do you have to cosplay at an anime convention

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.

Should you go to anime conventions in costume?

If you're a true fan, you'll not only attend comic conventions and anime conventions, but also attend them in costume. Dressing up in costume, known as cosplaying, is one of the coolest and most enjoyable things you can do at an anime or comic conveniton! If you have the time and resources, I recommend you really put some work into your costume.

What is a cosplay costume?

A cosplay is a costume in the style of an anime character. You may buy a cosplay or make your own cosplay at home. You should start making your cosplay costume early so it is ready in time for the convention. Get friends or parents to help you put together your cosplay and have fun making your own version of a beloved anime character.

How long does it take to experience an anime convention?

There are many anime conventions throughout the world and in North America. Some cons are massive events with thousands of people in attendance for several days of fun. Others are smaller events where you have a smaller crowd and can experience the con in a few hours.

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.

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.

What do you need for a anime convention?

At the minimum, you will need to budget for the anime convention badge, buying food, purchasing anime merchandise, and preparing your cosplay, if you are doing one. If you decide to travel for an anime convention, you will need to budget for transportation to and from the con as well as accommodations.

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.

What should I wear to my first anime convention?

There is going to be a lot going on and you are going to want to dress to the nines cosplaying your favorite anime characters. Whether that cosplay requires a something simple like a tee-shirt and slacks or something as elegant as giant angel wings, you need to make sure that your cosplay is fun but still safe.

How much does anime con cost?

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.

Will Anime Expo 2021 happen?

We are committed to bringing you the best of the best next year as we return to Los Angeles for our 30th anniversary on July 2-5, 2021! As I have said before, we are in this together. We love and support our community and know Anime Expo is an event like no other.

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.

Can a 11 year old go to a cosplay convention?

COSPLAY IS AN ALL-AGES EVENT. There will have one competition for children 13 and under and then a contest for anyone else entered. The Cosplay choice should be considered a PG-13 rated event at the most. The judgement of what is acceptable is left to the sole discretion of the Cosplay Director and Retropalooza staff.

Can you bring a bag to anime NYC?

We want everyone at Anime NYC to be safe, and if our security team feel you have something which isn't safe, you may check it at our Bag Check – but it won't be allowed into Anime NYC.

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. 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.

How to dress for a cosplay convention?

1. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. If you are not cosplaying, you should make sure you are wearing comfortable clothes and walking shoes, as you will likely be on your feet most of the day. The convention may be hot once you are inside the venue, so you may want to dress in layers to stay comfortable.

How much does it cost to attend an anime convention?

Smaller anime conventions usually cost around $30 for a pre-registered badge. Larger conventions can cost $50-$60 for a badge.

What to do if your cosplay gets damaged?

This way, if your cosplay gets damaged, you can fix it easily and quickly. Loose cash to spend on food and souvenirs. You may want to set a budget so you do not spend too much money on clothing, posters, DVDs, books, and other merchandise at the con. A camera and extra batteries or a plug in charger.

What to put in a convention survival kit?

You should include several key items in your convention survival kit, including: A sewing kit, duct tape, and markers to make emergency repairs on your cosplay.

Do you have to preregister for anime con?

You should always try to pre-register for anime cons, as it will cost you less to attend and you will get to wait in a shorter line to pick up your badge. If you decide to pre-register, you should make sure you are able to attend as most anime con badges are non-refundable and non-transferable.

What if I haven't attended a comic convention?

I kid you not. These events are some of the most enjoyable, cathartic, interesting, inspiring, and exhausting activties in which one can engage.

Can you take a photo of cosplayers?

If you're shy, don't be afraid to ask cos players to take a photo of them- it is common practice to photograph cosplayers and nobody showing up to a convention in costume is going to get pissed if you try to take their photo so long as they're not busy with something else.

Is Halloween good for cosplay?

Sure, Halloween is good for costumes, but convention cosplay brings costume-wearing to an entirely new level. When taking photos at conventions, take full advantage of the front of the convention center and areas near entrances when shooting.

Can you dress up in anime?

If you're a true fan, you'll not only attend comic conventions and anime conventions, but also attend them in costume. Dressing up in costume, known as cosplaying, is one of the coolest and most enjoyable things you can do at an anime or comic conveniton! If you have the time and resources, I recommend you really put some work into your costume.

Do anime conventions have excuses?

Anime conventions and comic cons would not have much of an excuse for existing if they did not bring in interesting speakers and personalities, and these panels and appearances make up a huge proportion of these events' draw.

January 2, 2012

Do I need to buy a ticket to get in? You will need to buy a badge, which grants you admission to the conventions. To get a badge you need to register for the convention, by either pre-registering before the event or when you arrive at the event.

FAQ for First Time Convention Attendees

Do I need to buy a ticket to get in? You will need to buy a badge, which grants you admission to the conventions. To get a badge you need to register for the convention, by either pre-registering before the event or when you arrive at the event.