Also, as someone who works at a convention... If someone is being creepy or making you uncomfortable, don't be afraid to let con staff know. We're here because we want you to have a good time and be safe. We don't want creeps around ruining your time. Even if it's a misunderstanding (and we've had those, where the person was cosplaying Tamaki from Ouran and roleplaying, didn't realize that he was making people uncomfortable, and the second we talked to him he realized he fucked up and said he would tone it down.) we'd rather sort it out than potentially have people harmed.
God, Tamaki cosplayers...the first time I went to a con, I met someone who cosplayed Tamaki and Sebastion. To make it short, he groomed me, stopped showing up to convention (I think he got banned as he was banned from many other cons). He is now in jail for CSEM and attempted molestation:' ) I wish I'd reported him but I was fourteen, already a CSA victim, and had no idea that he was a bad person...
I would recommend talk to people who went to that specific convention to see how their staff are. I'm from a city who has a huge con that is somewhat infamous for the ways their staff acts both online and at cons. Veteran cosplayers like myself don't attend that anymore but it's a good thing to (if possible) check how usually the con works with congoers
Im a Minor and never been to a convention and i have a couple questions but ill not ask em bc idk if youll respond but its good that you are looking out for people!!
If you're going in cosplay, be sure to take an emergency repair kit. Most cons nowadays have cosplay repair stations, but it's always a good idea to have your own kit on hand in the event you can't make it to the repair table.
@@Mai-zl5tk Probably a sewing needle, scissors, and some thread that matches your costume? Depends what it’s made of, but not a hot glue gun or anything lol
My biggest tip is something I learned the hard way at my first convention: remember that none of your plans are ever set in stone! And sometimes that’s a good thing! The morning of my first convention, one of the panelists canceled all of their panels last minute, leaving my morning completely open. It turned out to be one of my favorite convention experiences because I went to a karaoke party instead! Later that same con, I was feeling sick and didn’t want to wear the wig for a cosplay. So, I didn’t wear it, and it made the day much less stressful and more fun! TL;DR: Don’t be disappointed if plans change! Plans are never set in stone and that’s a good thing :)
Here's a tip: don't be afraid to ask for pictures! I have had many times where I asked for a pic with a young cosplayer (I'm also fairly new to this) and they were so happy that I asked.
@@typical_ae9200 that is amazing!! Sadly the comic con got changed to march 27 because of corona, so im hoping that it won't change again 😂, im also planning on buying a seraph of the end cosplay now :)
@@mangolivberjo wowww no way. I have a conventional coming up in 26th and 27th of March and I'll be dressing as princess mononoke whilst my other friends will be going as other ghibli film characters. I hope your cosplay goes well and that you'll have fun at your convention.😊
Btw, don’t feel worried if you think you’re cosplaying a character that no one knows about or is not as popular at the time !! I went to my first con recently as Kyoya from Ouran High School Host Club, and I was the only ohshc cosplayer there, but people will still recognize and compliment you and ask for photos, it’s awesome, so definitely go for it
Dude that’s awesome!!! i personally love loveee Kyoya!! i bet you were so awesome i’m going to my first Con next weekend and i’m so excited!!! i’m personally going as Obi Wan Kenobi but idk if it’s gonna be cool or not but hey anyways you’re so awesome for doing Kyoya!💙💙
I want to cosplay as Derek Stiles from Altus's Trauma Center games and there isn't really a conplay set for him so I was thinking of just buying a wig and a doctor uniform. But to make sure I don't look like I'm just cosplaying as a doctor I wanted to get the badge of the hospital that he works at but I can't find it anywhere. What should I do? I don't really know where to ask and I'm sorry this is so long 😅
@@ku1be hiya i don’t exactly know who that is but i did some research for ya and there appears to be his badge on Etsy maybe try there?? sorry if this isn’t exactly helpful i was trying to maybe find a solution 😅 hope ur cosplay goes well tho!💙💙🙏🏻
Con tip if you're a particularly ambitious first timer with big costume parts or cosplays that limit your vision (This means you too furries): HAVE A HANDLER A handler's role is basically -To lead you around if you can't see well -Hold stuff you can't carry -Tells you if you're bumping into people or asks people to get out of the way -Is the one who's designated to help you in or out of the costume - Talks to other people for you if your cosplay/costume inhibits that ability -Helps you take breaks whenever you need it Seriously. Having a handler not only helps you enjoy the event in your cosplay/costume, but also helps minimize accidents and misunderstandings
I love that I’ve been doing cons for like 8 years and I still love videos like this because sometimes there’s still something to learn or help! Thanks Anya!
