Cosplay Do's and Don'ts: Part 3

As I prepare to attend my final convention as a cosplayer later on this month, I'm back to share some more cosplay do's and don'ts on here. It's been five years since I posted Part two of these helpful cosplay tips. Yes, I know it's been a long time, but I'm back to assist you. If you would like to read the first two parts of my own cosplay do's and don'ts, the links are down below:

https://shopping-feedback.today/geeks/cosplay-do-s-and-dont-s%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cstyle data-emotion-css="14azzlx-P">.css-14azzlx-P{font-family:Droid Serif,Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,serif;font-size:1.1875rem;-webkit-letter-spacing:0.01em;-moz-letter-spacing:0.01em;-ms-letter-spacing:0.01em;letter-spacing:0.01em;line-height:1.6;color:#1A1A1A;margin-top:32px;}

https://shopping-feedback.today/geeks/cosplay-do-s-and-dont-s-part-2%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cstyle data-emotion-css="14azzlx-P">.css-14azzlx-P{font-family:Droid Serif,Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,serif;font-size:1.1875rem;-webkit-letter-spacing:0.01em;-moz-letter-spacing:0.01em;-ms-letter-spacing:0.01em;letter-spacing:0.01em;line-height:1.6;color:#1A1A1A;margin-top:32px;}

Moving on to Part three of these cosplay tips, if you've recently started doing cosplay or just a non-cosplayer who loves attending conventions, these tips I'm about to share will help you. Without further ado, let's get started.

1. Do be mindful of the Cosplay Is Not Consent rule at cons

Back in Part 2 of this series five years prior, I talked about cons instituting the Cosplay Is Not Consent rule. The #MeToo movement, which started in 2017, addressed the issue of sexual assault and people sharing their own personal stories. Female and yes, even male cosplayers, equally get harassed.

Don't treat cosplayers as sexual objects. I cannot stress this enough, but touching a cosplayer without consent will most likely get you kicked out of a con and probably facing even stiffer consequences. Also, we have to stop assuming that male cosplayers aren't sexually or physically harassed at cons and just asking for it. I'm going to squash that offensive and disgusting rhetoric right now, because I don't and will never condone that kind of behavior. Plus, just because any cosplayer dresses very provocative, it's not an invitation for you to treat them in a derogatory way and no, they're not asking for it. I remember back in 2018 that a woman tried to coax me into sleeping with her and was very uncomfortable, despite my repeated pleas for her to stop. The same thing happened to me several months later. In both situations, I ran away scared. I have never shared this story on here before, but yes, I'm sharing my own #MeToo story. At the end of the day, cosplayers are human beings underneath that armor and suits. Finally, boundaries are to be respected towards cosplayers at cons or wherever they might be.

2. Do wear your con badges and wristbands at all times

You con badge/wristband is your own ticket to have access to the convention floor. You can receive either one by paying for it upfront at the con or show an email conformation of your purchase.

Don't enter a con without either one

Con staff will always check to see that everyone is wearing a badge or wristband, so there's no way of entering a con scot-free and expect to not get caught.

3. Do pay your cosplay craftspeople and/or costume designers for their services

If you're looking to do a cosplay that really stands out, then you might want to seek someone who will customize anything for you for a con. However, it's important to pay the person who you're seeking to make whatever you're wanting to have for your cosplay. Seen above is the most expensive cosplay I've had and it's Lord Gyaradrakkon, a mashup between Lord Drakkon and Gyarados. This evil Pokeranger I went as was back in 2019, which helped me win my very first cosplay contest. I won another copslay contest with the same cosplay in February 2020, before the pandemic interrupted things. To this day, this is the most popular and iconic cosplay I've done. It was created by my long-time cosplay craftsman, Johnny. He did a fantastic job with this creation.

Don't disrespect them in any way.

Depending on the cosplay craftsperson or costume designer you choose, customizing a costume, armor, or any prop might take few weeks to complete, so please don't be that person who's always impatient. Besides, you can't rush creativity. It's fine to check in at least once a week on the progress, but limit to just that.

4. Do have some money for food and drinks

I know us cosplayers can get caught up by the fun we have at conventions, but it's important to have some cash on you to buy food and drinks. It's also important to take a break and refuel. If you're staying at a hotel and attending a con and already brought food and drinks, good for you.

Don't go through a day at a con without eating or drinking

Getting through a day at a con without having something to eat or drink can be harmful. So please treat yourself with something delicious.

5. Do post your cosplay pics and videos on social media

What you see above is a screenshot of one of my most popular cosplay videos on TikTok back in October 2020. This video received 12,000 likes and almost 70,000 views. It's a cosplay transformation video and I'll have a link to that video below so you can check it out.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP88f5wcP/

During the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, I didn't attend cons for the first time ever. So I've spent my time in quarantine making cosplay videos. This was around the time my cosplay videos on TikTok have gotten a lot of attention, which I appreciated very much. If you just started to do cosplay or have an interest in doing it, I highly encourage you to post all those pictures and videos online. Whether you're doing those things at home or at cons, it's up to you and display those cosplays with pride.

Don't worry about what others think of you

I've unfortunately been a target of racist and homophobic comments online, which I've had to endure for years. As a cosplayer of color, this is an unfortunate and ugly truth of being someone who's doing nothing but brightening someone's day. Some have told me that I'm the wrong race or body type for a specific cosplay. Last time I checked, cosplay is not about being accurate. It's all about having fun in the cosplays you choose to do. If you're facing ugly trolls online, don't be afraid to stand up to them and show them that you belong in this wonderful cosplay community. You're perfect the way you are and if they don't see that, that's their problem and not yours.

5. Do know that it's okay to take a break from cosplay

Over the years, I've had to take breaks from cosplay for weeks, even months at a time due to either bullying online or just to take care of myself mentally. Always remember that it's NEVER selfish to look after yourself, when necessary. It's an opportunity for you to have some time to yourself.

Don't feel pressured to cosplay at the expense of your own mental health

Taking on too many tasks at once is a recipe for disaster, especially a mental breakdown. I remember one time a guy on Facebook asked me if I wanted to dress up as the Blue Ranger for a con that he was attending. I politely said no several times, because I was going through some very difficult times. Instead of him respecting my boundaries, he constantly kept on messaging me. That's when I decided to block him on Facebook, because it became too much for me to handle. If something feels uncomfortable to you, don't do it. Your mental well-being is your main priority.

If you liked this story or any story I've written, please subscribe to my page and consider sending me a one-off tip at the end of this story to support my content on Vocal. Happy cosplaying!