You have finally planned to go to your first convention. Congratulations! You are going to have an awesome time.
Cosplaying at your first convention could either be a huge regret or a great choice, this article is going to ensure that you do not regret it!
So, should I cosplay at my first convention?
The short answer is, it depends.
Before you click back, please consider reading the next few questions to understand why I say “it depends” as they are very important questions to ask yourself before you make this decision.
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The first question you should ask yourself is: Do I have time?
Cosplay can be a great experience and I believe everyone should try it at least once but if it is your first time, time plays a huge factor in your decision.
If you have decided to go to this convention the night before it’s on then you probably don’t have enough time.
I would not recommend you spend all night making something/or trying to decide on a cosplay to wear as it will ruin your first convention experience.
In conclusion, if you don’t have time and have decided to cosplay the night before the convention, then don’t cosplay at your first convention. You want it to be a great experience and if it isn’t it may ruin any conventions you are planning to go to in the future.
The second question you should ask yourself is: Does the thought of wearing a cosplay scare you?
And by scare I mean, will it keep you up all night? Will it be all that you think about?
If that’s the case, I do not recommend you cosplay at your first convention. As stated previously, you want your first cosplay to be a great experience and if it isn’t you may ruin future conventions, and that would suck!
If you have answered yes to the first question and no to the second question then
The third question you should ask yourself is: What are you going to the convention for?
Are you going to the convention to meet your favorite actors/actress? Are you going to the convention to buy stuff? Are you going to the convention just to experience your first convention?
I’m asking these questions as this could help you decide on your answer, maybe you want to look awesome in cosplay as a particular character next to your favorite actor/actress when you’re taking a photo with them.
Or maybe you just want to step out of your comfort zone and try something different.
Only you can truly answer these questions for yourself and decide on whether or not you should cosplay.
What should I cosplay if I want to cosplay at my first convention?
The best way to decide what you should cosplay is by picking something you love, maybe that is a certain character from a movie, game, anime, manga, TV show, etc.,
Think about what current thing you are obsessed with and what you would love to bring to life. Let your imagination run wild!
That is what cosplay is all about, choosing whatever you want to do with no pressure.
Hot Tip: I know I said you can choose whatever you want but remember to be realistic with yourself and set realistic expectations based on time, budget, and your current experience (if you have decided to make your cosplay). It is always important to set realistic expectations so you don’t stress yourself out.
Either way, good luck! You are going to have an awesome experience and learn so many new things cosplaying at your first convention.
What should I expect if I cosplay at my first convention?
The first thing to expect is that you are going to have so fun much fun!
It is also important to understand that people who are at the convention may ask to take a photo with you. It is such an amazing experience when someone asks for this.
I recommend practicing some poses before the convention so you know what poses you are going to do if anyone asks for a photo.
In saying that, you can say no to taking photos if you do not want to. If you do not feel comfortable taking photos then please do not feel forced to say yes to someone.
In any case, cosplay is not consent.
You can also expect to catch the cosplay bug, meaning that you will probably want to cosplay even more after this at the other conventions you are planning to go to.
And lastly, you can probably expect something to go wrong with your cosplay. Something may fall off, something may fall apart, something may be uncomfortable. This is not a bad thing, these are great lessons to learn for the next time you cosplay at a convention so remember to write them down somewhere and don’t let it ruin your cosplay experience.
In the event that you have a bad wardrobe malfunction remember to bring a spare change of clothes.
Is it bad if I don’t cosplay at my first convention?
In case you have decided you don’t want to cosplay at your first convention, that is okay.
It is not bad if you don’t cosplay at your first convention.
It must be remembered that your first convention experience should be fun, and if you believe that cosplaying is going to hinder that then of course it is okay to not cosplay.
On the positive side, there are many conventions throughout the year, and after your first convention, you will be hooked and want to go to more! Therefore, you will have plenty of other opportunities to cosplay if you ever decide to.
It is important to realize and remember that it is your choice.
What do I wear if I don’t cosplay at my first convention?
If you decide you don’t want to cosplay at your first convention then you will need to decide what to wear.
When you go to a convention it is normally a very long day on your feet, with this in mind I recommend you wear comfortable shoes, as well as comfortable clothing. In any case, please check the weather and plan your outfit accordingly.
I also recommend you pack a bag filled with water and snacks, without a doubt it is always important to keep hydrated. From experience, food and drink lines can be extremely long, you will thank yourself later if you pack these before you go to your first convention.