Con season is getting close so ladies, gentlemen and any other configuration of being here are some con tips, etiquette and advice ļæ¼
- look for the quiet room on the map. Most cons have quiet rooms for if you get overwhelmed. Find it on the map before you go so you can know how far you are from it.
- shower after every con day. I donāt care how hygienic you think you are. AT THE END OF YOUR CON DAYS SHOWER! I DONT CARE HOW TIRED YOU ARE EITHER!!! Especially heat this advice if you wear a wig, fursuit, helmet or any other item that collects sweat or covers your hair.
-Donāt take any drinks that arenāt from official stands.
-donāt go alone as a minor and if you are adult a group is still safer.
-ask for photos. And respect the answers! They usually say yes but if itās a no thatās fine!
-pack your own food. Some of the food stands are hard to find and it will make life easier if you bring some food if your own
-WATER! I cannot stress how warm conventions get drink your damn water!
- say thanks to the cosplay repair people out and about!
-bring a big bag, trust me, youāll end up buying something thatās more convenient to put in the backpack than it is to hold in your hands.
- Bring more money than you expect to spend. Iāve made this mistake and itās better to over prepare.
-ask before touching or recording a cosplayer.
-if you bring young kids do expect them to see things that arenāt PG. such as body pillow cases, sexual cosplays, inappropriate music and swearing.
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Itās interesting to see how the meet + greets end up cost wise. Sometimes Jared will get nearly as many bids as Jensen but it will go for nearly half the price. I wonder if this goes back to your previous comments on how some factions (NOT ALL please donāt come for me Jen fans) of Jensen fans really lack boundaries and are much more demanding regarding him, so they upbid like mad during the auctions, where the increases on Jaredās auctions are usually incremental. Iām a fan of both of them + was fortunate to be able to swing a low end Jensen m+g once, but Iām sure Iāll never be able to afford that again, whereas Iāve been to a few of Jaredās because they often come in at a range I can justify. I love the numbers and data around it. Very interesting to me.
I haven't done the data analytics at the most recent con, but in general, Jared fans are better about keeping the prices reasonable. Misha fans are the worst and Misha's will go stupid high despite fewer people bidding.
You have to log in, but you can see who bid what when on the creation auction website.
The total number of bids doesn't matter because the system will auto upbid for you based on the amount you put in. If you put in a high amount early, the whole auction goes higher.
As you can see from the graph, Misha fans put in more bids early, which causes the price to rise higher than it would had they all waited. If you compare the total number of people bidding, you can see why Misha's prices go high - dumb bidders. It's really frustrating to me because I want the best deal.
If you want to get a good price, wait until the last 5 minutes to put in your bid. Put in your max and walk away.
Jensen has a stronger group of Always Bidders. There are certain people that try to go to every m&g and Jensen has more of them in his 'camp' or whatever. Lynn is one. Lynn will sometimes go to Jared's m&gs too, but she's usually (always?) bidding on Jensen's.
Jensen generally answers less questions in his m&gs compared to Jared, so you also have to go to more of them in order to get your question answered. Jared tries to answer everyone, but doesn't always get to everyone - Creation often has to drag him off to his next thing.
I spend more on Jensen, not because I think he's worth more, but because it's harder to get a slot in the first place and, even then, you are less likely to get an answer.
If you watch the auctions long enough, you'll start to recognize bidders. There's certain people that if I see them early on a Misha auction, I know not to bother with it.
okay so my post about sensory overload and music blew up WAY more than i expected and i notice itās similar for other posts of mine about being neurodivergent. would people be actually interested in me making this blog about my experiences with being neurodivergent?
id probably still post cosplay, and maybe include some posts about both (i already have a post planned for avoiding sensory overload at cons, how to be an ally to neurodivergent cosplayers/congoers) but to be fair i already dont post much cosplay. But would yāall be interested in a blog like that?
Take a shot everytime I say a deviation of "respect" specifically "be respectful". Also, I had a really good time making this video and I'm so excited for An...
FUCKING FINALLY FINISHED EDITING THIS VIDEO AFTER LITERALLY WEEKS OF IT SITTING IN MY FOLDER LIKE JESUS FUCK
As I'm at con next weekend, I thought I'd give some cosplay/con advice š
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 š )
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 š
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).
