All right, been going to Conventions since 2000, and there are some serious considerations if you are wanting to do this type of thing. It is all a matter of what you're planning for and what you need to know before you go.
1. Do you have a room or are you commuting? If you are doing this con at a hotel, GET A ROOM, or get to know people at the convention and help pay for a room. The reason for this, maybe expensive, but think about your car before you go, considering that commuting might not be the wisest choice if you do go with the price of gas.
2. If you are cosplaying or in costume, be aware that you will find times to get out of the costume, shower and also make sure you know how to keep it looking good. (Another reason to get a room)
3. BUDGET! For all and anyone going on a vacation or a road trip, budget for the worst. Listen carefully, budgetting is seriously the most important part of going to the convention, food, drink, and other essentials, you can live off water, but your body will hate you if you don't eat anything.
4. Hygiene! Keep yourself clean, con funk is what we con goers call it when you don't smell right, truth is though even though I do shower at a con, someone will bitch you smell or something, it might be the person next you, not just you. But I say, keep some body spray handy and make sure you brush your teeth, keep your hair brushed.
5. Security is your friend, don't be scared of them, these guys will help you with lost wallets, tails and other things. Not to mention, they keep you safe...also be nice to staff too.
6. Be aware of the rules of the con, if it says no cameras in certain areas, respect that.
7. Hydrate yourself, drink water, not just soda, don't forget that! I carry around a water bottle and don't be ashamed to go to a water fountain and fill up, you'll thank yourself later.
So be aware of what else, anything that is free on the freebie table is fair game. So please be aware of these rules and also make sure you dress up and have fun.
Cosplay made easy
Let's define this word for you, what is it? Cosplay is making a costume based of a movie character, hero from a book or so forth. These costumes can go from being simple to almost complex to hard. If you look at the picture above, this is just something from someone's imagination, her name, Mushi. If you can see, the costume is very complex in itself.
Cosplays made easy, okay, for one, go with a costume that you like and also find the easiest way to pull it off without breaking the bank. I have seen cosplays go from being almost $25.00 to nearly $2,000.00 in almost a year. So believe me when I tell you, if you try to go too complex, you might end up with a costume you can't hardly afford.
Here are the simple rules that I use:
1. Budget it, if you can't get something right away, wait and you can get it and then build from there.
2. Do things in pieces and parts, then as it goes, it becomes cheaper and easier in the end. Buying it all at once is where people go wrong, it takes time. The more time you put into it the more interesting the cosplay is going to look.
3. Make sure you document your progress, take pictures and show how its going, having feedback from your friends and also people who have an interest in what you're doing. Not to mention if you have non-cosplay friends, some of them love seeing this stuff.
4. When finished, get some pictures of the end product and you in it.
Hopefully this helps you with a lot of the ideas.
Anime Vegas 2008
Out of State vs In State
Going out of state for a convention is both eye opening and fun. The truth is the best way to meet fellow cosplayers and also finding out what is cool at other state conventions is actually the best way to do it. I usually like going to both my home state conventions and also one to two out of states because it shows me a whole different cosplay culture and anime community.
I have this to say, all anime fans are part of a community in their local areas, these are basically a group of people we know and also fellow fans. Sometimes this spans the entire state to the whole country. I have seen people arrive at Nan Desu Kan all the way from Texas to even Wyoming. So yes, we have a huge expansion.
The more you see the better off your ability to understand different groups are. So yes, that is something that you should consider when traveling.
Out of state conventions usually have a totally different set of personalities too running, Anime Vegas is a little more interested in keeping people cool and happy. Reason, its a hot state, it is freaking 100 degrees outside and some people are in costumes that can cause heat stroke. So yes, that's always the problem when it comes to people in the US.
I don't say don't go to in state conventions, just continue to also support the fandom throughout the country by going to different places and experience it. Its fun and also an education in what goes and what doesn't go with a convention.
How to spot a con artist at a convention
When I mention this in all respect because there are people out there who will do some harm to your bank account and such. Vendors are not like that, they're the most honest and friendly people you can find, but it is people who aren't even associated.
The reason I bring it up is back in 2010, I met one, and she nearly took me into debt, still am in debt, but I figured you know, maybe it can't hurt to give people an experience and also teach them how to avoid it. Here are some ways to find them:
First: Don't think that all people are doing it, if someone is asking, "Hey, can I borrow a quarter," think hard, then again, he might just want to call his folks or needs some soda. The thing to look out for is someone who wants more than that, maybe five to ten, or they are trying to figure out how much money you are carrying, never give amount that you carry, just say, "Sorry, man, don't have enough," and walk off, don't engage in conversation too long if it is someone you don't know.
Second: People who usually come off as way too friendly, like getting closer than you would like, maintain the personal bubble, or at least tell someone they're a bit too close for comfort. I don't say be like that to everyone, there are some people who are good and just want to know you. But be aware of certain key phrases, some of them will actually try to put you at ease, or they'll have a pity story on hand. One con artist said, "My mother died and I don't know any better," she was my exroommate and she used that to gain sympathy for nearly everyone and also used it to excuse herself as she stole money.
Third: Make sure if you are ripped off to have documentation, just have a reciept or something that can be used as a paper trail. Con Artists in some areas in the Anime Community are plain stupid and will do anything to make it sound like you're a friend to them, it isn't always the case. Real friends don't steal.
So just know the three things and the best case I can tell you go to a convention in a group, usually meet up with friends or in some cases, you will know the right friends when you see them. I know I learned that the hard way, my real friends are the ones who came up to me during a convention, hugged and we hang out for several hours.
So in closing of this installment of the Convention Beat, just be aware of the safety and also remember, convention security are your friends.
