I know creating a whole outfit from scratch is daunting, you wanna cut corners, but I find that I have way more fun at cons when I don't have to be worried about odds and ends popping off. When the fabric is tough and not made of cheap spandex. When I don't have to carry a bag, because I spent the time adding hidden pockets all over my costume. When It doesn't take three hours to get ready because I spent the time adding zippers, buttons, and propper closures instead of relying on safety pins or glue.  Everything is glued and then sewn down. Hell, I took the time to line my entire costume in a comfortable fabric and made sure my shoes fit perfectly.

1. Wigs

Wigs are vital for a lot of cosplays, especially if the character has unnatural hair, however it is important that if you are at a con for HOURS that you let your head breath as you don't want to faint (the buys halls can get very hot). Try and take a wig bag with you to a con and wear a wig cap, that way if you need to, you can remove the wig but keep your hair secure so you can put it back on with out having to pin all your hair out of the way again (alternatively, instead of a wig cap, use a small socks made of stretchy tights/pantyhoes material)

2. Binders

This really can apply to anyone, not just cosplay (eg I use one for my crossplay characters like Tweek and Craig). Whatever you do, DON'T USE BANDAGES, as you will be at the con for a long time you don't want to damage the sensitive tissue there. A binder is more comfortable, BUT after a while it may start to hurt. Listen to your body and take it off in one of the toilets if needed. My main tip is to take a bra with you so you can switch into it if needed (I am speaking from experience 😅)

3. Weapons/props

Every convention has different rules for these, so check the website of your given event a few days before you go in case of last minute revisions (rules changed for MCM London due to Manchester terrorist attacks one year so cases for cosplays where more strict for example to make sure there weren't bombs). A good rule of thumb is to make the weapons/props from larp safe materials or paper mache (sometimes wood is allowed but definitely nothing metal!). Also being able to break a prop down into smaller pieces is very good to help with height limits.

4. Hydration, nutrition and rest.

I cannot stress enough how important these are. The queues are going to be long and it will be hot, so making sure you stay hydrated is a must. You don't want to faint. Also make sure to eat when you can and always sit down when your feet tell you too. Yes conventions are an awesome experience, but don't push your body to far just to see everything.

5. Money

Definitely buy stuff you want, but if you have to pay to get back to the hotel or home, make sure you keep this money separate from your spending money. You don't want to be stranded and have no way of getting back.

6. Hygiene

If you go for several days you may want to take showers when you return to your hotel/home. Trust me, you may be exhausted, but being clean will make you feel better, it does get sweaty and you don't want to ruin the costume you've spent loads of time/money/effort on. Also having deodorant in your bag is good (but this is not the same as a shower! This is only a quick fix!)

7. Pictures

If you want to take a picture of someone's cosplay, please do ask their permission before hand. More often than not they will be happy to. Sometimes though they may be trying to get to a panel so if they say no, please respect them.

8. HAVE FUN 😄

At the end of the day, a con is a place for everyone who loves geek culture. It's a chance to meet people with the same interests as you. Try and avoid the drama that can happen and enjoy the experience. Remember to stay safe but staying in groups (there can be people who will try and feel cosplayers up so strength in numbers will help avoid this).

Have lots of different designs of prints to sell - like maybe 10? Have different varieties in sizes (not necessarily the same print) like, I usually go with a mix of 11X17 posters and then smaller card stock prints, because ppl like buying smaller art. Also it’s a good idea to provide a mix of smaller items like buttons, stickers or charms. Those are more expensive to make, so try selling designs as prints first, and see which are the most popular, then you could transfer those designs to the buttons etc. 

For display, make sure most items are vertical, and around eye-level. Nothing should be too low or too high, unless they are items you don’t plan on selling as much. I’d recommend getting those metal mesh shelving units from Wal-Mart, or some people go with PVC tubes/piping, and kind of create their own set up. 

