The Business of Being Easy to Work With – why communication is everything!

The cosplay and con community deserves more collaboration/communication and less competition. Want to make it last? Ditch the ego, and communicate like your success depends on it—because it does.

I’ve been part of the convention and cosplay scene for a while now—long enough to see the highs of great collaborations and the lows of partnerships that fall apart before they even get off the ground. 

If you want to grow in this space – whether you’re a cosplayer, vendor, organizer, or content creator—two things MUST be mastered; clear communication and keeping your ego in check. I’ve watched promising projects crash and burn not because the talent wasn’t there, but because people weren’t honest with themselves (and others), didn’t follow through (out of fear), or let pride get in the way of progress. This isn’t just about being respectful to others around you (that’s a given). It’s about doing business. In this blog, I will share why communication is your most greatest business tool, and how ego (if left unchecked) can quietly kill opportunities before they even start.

The importance of Communication

At the heart of every successful business, cosplay group, con event, or creative collab is one simple thing: communication. It sounds basic, but it’s where most partnerships fail. I’ve seen teams crumble because no one clarified roles, deadlines got ignored, or someone assumed everyone was on the same page — when it turns out they weren’t even in the same book.

I once worked with a vendor client and made a point to call weekly, just to follow up and keep our multiple projects on track. Instead of seeing that as professional communication, they started getting frustrated with how “often” I was checking in. The truth was, they were missing deadlines—not because of me, but because they were too busy putting out fires they had started by not managing their business properly.

Eventually, I had to walk away. In this case, the client was too overwhelmed to accept the help they actually needed. That experience taught me something big: when someone treats communication like a nuisance, it usually means they’ve lost control behind the scenes. In this business, silence doesn’t keep things peaceful—it just lets problems grow in the dark.

Drama and communication

Let’s be candid for a moment. This scene is no stranger to drama, both on the micro level (your circle and the circles around you) and on the macro (the community as a whole)

This scene runs on creativity, but it can just as easily get derailed by drama. And 90% of that drama comes from poor communication. People assume instead of asking. They stew instead of speaking up. Suddenly, a missed message turns into a full-blown social media fallout. But here’s the truth: a single honest conversation can shut all of that down before it spirals. Clear expectations, respectful check-ins, and direct feedback are how professionals stay out of the mess.

The Ego Problem

If poor communication is the quiet killer of great opportunities, ego is the flamethrower.

I’ve seen people with real potential completely sabotage their own growth because they couldn’t take feedback, share credit, or admit they needed help. Nowhere is this more obvious than in con board politics. I’ve worked with several convention boards where certain members, driven by ego, anxiety or personal jealousy, went behind the scenes trying to sabotage me—just because they wanted control over a project I was trusted to lead.

Instead of focusing on the success of the event, they made it about their own personal clout. That variety of toxic behavior will not merely affect one person. Such decisions will ripple through an entire con. Such behavior will lead to missed deadlines, poor communication, sponsor drop-offs, drama on social media, and worst of all – declining attendance. Attendees can feel when a convention isn’t being run with integrity. Ego doesn’t breed good ideas – it breaks them.

And if you’re serious about this business, you need to learn to put the community above your pride. Talent will open doors, but ego will make sure they slam shut behind you.

Real Talk from the other side of the drape and curtain

From the outside, cosplay guests, vendors, and photographers often look like they’ve got it all together…amazing displays, big crowds, and social media buzz. But behind the scenes, things aren’t always as smooth as they appear. I’ve seen cosplay guests struggle to meet deadlines, photographers drop the ball on communication, and vendors get frustrated when they didn’t get the exposure they were hoping for.

More often than not, it wasn’t because they weren’t talented—it was because communication fell through, or ego got in the way of teamwork. On the bright side, these concerns can be fixed.. Clear communication, professionalism, and mutual respect will go a long way in fulfilling your goals. When you approach every partnership like a real business opportunity—checking in, following through, staying accountable; you stand out in the best way.

People want to work with partners who bring consistency, not chaos. Because at the end of the day, collaboration is an investment. When someone brings you into a project, they’re putting their reputation, time, and money on the line. They want to know that you’ll show up, follow through, and make the overall vision stronger; not harder to manage. If people start seeing you as a risk, they’ll stop inviting you to the table. But if you become known as someone who communicates clearly, meets expectations, and uplifts the team? You won’t have to chase opportunities—they’ll come to you.

Community over clout – Keeping it together.

If you’re serious about building a name for yourself in the convention and cosplay world. Whether as a guest, vendor, creative, or collaborator. Here are some non-negotiables to keep your brand strong and your reputation solid:

Communicate:

• Communicate early, clearly, and often. Don’t wait until the last minute. If someone’s depending on you, check in. Ask questions. Confirm expectations. It shows you’re reliable and invested.
• Set boundaries and manage your time. Overcommitting is the fastest route to dropping the ball. Know what you can realistically handle and be honest about it from the start.
• Know when to walk away. Not every opportunity is the right fit and that’s okay. If a partnership is draining, disorganized, or clearly not aligned with your values, stepping back isn’t failure; it’s wisdom. Protecting your time and energy ensures you have space for the projects and people that truly deserve it.
• Always follow through – Showing up is the minimum. Finishing what you start (on time and the best quality possible) is what sets professionals apart from hobbyists.

Work with confidence, not ego

• Leave your ego at the door. Confidence is great. Entitlement is not. If someone gives you feedback or you hit a snag, respond with professionalism. In this business, there is no room for everyone’s ego. 
• Be someone people want to work with again. You don’t need to be everyone’s best friend, but being respectful, collaborative, and solutions-focused goes a long way in this industry. Stay out of the drama and politics; it will get you more noticed, but you will be hated for it.
• Protect your reputation like it’s part of your brand (because it is). People talk. Whether you’re amazing or a nightmare to work with, word travels fast in this community. Make sure what they’re saying reflects who you really are. Credibility is something that takes forever to earn and can be lost instantly. 

In this space, relationships matter just as much as skills. The people who grow are the ones who communicate clearly, treat others with respect, and understand that collaboration is a long game. Bring value then consistency, and you’ll keep leveling up.

Looking to level up intentionally? We can help.