyway if plausible, to be polite. If it’s specifically a fan/con-arranged photo shoot, you do not need to ask permission
• If it’s a professional photo shoot, you should not be taking photos without asking the other photographer
• If you plan on using your photos for any professional purposes, let the cosplayer know and give them a card/contact details/website address where the photos will be, in case they do not want to participate
• Do not take photos of cosplayers if they are working on their costumes (i.e. dealing with a wardrobe emergency!)
• Try to avoid photographing cosplayers if they are eating/taking a break (especially if they have taken off parts of their costume!)
• If a cosplayer is in a hurry and does not have time for a photo, respect their decision
  

  Zant from Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
• Do not take photos in areas that will become too congested for others to pass safely (i.e. middle of a narrow sidewalk beside a busy road, hallway that is used as a pass-through between areas)
• Try to take photos in an area that is least disruptive to other con-goers as possible
• Allow the cosplayer to adjust their costume/pose and let you know when they’re ready for you to take a photo
• Absolutely do not touch the cosplayer or their costume without permission

As a cosplayer

• Assume that if you’re in costume, people will want to take your photo!
• Be aware that the more detailed, popular, or extravagant your costume, the more people will want a photo
• Be gracious when turning people down if you are in a hurry/fed up/need a break
• Many, many people will post their photos online—decide ahead of time whether or not you are comfortable with this. If not, you may not want to cosplay or may want to get details from the person as to where they are posting their photos
• A lot of people will probably refer to you by your character’s name, if they’re trying to get your attention. Be prepared to respond to “Hey Rinoa!” or “Eren” or “Madoka” or even “hey purple Gundam-looking-robot thing!”
• Expect questions about your costume, and how it was made. People are often curious, especially if they make costumes themselves. If you didn’t make your own costume, but had it commissioned, bought it, or it was made by a friend, you shouldn’t take credit for someone else’s work. Chances are you’ll be found out if the other person really knows what they’re doing!

And lastly, don’t forget to have fun!

What other suggestions would you have for first-time con-goers?

If you're looking for cosplay ideas for the con, check out these books for some inspiration!

All photos in this post were taken by the author at Anime North 2014.