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Cosplay Etiquette

As a cosplayer, you need to understand that people at conventions will expect things of you. Keep this in mind when you choose to cosplay, especially if you’re going to be a very popular character! So here are some tips on cosplay etiquette and manners:

1. Prepare to be photographed
Yes, your cosplay is going to look awesome. And yes, of course people are going to want to take pictures of you or with you. So if someone asks you for a picture, take it as a compliment! The photographer obviously appreciates your cosplay, so strike a pose! It only takes a minute or two. If you are genuinely busy, then politely explain to them that you’re not ready for photographs yet but that they can ask you again later. It’s a win-win for everyone!

2. Prepare to be touched
Cosplay fans sometimes forget that cosplayers are, in fact, human beings. They tend to be overcome by a state of childlike glee and wonder and they simply must touch your costume. They’re mostly just curious and mean no harm. If your cosplay is fragile, explain to them that they must be gentle or your costume will break. I’d recommend using a really good glue though so hopefully that won’t happen! I’ve noticed that the Hi-Tack glue in our shop is a very popular and effective one. And if the touching gets inappropriate or you’re feeling uncomfortable, then stand your ground and tell them to back off. If they don’t, find a member of staff and report them immediately.

3. Don’t judge other cosplayers
We all start somewhere, and while you may be an experienced costume maker, others may not be. Practice makes perfect, as they say. If you do see a new cosplayer, perhaps try to give them a few tips(in a nice manner!) so that they can improve for the next convention. Tell them places to get good cosplay materials and where to find tutorials online. Don’t talk bad about them, be it to their face, to others or online. It’s bullying and it’s not nice.

4. Don’t be jealous
If you see someone in the same costume as you, don’t jealously try to decide whose is better. Instead, appreciate their perspective on the character and praise them and perhaps get a picture together. Keep the competitive streak for the official cosplay competitions!

5. Share your survival kit with others
If you were lucky enough to have read my blog post last week, then you know how important a convention survival kit is. Give a helping hand to any fellow cosplayers that you see with broken props or armour. Help sew together costumes that are falling apart. If you were in their situation, you would be thankful for the help too. And it’s also a great way to make a new friend!

6. Be thankful of compliments
If someone praises you or your cosplay, thank them. Chat with them for a while if they are interested in learning more about your cosplay and how much time and effort you put into it. If you’re not the chatty type, a simple “Thank you very much” and a smile should do the trick. Or perhaps you could bow or curtsey if it’s in character! I’m sure you’ll be sick of getting compliments by the end of the convention, but it’s still important to show that you are thankful. That person just went out of their way to tell you how amazing you look, and for some people, that’s a very difficult thing to do and takes a lot of bravery, so show your appreciation!

7. Remember that you are in a public place
Just because the character that you’re cosplaying as swears and curses or acts provocatively, that does not mean it’s ok for you to do the same. It’s uncomfortable for everyone and inappropriate, especially when there’s children or elderly people around. Keep everything PG and don’t do or say anything that you’d be embarrassed to have your mother see!

8. Have fun!!
Conventions are supposed to be enjoyable. Go to panels and learn new things. Meet new friends at an anime screening. Buy some nice things for yourself or your friends from the artists alley. Go and watch the cosplay masquerade or the cosplay skits. Enjoy yourself!

Stay tuned as I’ll hopefully have some demonstrations and tutorials up soon! Yay!

~Erica :)