do i have to cosplay at an anime convention

by Martina Wintheiser 5 min read
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Here's some advice about cosplaying at an anime convention. Do I need to wear a costume to the convention? Not at all. You can definitely enjoy a convention without dressing up.Feb 19, 2012

Full Answer

Is Cosplay a part of anime conventions?

Cosplay is definitely a huge part of anime conventions. In addition to all the hall costumes, there are numerous cosplay events and costume contests. It's always fun to dress up as your favorite character and have your picture taken. Here's some advice about cosplaying at an anime convention.

What do you do at an anime convention?

In addition to all the hall costumes, there are numerous cosplay events and costume contests. It's always fun to dress up as your favorite character and have your picture taken. Here's some advice about cosplaying at an anime convention.

Can you take pictures at a cosplay convention?

Just do everyone a favor and wear some deodorant so there’s no stank up in the con. While cosplayers are happy that folks admire their cosplays and are flattered that you want to take pictures, there is an unsaid rule; ask for permission before filming them.

How to choose someone to cosplay with?

When choosing someone to cosplay in public, one of the biggest sources for character inspiration is children’s characters. When you are in cosplay, especially as a kids’ character, you must be mindful of how you act. Do not say or do anything that your character won’t do while you are in costume.

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Can you go to an anime convention without cosplay?

Costumes are optional! However it can be really fun to dress up as your favorite anime villain and terrorize the convention.

What do you do at a anime convention?

Anime conventions often have panels, which are open ended discussions involving some pre-determined topic, usually related in at least some way to anime. Panels usually come in two segments, the host puts on a presentation or does an interview with a guest, and then the fans are asked to give questions.

How old do you have to be to cosplay at an anime convention?

As cosplay has become more mainstream and accessible, people have been able to enter the world of costume creation at younger ages. On average, cosplayers wear their first costume to a convention at age 21. However, there is no age limit for cosplay.

Can a 14 year old go to an anime convention?

Ages 14-17: Anyone 14 and older must purchase a 4-day or 1-day general attendee badge. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to pick up their badge. We recommend attendees ages 14-17 have a parent or guardian close by for the duration of the event.

Are anime conventions kid friendly?

Generally, if your child is above the age of 13, well behaved, and traveling with a group of trusted friends, it's probably fine for them to attend the convention without you. Is my child safe? Anime cons are generally very safe environments.

Should I cosplay at my first con?

Absolutely, in fact the majority of attendees don't do cosplay for the event. And if this is your first time, it may be for the best if you opt for comfort over creativity. If you have a relevant t-shirt, Comic-Con is a great place to wear it.

Should I let my daughter cosplay?

You Should Let Your Kid Cosplay — and You Should Try It, Too It can be hard when your kids don't turn out just like you, but it's even harder to watch them struggle. This is especially true if your kid doesn't fit preconceived and prepackaged molds that the Disney industrial complex serves up.

Can I go to Anime Expo alone?

Most folks think you have to have a big group to enjoy an anime convention, but the truth is you can have fun at a Con all by yourself! No, seriously, I mean it! Going solo to an anime convention can be just as fun as going with a group of people; in fact, it might even be more enjoyable for some people.

Can a 10 year old cosplay?

“Can kids cosplay?” A resounding YES. Children can cosplay and even do a good bit of the work that is involved in creating costumes and characters. Kids tend to be creative and take more risks and chances that result in amazing creations.

Do you have to pay for anime conventions?

Smaller anime conventions usually cost around $30 for a pre-registered badge. Larger conventions can cost $50-$60 for a badge. You may also need to factor renting a hotel room or a home stay, as well as transportation, such as airplane tickets or parking and gas for a car.

How much does it cost to go to an anime convention?

The cost to attend the convention For most large anime conventions, expect the ticket price to be between $80-$100. Smaller events will typically charge somewhere around $40-$60.

What should I bring to an anime convention?

How to Pack for Cosplay ConventionCosplay shoes/boots.Makeup.Cosplay wigs (spare wig)Super glue.Safety pins.Hair pins.

My experience with cosplay conventions and why you should listen to Senpai

I’ve been to a lot of cosplay conventions, so Senpai definitely has a lot of experience! Photo by OOC Photography.

4. How much is a cosplay convention?

The price of a convention can vary, depending on how big it is and if you need to travel outside of your hometown.

