A Public Plea for "Cosplay Recovery Lounges"
Cosplay is a ton of work, and a cosplayer’s worst nightmare is having something go wrong at con. I’ve had minor panic attacks when a vital piece snaps off during the con after months of prep work. :(
On top of that, we’ve all had stressful moments were we just need to have a breather, grab a drink, make a repair with the helmet off.. without a bystander trying to snap a “candid” photo or ask us if we can throw our costume back on for “one quick photo” that multiples into 20.
(Photo Credit: Humble Shield)
COSPLAY RECOVERY ZONES TO THE RESCUE!
A “Cosplay Recovery Lounge/Zone” is an area off to the side (or within a quiet area) of a convention - panel room, tucked away atrium - marked on the convention map that cosplayers can duck into for a quick break or repair.
“No Photos” Zone
This helps cosplayers relax! No worries about taking off your helmet, snapping off pieces of armor, hiking your panty hose back up, or pulling out a spandex wedgie. The other cosplayers in the lounge understand and won’t judge.
Emergency Costume Supplies
A local cosplay group (or a few) can work with the convention to donate common emergency cosplay supplies, like hot glue guns, sewing kits, extra rivets, duct tape.
A Place to Sit and Rest Safely (Recover!)
It’s hard enough finding a spot to crash in the crowd. As cosplayers up their game, their costumes may wear them down physically (more than they expected). Also, heat exhaustion and overall injuries are not at all uncommon with the hard core cosplayers.
Lounge Time Limit
Volunteers would make sure nobody’s using the lounge as a hotel room. ;)
Cosplayers could rock out their costumes longer (which the convention and fans appreciate!).
Cosplayers can network in the lounge! Make new cosplayer friends in a relaxed environment away from photographers and the public!
The convention can promote this as an additional feature for the cosplay/costuming track. I know I would appreciate a convention going above and beyond for cosplayers, and I’d sing accolades for any con doing this.
This is just an idea I’ve been having, but having attended a con from all angles (cosplayer, vendor, attendee, and organizer) and the explosion of the cosplay community, this would be a huge asset for small and large cons.
stormborns
izzy806
tangentwithtanner
titsay