@@alittlelesssixteencandles i got recognised by a surprising amount of people when i cosplayed cure flora so you never know!! and it’s so rewarding to be recognised by someone because it’s gonna be so much more exciting to them to see you because they probably didn’t think they would!
Also always ask for a picture! To me a it’s a HUGE compliment! I went to cpac in April and so many people asked for pictures, all of them were so kind and asked politely. Just go up to them (unless they’re eating or having a conversation) and ask for a picture. Remember to have fun too!
I remember seeing this other tip, for people who wear more makeup in their cosplay it's better to get a smoothie because it has some sort of drink and food in one because you know its a smoothie, and it won't wreck your makeup as much 😁
Small tip: If your drinking or eating anything that might stain and your wearing white, I recommend to try and find a napkin or bring a cloth you can get dirty so if it does spill it wont stain your shirt because if you did you would have to take time out of your day (especially if your not near the center) to go wash your cosplay.
When I was little / younger I always had someone with me that was older, but when I got older I started to like walking alone because you only have to think about you being happy. But because I have some handicaps I do like familiar people being around, luckly that is always the case. Because I am going to events my whole life I know A LOT of people by know, and even more know me, hahaha. It helps that the Netherlands is a smaller country so event communities are smaller.
@Flatty_kawa A lot, I can't name them all. But mostly reenactment and fantasy, sometimes another thing. ... Elfia, Castlefest, Historisch Doorn, Middeleeuws Spektakel, Dutch Comic Con, Quondam [BE].
I can relate! As I go to more conventions I get more comfortable spending time on my own because I tend to enjoy walking around a LOT more than people normally do, and I'm always so worried that walking so much will make my friends' feet hurt. It's a lot easier to spend time at conventions alone when you don't need to worry about how the other people in your group are feeling (tired, overwhelmed, etc.)
I love going by myself. I once went with my friends and we never could agree on panels and events for all of us to do. Heck I can make my own decision on taking transit because my friends never wanted to and I had to drive because I was the one with a license and my own car.
Sameee especially for Imaginarium up north here in Friesland, it’s a thing I’ve been doing with my uncle since I was a small child every year (didn’t go this year sadly) Dutch Comic Con started off the same way (go with parent and meet up with uncle, my second year I went with just my aunt and uncle, wasn’t able to be as free as I was the year prior as my aunt was scared of losing my 14 year old self while my mom just let me run wild as long as I didn’t die at 13 and then we get the progression of me going alone and somehow ending up in a whole new friend group that is still meeting up there every edition since (literally the second time I’m deliberately meeting up with them there next week lol))
Love this video, lots of great points! 💖 ❗Important note on NUTS❗: I recently learned that people with severe nut allergy can get an allergic reaction if they're at all close to nuts, it travels through the air. So if you're about to snack on some nuts and there are people around you, ask if anyone's allergic, or find a less crowded place, you could save someone's day 💪💜
I’m pretty thankful that I (a teenage girl) have my older cousins to go to my first con with me. One of them is 6’ 2” and pretty muscular, so I have a feeling that weirdos will leave us alone
Thank you so much for mentioning to take someone with you during photoshoots!!! I’ve been doing cons for about 10 years and from my experience that seems to be the biggest cause of uncomfortable and potentially dangerous experiences amongst my peers. Especially if your doing something like boudoir or really anything where you are going to more private areas without the crowd around. I’d say at least 9/10 photogs are decent people. But it’s not worth the risk. Plus it’s helpful to have someone there to flip your cape or hold a reflector!