I’d recommend also having a portfolio book with a sample of all your prints in it, like a catalogue, that people can flip through when they get to your table. This gives customers something to interact with - in my experience people LOVE touching things, and flipping through a book of all your work is a very satisfying experience. Plus it saves display space - I for one have too many designs and not enough space for my booth, so around like 30% are displayed only in my little 8.5X11 portfolio book. 

Get business cards! Vista Print does them cheap. Also a table cloth - most con venues do not provide one. 

Offer commissions too, if you want. It’ll keep you busy, and also people walking by will be attracted to your booth if you are drawing something. If you don’t get any commissions, then just work on your own stuff. 

Don’t forget to eat, drink, and take breaks!! Have a friend with you to help out with sales and watch your booth while you pop off to the bathroom. Also I’d recommend sharing a half table with a more experience con artist. 

Are you ready for 221B Con 2018??

If you are then, wow are we impressed, cause we aren’t!

What we DO have is the updated 2018 Con Survival Guide!

Here is a preview!

Keep up to date during the con by following these accounts:

·         Twitter: @221bcon & @221bconhn (official and us, respectively)

·         Tumblr: 221bcon.tumblr.com & 221bconhn.tumblr.com (official and us, respectively)

·         Facebook: 221bcon & 221bconhn (official and us, respectively) (also join closed group 221bacon)

·         Instagram: 221bcon & 221bconhn (official and us, respectively)

BE SURE TO VISIT US IN THE HOSPITALITY SUITE FOR MOVIES, GAMES, AND PRIZES!

 NEW HOTEL GENERAL INFO (find more updated information by following the link above!):

○      Yes, you must pay for parking. Use self-parking to get the $5 rate (normally $21). If you use valet, you will pay full price.

○      But…TPTB have your back. Keep your badge handy! We will receive a 15% discount at all hotel outlets (excluding the alcohol)!! This will MORE than offset your parking fees. DO ET!

○      There will be a food truck. TPTB have negotiated this considering the lack of local eating places. We strongly advise you take advantage of this! In addition, there are a variety of onsite restaurants. There is a steakhouse and a sushi bar, too! Menus are available on the hotel website. Gluten Free items are available ON REQUEST (you must ASK for them to make it GF). Room service is available 24/7. You can also have Fresh Bites menu items delivered to you in common areas of the hotel or arrange to pick up your order at the Starbucks in the lobby.

That shit goes a DAMN long way for the cosplaying children because the parents/guardians now get an indication that this is a safe and welcoming environment for their children to be in and that there are nice people at these cons that want to make sure both they and their children are happy and comfortable.

So I'm two canned coffees past noontime and I see some sort of poppin’ corn man peddling his kernels all loaded with Japanese peels and far-off salts. Well naturally I'm jonesin' for a bag so I toss him some plastic and three hours later I'm chunking through my hands into a decorative mug. Turns out I thought I'm allergic to chilis. Turns out I'm a hypochondriac.

All I'm saying is you gotta be careful when you Persephone around the Naruto counter because you're never going home, you get what I mean, you're never going home. And when you end up at the reception with pockets full of vinyl askin’ where is everyone you're not going home, right.

Listen. Some things in life, they’re important. Drink waters of your own supply. Pack clothes folded. Don't step around front of cars en route, right. Prance around that farmhouse field ‘til the bolt gun comes, find yourself a dandelion in the green, sure. But you have to know when there's a line and when you have to draw it and how to draw it there.

Stuff like that. Wine-dark sea, right.

Yeah, I've tasted a number 'n odd pages in my lifetime. But let me tell you, that don't mean much when you're doin' the opposite of eating in a Marriott parking lot and the lil' soccer sportsmen won't stop starin'. Don't mean a lot in that real world, right.

You've gotta have a plan, right. A mode d' attack. Don't you get caught lollygaggin' up that hill all twainsy-turvsey. Keep your hands in the vehicle and your feet on the ground. And stay away from the Halloweeners and paintpeople. They're never coming home.

Anyone have advice for print/button sizes and where to order from? i found a couple good sites but I’d like to have more options lol

Ask @redrackham87​—she's done a LOT of photo ops in the past and has Opinions.

It is known. XD