Ep 13: Conventions and Cosplay

Topic: Conventions / Cosplay An Anime convention is rolling in to town. We though it prudent to show my mom what it’s all about. Join us as we talk about Conventions and one of my favorite hobbies, Cosplay! Tutorial: Conventions Two major types: Industry – Put on by or for the purpose of the industry to promote their products, More about selling you on something or getting you hyped for it. Fan – Put on primarily by fans or major groups to celebrate/support the products, more about getting people together who are all interested in a product. Not mutually exclusive, there are Industry that have elements of Fan Conventions, while Fan conventions have elements of Industry. Anime is an example of Fan convention with Industry there to help promote the convention. Video Game is an Example of Industry convention that will certainly have Lots of Fans, and some fan aspects to it. Things you find at a convention: Exhibition Halls • Common at all Major Conventions but differ depending on the type of convention o Industry is more about selling you on products for the future or right then. For Example: Video Game convention is about getting you hyped to buy video games. o Fan is more about commerce of good from that industry/product. For Example: limited edition items that might be difficult or hard to get, more independent shops/booths Promenade/Lobby • Generally outside the Exhibition Hall • General Gathering Place • No badge required Panel Rooms • Scheduled Panels for people wanting to learn more about topics • Often place to find celebrities, notable figures, and debates on topics around the convention Game Room • More common at Fan Conventions • Console Gaming, Sometimes Arcade, Sometimes Board Games Viewing Rooms • More Common at Fan Conventions • Place to watch clips from shows or episodes from a show. More common in Anime Conventions • Industry promoted Viewing Rooms exist for some companies to show up their own merchandise Cosplay The Act of dressing and inhabiting a character from Movie, TV Series, Book, comic book, Video Game, Anime, Manga, or Music Band. Always Popular amongst conventions A portmanteau of the words costume play People who Cosplay = Cosplayer Costumes: Two major types of Costumes • Retail Costumes = Buying a costume off the rack from store • Handmade Costumes = Making a majority of your costume, or someone hand making your costume All Costumes are a mix, as rarely do handmade costumes not take advantage of some store bought items, as most retail Costumes still might require some assembly or create special pieces for it Props Some Costumes might have a prop: Sword, gun, Staff, box, stuffed doll, puppet Check Local Con’s Prop Policy Peace-Bonding = Con approving a prop Presentation: Most cosplay try to present themselves as the character when in front of others. Some are striving for accuracy, some are just walking around in a costume. Pose/action = Every cosplay should have a default or practice pose for picture taking Professional Cosplayers Some Cosplay for industry or for companies to promote the product. It is a viable way of making a living. Interaction: 1) Always ask permission to interact with a Cosplayer, whether taking a picture, saying “hi”, or wanting to touch, hug, or act with a Cosplayer; someone might have a reason to say ‘No’ and deserve the chance to say such. 2) A Cosplayer is inhabiting a character, they are not that character. Therefore, you can not presume they know everything about a character or will react the same as the character would. 3) Cosplay =/= Consent. Harrassment is never okay. Just because someone is dress scantily does not mean they are asking for indecent interactions. Cons take this very serious. 4) Do not monopolize cosplayer’s time. If you have a question or want to discuss something, ask if it’s okay, as some people may not always want the conversations. 5) Don’t linger. Some people are super sensitive to other people watching them. Try to be considerate of those Cosplaying 6) Ask for Handles. If you take a picture and going to post it online, you might want link back to the original cosplayer. If someone has a handle online through twitter, instagram, etc, don’t be afraid to ask. Things you can Find a Convention: Rare Merchandise (Con exclusives) Meet people with similar interest Common meeting ground for internet Friends Meet Celebrities, industry professionals See Cosplayers Learn New stuff about your favorite topics Common Etiquette of Conventions 1. Be Kind/Nice. We’re all here to enjoy the con. 2. Always ask permission. Never assume something will be alright, everyone’s standards are different 3. Cosplay =/= Consent 4. Always read con rules before purchasing a Ticket 5. Avoid lingering in aisles, makes it difficult for people pass through a. Don’t take pictures in the aisles, move to a more open space 6. If you have children, set good rules for what to do if you get separated and keep a good eye on them 7. Come Bathed, we all have to hang out with one another, no one want to smell you 8. Take a Break if you Need it, Return to your hotel/car if you’re tired or hungry