Wear comfortable shoes and bring bandaids for blisters. If in cosplay bring an extra pair to wear for breaks. Make sure your bags are securely closed, if something falls out without you noticing you will have a hard time locating it. If you can take breaks outside of the con to get fresh air. If you have anxiety or panic in public settings and are with someone, come up with non-verbal signals and establish what you need to do if signal is used. Have a meeting spot if you come with people and seperate. Watch out for large props, normally they are safe but you can get hit with one accidentally. Remember to find where the bathrooms are when you enter the building. Be respectful and mindful of the people around you and ALWAYS ask for permission to film, photograph or physically interact with another person or their belongings.
Also, try to make most of your purchases closer to when you're leaving the con so you don't have to carry them around the whole time, especially if the items are large or fragile, or if your cosplay has a prop that you have to carry around.
My tip is Have a budget in mind before you go. It can be really easy to overspend in the vendors hall or on premium events or overpriced con food. And there's usually tons of stuff to do that's free for attendees! Video game and board game rooms with lending libraries especially are super common at conventions
a general just *life* tip that also seems to apply a lot at conventions is that your own safety will ALWAYS take priority over other peoples comfort and feelings. people who are going to be creepy towards you, and i mean this mainly if youre a young girl, are going to be targeting you counting on you not making a fuss because you were taught to be polite and accommodating. dont worry that youre being too sensitive or causing a scene over something small, if you feel unsafe or even just uneasy, trust your feelings and get away or speak up. its better than ending up in a dangerous situation
SAMEEEEEEE I found her yesterday when I was looking for tips for a Scorpia cosplay and now it's 1:45 in the morning and now I'm learning about conventions even though I probably won't be able to go to one until I'm of legal age 🤠
My first cosplay con was C2E2 2021 In December, And i CRIED. I was so exited and happy. I took SO many photos with cosplayers and even hugged all of them, I went as Emma from The Promised Neverland anr my sister was Gilda. We had soso much fun.
I’m very lucky to live close to an annual con, I would’ve gone last year but covid happened, plus I didn’t cosplay then. Hopefully I can go this year. We also don’t even have to go to a hotel since it’s only around an hour away from my house. So that’s cool
I agree on going to a couple of rounds for the exhibit halls. I do this a lot like 3-4 times. Sometimes vendors sell similar items for cheaper or have better options. You also have a chance to decide what you want to buy when you see everything.
For the stay hydrated tip! We were super lucky at our local convention we had a tap soda vendor! You buy a cup from him (they were really nice collectible ones ranging in price for color or extra insulation. They also sold lids and metal straws which really can in handy for cosplaying and not ruining your makeup or spilling on yourself!) and you would be able to refill your cup all day and $5 for refills for every other day of the con. Ours was a 3 day con so me and my friend shared a cup and paid $10 for the rest of the weekend. It was really nice to have because it was a super fun way for people to stay hydrated and help a local business!
I just got back from my very first convention about and hour ago! (everyone had to be vaccinated and had to stay socially distant) It was so much fun and I think I’ve found a new favorite place! I personally found out that I love going to gaming rooms and hanging out with other cosplayers!
Things I have learned the hard way by going to conventions on and off since I was 5-6 years old If you have a bad habit of over-scheduling yourself. schedule points in the day where you can take breaks and eat and hydrate. Put an alarm on your phone if you need to. (I've almost fainted at two cons because I didn't do this. Don't be me!) Bring snacks especially if you have a bunch of allergies that venue food is unlikely to be able to cater to. If you are gonna cosplay - try and take into account the timing of the con and the usual weather for that time of year, especially if you are going to a con out of town/overseas. So you don't accidentally freeze or overheat. Don't be scared to excuse yourself to the bathroom if someone is creeping you out if you really can't think of another excuse. (I didn't do this when I probably should have and needed a friend to rescue me)
I will go at my first con for the first time in a few days ( as Zhongli, from Genshin Impact, that I really love ! ) and I found your videos really helpful. I was stressed, overwhelmed and excited about a lot of things this last weeks, but you have been able to help me with my cosplay and what to buy in case with your videos. Thank you so much ! Really. You're literally a life's saver x33 Have a nice day !
It's a shame this video wasn't uploaded like two days prior, this would have been perfect to send to my sister since she just had her first convention this weekend. Either way, it turned out great, I stuck with her the whole time and she had fun. Really good video!! ❤️
I think one thing I've learned with badges, wear it on a break away lanyard or on a badge clip. Most conventions provide these, but the clips opposed to the pin on ones helps to not damage your cosplay and makes it easier to briefly remove your badge for photos!