Con is a wonderful experience and I hope for any future convention you go to, it is a fun and rewarding experience š
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
ā Live Streamingā Interactive Chatā Private Showsā HD Qualityā Free Actions
Free to watch ā¢ No registration required ā¢ HD streaming
While fan conventions can be an amazing, fun, crazy-in-a-good-way experience, it can also be an overwhelming, stressful, why-did-I-ever-think-this-was-a-good-idea type experience! Iāve come up with a small series of convention tips that will be posted in three parts over the month of August to help you make your con experience as enjoyable as possible!Ā
All of these tips are pulled from my experience with different conventions over the last few years, both things that I wish I would have done differently and tips I have picked up from other con-goers. Letās get to it!Ā
Donāt overpack. I mean this one so hard, itās the first on the list, and Iām going to say it again: DO NOT OVERPACK. Iāll never live down drag my big-ass duffel bag through the Minneapolis airport while Beth rolled her cute, smartly-packed bag over to the rental car counter. We were there for four or five days and I honestly was prepared for a two-week stay, if not longer. I didnāt wear even half of the clothes I brought ājust in caseā, had a lot of trouble doing my makeup because I brought too much of it and couldnāt decide what to do with my face when I got ready in the morning, and almost didnāt have enough room for the things I picked up at the convention. Hereās a few specific tips to help with not overpacking:
oĀ Ā Pick your outfits ahead of time. This year, Iāve been planning my outfits for the Supernatural Minneapolis Convention for an embarrassing length of time which I refuse to specify. Once youāve got your outfits picked, stick to them. Maybe throw in one back-up outfit if youāre a klutz like me and liable to spill something on your carefully selected clothing.
oĀ Ā Travel Size Containers. Even if youāre checking your bag, you donāt need to bring the full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner and all those other fun toiletry items us ladies love to use. You save space by using travel size containers. I usually find them for a dollar or two at Wal-Mart.
oĀ Ā Bag Size. If youāre not working with a big bag, you canāt pack a lot into it. Simple as that.
oĀ Go with an easy makeup look. Really, you donāt need to bring your whole collection with you! Go with something easy and natural. The exception here would of course be if youāre cosplaying, but Iāll cover that in a bit.Ā
o Donāt pack the night before. At least have a packing list ready. Iāve found that the more last minute I do things, the more I throw in ājust in caseā.
Shoes! This one could go hand in hand with packing ā Iām having to re-configure an outfit or two for a convention Iām attending later this month so that Iām not taking up space with a pair of lace-up boots and those cute brown booties I really wanted to wear in a photo op (in which they probably wonāt be seen anyway) ā but itās important enough to serve its own purpose as well: comfort. Conventions are super fun to go to, and often, thereās a lot to see. You could potentially be (read: will be) doing a lot of walking, so you donāt want shoes that rub or pinch. Standing in lines is inevitable, especially if youāve purchased autograph or photo op passes. Depending on the parking situation, or where your hotel is in relation to the convention venue, that could add to your number of steps. This is a good one to keep in mind when designing a cosplay, too!
Have a convention budget. As I learned for the Salute to Supernatural Convention in Minneapolis last year, itās so easy to drop a disgusting ā I repeat, disgusting ā amount of money on conventions. Photo ops, autographs, meet & greets, travel, vendor areas, hotel, food ā¦ it adds up fast, my friends. Set a budget and stick to it! Otherwise youāre going to find yourself in a financial hole youāll have to dig yourself out of with your bare hands. Fortunately, I didnāt go that crazy last year, but I did use a good portion of my savings and put some things I really didnāt need on a credit card. Set your budget and only make exceptions for the things you really canāt live without ā the-once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
Donāt be afraid to make friends! Everyone is at the convention with common interests! I was talking with a friend recently about how, until you attend a convention, itās easy to fall into a place where you feel like you have to āhideā your nerdiness. I know, thatās not everyone, but Iām here to tell you, if that is you, conventions are the place to let your freak flag fly! Youāre going to be standing in those lines with people around you for a good amount of time. Chatting up people helps pass the minutes, and you might even get some good convention tips if theyāre con-vets, or maybe you can share some helpful info with them! You never know when youāll be making a lifelong friend.
How to tie all of this in with cosplay. First, let me say this ā pick your cosplay as early as you can. It makes planning so much easier! Consider your travel plans; if youāre flying to the convention city, will you have to check an extra bag? How much will that and all the supplies you need to make your cosplay add to your convention budget? For the love of your feets, make some well-thought-out considerations about what footwear goes best with your cosplay. This Wonder Woman cosplay (credit: Found it on Google Image Search) is simple and adorable ā she probably didnāt have to pack much extra for it, including makeup, which is important to remember! But, damn, my dogs would have been barkinā by the end of the day! Granted, I donāt wear heels often. A flat, red, lace-up boot would be excellent with that cosplay as well, though I do understand it takes away from the cosplay a bit. As far as budgeted, relatively-simple cosplays, I highly suggest you check out @skinwalkerconfessions. Beth is extremely creative and very good at thinking outside the box ā not to mention, sheās been doing cosplay for a few years now, and sheās got the skinny on ways to fudge here and there to make a cosplay affordable and easy to travel with and all that good stuff.
That does it for part one of my convention tips. Next time, weāll talk about electronics, travel plans, and more! Make sure you follow (and maybe even subscribe?) so you donāt miss anything!Ā