Convention Beat Volume 2
by Nagi Naoe
Sep 17, 2012
Rin and Len "Vocaloid"
How to go to Con and have fun
All right, been going to Conventions since 2000, and there are some serious considerations if you are wanting to do this type of thing. It is all a matter of what you're planning for and what you need to know before you go.
1. Do you have a room or are you commuting? If you are doing this con at a hotel, GET A ROOM, or get to know people at the convention and help pay for a room. The reason for this, maybe expensive, but think about your car before you go, considering that commuting might not be the wisest choice if you do go with the price of gas.
2. If you are cosplaying or in costume, be aware that you will find times to get out of the costume, shower and also make sure you know how to keep it looking good. (Another reason to get a room)
3. BUDGET! For all and anyone going on a vacation or a road trip, budget for the worst. Listen carefully, budgetting is seriously the most important part of going to the convention, food, drink, and other essentials, you can live off water, but your body will hate you if you don't eat anything.
4. Hygiene! Keep yourself clean, con funk is what we con goers call it when you don't smell right, truth is though even though I do shower at a con, someone will bitch you smell or something, it might be the person next you, not just you. But I say, keep some body spray handy and make sure you brush your teeth, keep your hair brushed.
5. Security is your friend, don't be scared of them, these guys will help you with lost wallets, tails and other things. Not to mention, they keep you safe...also be nice to staff too.
6. Be aware of the rules of the con, if it says no cameras in certain areas, respect that.
7. Hydrate yourself, drink water, not just soda, don't forget that! I carry around a water bottle and don't be ashamed to go to a water fountain and fill up, you'll thank yourself later.
So be aware of what else, anything that is free on the freebie table is fair game. So please be aware of these rules and also make sure you dress up and have fun.
Cosplay made easy
Let's define this word for you, what is it? Cosplay is making a costume based of a movie character, hero from a book or so forth. These costumes can go from being simple to almost complex to hard. If you look at the picture above, this is just something from someone's imagination, her name, Mushi. If you can see, the costume is very complex in itself.
Cosplays made easy, okay, for one, go with a costume that you like and also find the easiest way to pull it off without breaking the bank. I have seen cosplays go from being almost $25.00 to nearly $2,000.00 in almost a year. So believe me when I tell you, if you try to go too complex, you might end up with a costume you can't hardly afford.
Here are the simple rules that I use:
1. Budget it, if you can't get something right away, wait and you can get it and then build from there.
2. Do things in pieces and parts, then as it goes, it becomes cheaper and easier in the end. Buying it all at once is where people go wrong, it takes time. The more time you put into it the more interesting the cosplay is going to look.
3. Make sure you document your progress, take pictures and show how its going, having feedback from your friends and also people who have an interest in what you're doing. Not to mention if you have non-cosplay friends, some of them love seeing this stuff.
4. When finished, get some pictures of the end product and you in it.
Hopefully this helps you with a lot of the ideas.
Out of State vs In State
Going out of state for a convention is both eye opening and fun. The truth is the best way to meet fellow cosplayers and also finding out what is cool at other state conventions is actually the best way to do it. I usually like going to both my home state conventions and also one to two out of states because it shows me a whole different cosplay culture and anime community.
I have this to say, all anime fans are part of a community in their local areas, these are basically a group of people we know and also fellow fans. Sometimes this spans the entire state to the whole country. I have seen people arrive at Nan Desu Kan all the way from Texas to even Wyoming. So yes, we have a huge expansion.
The more you see the better off your ability to understand different groups are. So yes, that is something that you should consider when traveling.
Out of state conventions usually have a totally different set of personalities too running, Anime Vegas is a little more interested in keeping people cool and happy. Reason, its a hot state, it is freaking 100 degrees outside and some people are in costumes that can cause heat stroke. So yes, that's always the problem when it comes to people in the US.
I don't say don't go to in state conventions, just continue to also support the fandom throughout the country by going to different places and experience it. Its fun and also an education in what goes and what doesn't go with a convention.
How to spot a con artist at a convention
When I mention this in all respect because there are people out there who will do some harm to your bank account and such. Vendors are not like that, they're the most honest and friendly people you can find, but it is people who aren't even associated.
The reason I bring it up is back in 2010, I met one, and she nearly took me into debt, still am in debt, but I figured you know, maybe it can't hurt to give people an experience and also teach them how to avoid it. Here are some ways to find them:
First: Don't think that all people are doing it, if someone is asking, "Hey, can I borrow a quarter," think hard, then again, he might just want to call his folks or needs some soda. The thing to look out for is someone who wants more than that, maybe five to ten, or they are trying to figure out how much money you are carrying, never give amount that you carry, just say, "Sorry, man, don't have enough," and walk off, don't engage in conversation too long if it is someone you don't know.
Second: People who usually come off as way too friendly, like getting closer than you would like, maintain the personal bubble, or at least tell someone they're a bit too close for comfort. I don't say be like that to everyone, there are some people who are good and just want to know you. But be aware of certain key phrases, some of them will actually try to put you at ease, or they'll have a pity story on hand. One con artist said, "My mother died and I don't know any better," she was my exroommate and she used that to gain sympathy for nearly everyone and also used it to excuse herself as she stole money.
Third: Make sure if you are ripped off to have documentation, just have a reciept or something that can be used as a paper trail. Con Artists in some areas in the Anime Community are plain stupid and will do anything to make it sound like you're a friend to them, it isn't always the case. Real friends don't steal.
So just know the three things and the best case I can tell you go to a convention in a group, usually meet up with friends or in some cases, you will know the right friends when you see them. I know I learned that the hard way, my real friends are the ones who came up to me during a convention, hugged and we hang out for several hours.
So in closing of this installment of the Convention Beat, just be aware of the safety and also remember, convention security are your friends.