I am no Cosplay Beginner, but I am watching your Video now because I am missing Cons so much, that it's comforting me listening to other people talking about Cosplay....
The tip for bringing a friend when getting your photo taken is great. I wish I knew this at Wizard World Chicago 2018. At the time I was 17 and a man was taking photos of me and was making me uncomfortable. Asking me to do odd poses and such. Eventually he asked "are you a minor?" And I made an excuse to leave saying I should meet with my friend. The next day he was kicked out and banned for taking upskirt photos of female presenting cosplayers...
Something very sweet (but slightly uncomfortable) that happened at a convention was in 2021! I was Kaede from Danganronpa, and this Tsumugi (also from Danganronpa) cosplayer ran up to me all excited and just took a picture with me (or tried to) and I was like “oh no pictures please” I don’t remember her reaction but she was pretty chill about it. I also saw a Junko cosplayer!
My first con I went by myself as an adult (I didn’t have anyone I knew that would want to go with me) and I had an absolute blast! If you don’t have anyone to go with, GO FOR IT! Just do your research ahead of time so you know what you’re getting yourself into. Ladies take necessary precautions (share your location with a friend, consider ubering if you’ll have to park far away or walk to your car after dark, etc) I highly recommend checking out the tabletop games room and playing some dungeons and dragons if you’re looking to make friends! I had never played before and that’s how I made my con friends! Good luck fellow geeks!
I’m going to my first proper con soon and this video has made me feel so much more prepared so thank you! It’s also the first time I’m cosplaying which is nerve wracking but I feel much better about it thanks to this video 🥰🥰
Solid list of tips, agree 100%! Been going to cons for almost 20 years and still have to remind myself to eat haha. In regards to safety, also ensure you know where security and first aid is located. And if someone does something to make you feel uncomfortable, let security and/or staff know. You’re probably not the only one they’re harassing. Thanks for another great video
Tysm for this video. I’m going to a con in 2 weeks. It’s not my first con, but I still don’t know much lol. I’ve been around this Channel for 3 years now and I just have to say that I’m so proud of your growth. You’re amazing! ❤️
I went to my first convention in cosplay the same day you uploaded this! It was a really eye-opening and fun experience and I'm glad I have this video for advice on what to do for the future
IM SO HAPPY VIDEOS LIKE THIS ARE BEING RELEASED AGAIN!!! I have Gon to c2e2 for three year, this year will be my fourt, but I’m also going to Anime Expo this summer and I love watching these videos to get hyped for my trip!
Great tip for congoers,new or vet, protein bars are your way to go. I'm a personal trainer at a local gym, and I recommend protein bars to my client because not only do they satisfy a sweet tooth, but they have protein, carbs with some fiber, and fats. Which can definitely give you a boost while at a con. I recommend bringing about 2-3, and it'll only cost about $6-7 without costing an arm like for food at the con. I recommend a brand called Pure Protein, it's not that expensive and can be found at walmart or a CVS
it’s great to me that you’re still replying to comments! thanks for making this video, im going to my first con in a little with my friends and i’m so excited!
I'm going to my first con next Sunday!! I'm going with my friend and her mom since we're under the age of being alone. Thanks for the tips and knowledge!!
Hiya so I just went to a con and one tip I have is to take out cash for spending money. I have a debit card so I have access to literally all my money and I am a bit of a chronic spender at cons so what I’ve had to start doing it taking cash out. Save up some money and go to an atm. If you can don’t bring your card with you or leave it in your car if you have one. Also realize that if you like something but can’t afford it then you can either find something similar online or you can just grab a business card if it’s for a shop so you can buy later. Anyways yep be smart with your spendings!
Yesss I just finished a previous con as a staff member and attending the next one as a cosplayer, these videos are a lifesaver since I'm a beginner cosplayer and have no idea how it'll go lol
Tysm anya! Im gonna go to fan expo on my bday in Chicago! Im gonna see and make so many new friends! Its honestly my first convention! Im excited but also nervous!!