5. How old do you have to be to go to a cosplay convention?

Cosplay is for all ages! Image by Press 👍👍 Love you 💖 from Pixabay.

6. Can kids go to cosplay conventions?

There are special rules when kids are at conventions. Image by Neill McLaughlin from Pixabay.

7. Do cosplay conventions cost money?

Cons like Anime North are very expensive to run, so they need all the money to financially pay for the expenses.

8. What are the biggest cosplay conventions?

Anime Central in Chicago is one of the larger Anime conventions in the United States.

9. How much money should I bring to an anime con?

Don’t come to a cosplay convention empty-handed! Bring some extra cash for the dealer’s room and for food after. 🙂 Image by Andrew Khoroshavin from Pixabay.

What is cosplay chess?

Cosplay Chess is a form of human cosplay, where the characters are formed into two teams, which are controlled by two players, usually two more characters.

Can you take a picture of a cosplayer?

Simply ask if you can take their picture. Almost always they will say yes - cosplayers love to have their picture taken because it shows that people like their costume. However, please be respectful if they say no. They may be in a rush to meet someone, go to a panel or judging, or something else.

Is it bad to buy a costume online?

It is not a bad thing at all to buy your costume online. Again, don't worry if people make a big deal about it. Cosplaying is about having fun. However, do not say you made the costume when you actually bought it, and whatever you do, don't enter it in any craftsmanship judging. That is cheating.

Is cosplay a part of anime conventions?

Cosplay is definitely a huge part of anime conventions. In addition to all the hall costumes, there are numerous cosplay events and costume contests. It's always fun to dress up as your favorite character and have your picture taken. Here's some advice about cosplaying at an anime convention.

1. Costumes for anime con and Japanese themed parties

If you gravitate towards cosplaying, lean into it. It’s really fun to decide the character and get your own hands to design the outfit for yourself. From wigs, makeup, costumes, and shoes, changing yourself into a totally different person is such a must-try experience.

2. Pick the costumes that are WALKING-FRIENDLY

In the large-scale anime or cosplay convention, high chance it’s terribly crowded. It’s important to avoid any dramatic and long trailing pieces that you could easily be tripped over.

3. What to wear to an anime convention without cosplay? Anime quote tee

If you don’t prefer cosplaying, it’s okay too! A cool anime quote tees are always worth investing in. Not only you can wear them to the anime festival, but they are also subtle enough to wear in daily life. While only half of the crowd in the anime convention will do the cosplay, but most of the people will at least wear an anime-related shirt.

4. Go anime convention in an anime shirt

If you want to show your love to your favorite character, what about picking an anime top to get in the hype?

6. School girl look for Japanese themed party

If you think cosplaying is too much of a hassle but still want to instill a touch of Japanese culture into your get-up, consider the iconic Japanese schoolgirl look.

7. Suchi chef makes cosplay easy

I just can’t help but include this one. If you wonder what is the most effortless way to cosplay, being a sushi chef has to be top of the list. Team it with black pants and you’re good to go! You can match your look with your partner or friends for a sushi chef gang – isn’t that fun?

8. Dress in layers is KEY

Even the venue is stuffy and hot, the weather may cold outside. It’s better to dress in layers so you can easily take the clothes on and off. Instead of wearing one cashmere turtleneck top, layer your look up with a tee and a shacket will be way better!

1. Learn what to expect

The first thing to do when attending a convention is to learn what to expect. Some conventions are different than others depending on the size of the convention!

2. Plan what to spend money on

Sometimes conventions can be cheap, and sometimes they can be expensive. Conventions that have a free ConSuite or ConSweet (TM) offer free snacks and sodas through the weekend so that you can recharge and save money. If you have to buy beverages from the hotel then expect prices to be higher than elsewhere.

3. Make your costumes well in advance

Costumes are optional! However it can be really fun to dress up as your favorite anime villain and terrorize the convention. Note that most conventions have policies against destructive behavior - actual villain behavior is not allowed.

4. Eat healthy and hydrate

It's super easy to get so caught up in convention events that you forget to eat and drink plenty of water. So remember to drink water and snack throughout the day so that you don't collapse. This is especially important if you go to the convention dance or if you have a heavy costume.

5. Be safe

If you're younger, bring a responsible adult with you to the convention. Make sure that someone is reachable in case of emergency by programming the emergency contact in your phone or having it written on a card in your wallet. Also make sure that you can be reached in case a family member is looking for you.