Hi Anya! I was wondering if you could do a solo video on photoshoots like etiquette, researching the right photographer, what if you have a certain area you don’t want accentuated, how much they averagely cost, what do you do if your photographer is making you feel uncomfortable, what to do if you and your photographer don’t see eye to eye, etc? I’ve always seen people doing photoshoots at conventions and I’ve been wanting to for a long time but I am a shy bean when it comes to having my photo taken due to insecurities and lack of basic knowledge :/
I’m going to my first big con this weekend (I’ve been to a smaller “con” before but that was in an outside setting and also way smaller scale. I’m still going to that con on the Sunday tho, but comic con on Saturday) so this video is super helpful for me!
Another tip. If its hot weather, take a backpack and pack a thermos filled with crushed ice. It will stay frozen in the thermos, and you can add it to your water bottle if ur water is to hot to drink.
Sharing this video with my 13 year old niece since we're going to a convention together next month and it'll be her first one ever! :D Also, I love your Emmy cosplay! ❤
you have nature right in front of your place 💕 tree appreciation! 🌲✨ also I will probably never learn to drink enough, especially when I'm wearing a wig the entire day. my friends and I started (or at least tried to do so) to check the time and just sit down and drink and force everyone in our group to join another tip I have: buy the con ticket online / in advance some cons have limited tickets for a day (esp if they're at a smaller location). so you don't want to travel all the way there and then return back home. or stand in line for a longer time than needed.
gonna be cosplaying jacket from hotline miami at the ceon in my town in february, hopefully it goes well. the build is pretty simple and won't cost too much to make so i'm pretty happy about that
Ayup I've been watching your videos for like a year to try and prepare myself for whenever I had the opportunity to go to a con, and now I've got my first one in a few days! So ty (:
Sure going by yourself to a con may suck bc you could get lonely but! You’re more in control of what you want to do as far as any available panels or whatever it is. And I’ve seen this happen few times to other people but hey, in my opinion, people go to these events to have fun and not worry about any drama so, there’s obviously going to be a lot of cosplayers, especially the ladies who will dress up as their favorite characters and hang out and whatever too so…don’t fall in love with them, whatever you do. You’re gonna get burned! Lol
Great tips! Also, if you are a cosplayer and you wanna take a photo with another cosplayer and they want to pose with you a certain way that's way too uncomfortable, say something. Somewhere in 2016, I dressed up as Bubblegum and my friend was Marceline and I saw a guy dressed as Jason Todd (one of my many fav characters) and I told her I wanted a pic with him. I asked him for a pic and he said yes...but, he initiated the pose without asking for my consent. The pose was him "fake choking" me. I was 20 - not a minor btw - but, I looked young for my age and you'd think he'd ask first, just in case. The character he was cosplaying can be violent, however they don't just "fake choke" whoever comes along. That was NOT COOL to do with a random stranger. I was super shocked and froze, yet I went along with it and faked a surprised face. My friend took the pic. I thanked him and he left and I looked at the photo and pretended to like it. But, I'm sure we both thought that was very weird af and never spoke of it again. O_O
My first con tomorrow, in my first ever cosplay . Been ill the last two weeks and decided to put together an at home last weekend so I didn't have to worry for my first. Nothing went well with ordering so I'm in the original cosplay. Also got to ride two hours on the train up in cosplay cause the hotel won't let us check in. Really stressed and binging vids like this. Thanks for such good tips
In regards to saying no to photographers and videographers, most conventions I've been to have anti-harrassment and cosplay is consent policies in place. Studying them and knowing them is better than getting in a bad situation. Talk to staff. They're there to help.
4:49 I'd double check to see if the convention allows outside food or drink. I've been to many where they don't. Probably as a way to entice guests to pay for the food inside.
the first time i went to a convention i couldnt remember anything from that day cause it was so overwhelming for me so im glad i took lots of pictures!!
I’ve been to lots of cons before and they are very fun! :) I’m going to another one tommorow and I’m really excited! I’m cosplaying as Roxanne wolf from fnaf! :D
even as an adult I never go to a con alone. It makes things more fun, and makes me feel more safe. Plus, since I'm the only one cosplaying, my friend is always more than happy to hold any prints I bought so I can pose for a photo or hold one of my props if it suddenly starts getting too heavy for me to carry.