6. Expect the unexpected

Sometimes guests cancel at the last minute (flight cancellations are happening more and more frequently last minute). Or sometimes panels won't happen that you expected. Try not to plan your entire convention experience around just one event, in case something happens to that event.

7. Bring friends with you

Conventions are definitely social events! Dressing up in costume and hanging out with friends who like the same series is a huge part of the experience. If you love anime, video games, comic books, Disney movies, or anything else, enjoying it with others is more fun.

1. Forgetting part of your costume at home

Forgetting a piece of your cosplay is a more common mistake than you might think. Most costumes have an assortment of different parts that you need to assemble when you wear it. From the wig, to the shoes, gloves, undershirt, special effects makeup, and more, you might accidentally forget a piece of the costume at home.

2. Wearing a messy wig

Your hair frames your face and can seriously enhance the look of your cosplay. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. If you don’t take care of your wig, it could easily end up with stray hairs that detract from the quality of the rest of your costume.

3. Not following costume rules

All conventions will have their own rules about costumes that you can check on the event website. These rules will cover basics, including how much the costume has to cover you, the types of special effects makeup allowed, whether full-face masks are permitted and what to do about dresses and clothing that drag on the floor.

4. Finishing your cosplay the night before the convention

We’ve all been there. You’re in the hotel room the night before the convention frantically finishing your costume so you can wear it tomorrow. You’ll end up staying up late into the morning or even pulling an all-nighter just to get the costume to be wearable. It’s a stressful way to start your convention weekend.

5. Offending others by acting in character

While a lot of focus in cosplay goes to the costume itself, there is also an aspect of roleplay. You can have fun acting as your character when you put on the costume. For the most part, this is all well and good. It just adds to the fun of cosplay.

6. Bringing an inappropriate prop

Just like conventions have rules for costumes, they also have rules for the types of props you can bring with you. Pretty much all conventions will limit any kind of live steel, ruling out any real swords or blades of any kind. However, beyond this, the rules can vary dramatically.

7. Wearing uncomfortable shoes

Your costume might look absolutely fantastic with those 5-inch heels, but by the time you walk the three blocks from your hotel to the convention center, you will regret your choice of footwear. This goes for other types of shoes as well. You do a lot of walking at conventions.

What is cosplaying on Halloween?

It is literally the act of dressing as a character and becoming that character. People technically do it on Halloween, but many make viable careers out of doing it year-round. Cosplayers usually start out casual just buying costumes or learning how to sew with parents and YouTube tutorials.

What to do when you're a cosplayer?

Doing a photo shoot is one of the coolest things a cosplayer can do. It is arguably the ultimate way to showcase your work and modeling abilities. Many cosplayers’ photoshoot photos have gone viral and gotten them great opportunities, so you can understand why folks choose to do them. Often, they have a professional photographer taking the photos and they have a set plan in mind. If you see a cosplay photoshoot going on, ask permission to join in and take your own pictures so you don’t accidentally get in the way.

What do cosplayers make their own props for?

Many cosplayers make their own props to go with their cosplay. The prop may be a staff, toy, weapon, or other accessories that make the character pop. These props are usually handmade, delicate, or both. Knowing this, do not just grab a cosplayer’s prop without respect or permission.

What to do when a cosplayer is on break?

Taking regular breaks to drink water, eat, and rest is essential to your wellbeing. Most folks follow the unspoken rule that when a cosplayer is on break, you do not bother them for photos or signatures. Nobody wants to be bothered while they are eating with friends and ‘off-duty’.

What is the best source of inspiration for cosplay?

When choosing someone to cosplay in public, one of the biggest sources for character inspiration is children’s characters. When you are in cosplay, especially as a kids’ character, you must be mindful of how you act. Do not say or do anything that your character won’t do while you are in costume.

Is cosplay fun?

Cosplay is meant to be a fun and exhilarating experience but there are still some rules that fans and cosplayers are constantly breaking. As a kid, I freaking loved Halloween. Dressing up as your latest favorite characters, going out around your neighborhood, getting candy with your friends; an actual kids’ paradise.

What is the act of dressing up as a character?

Some people are so into dressing up that they make their own costumes. These people are often the ones who become cosplayers. Cosplay, in case you have not heard of it, is a portmanteau of the words ‘costume’ and ‘play’. It is literally the act of dressing as a character and becoming that character.

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