Gatekeeping. You’ve felt it. Maybe even said it. “They don’t belong here.” “That’s not how it’s done.” “We’re just protecting the integrity of the space.” It sounds noble on the surface. But let’s call it what it is… Gatekeeping. And it’s slowly killing the heart… Read More »Gatekeeping vs. Guardianship: The Crossroads of Convention Culture
Every seasoned cosplayer has had that one moment: the slow walk of shame to con ops for prop inspection, hoping that the foam prop you spent 40 hours painting doesn’t get flagged for looking too real. Prop inspections aren’t just a formality—they’re a crucial part… Read More »Why Prop Inspection Rules Matter for Cosplayers
Let’s be Candid – the whole cosplay and convention community is at a crossroads. What used to feel like a vibrant, passionate community is starting to feel fragmented, tense, and, at times, outright hostile. Drama is louder than collaboration. Gatekeeping is replacing mentorship. Ego is… Read More »A Random Cosplayer’s guide to networking at conventions
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… Read More »The Business of Being Easy to Work With – why communication is everything!
*Blogger’s Note: This article contains a lot of generalizations. It is not intended to offend, nor is it intended to sell anyone short. There are a lot of talented people out there in both cosplay and photography, and everyone’s journey is different. The intention of… Read More »A Random Cosplayer’s Guide to Cosplay Photographers.
Cosplay Contest Pre-judging can almost be as daunting as being on stage. You are stuck in a small room, and you have but a few minutes with professional Cosplayers and Prop Fabricators to show them the months (or more) you have spent on your cosplay.… Read More »Cosplay Contest Pre-Judging: A Random Cosplayer’s Guide
March, 2006After spending six months building my cosplay, I am finally ready for photos. Now instead of painting, I am on a quest to find a photographer. Every one that I call has the same answer: They know nothing about cosplay, the character I was… Read More »Posing workbooks: The missing link between cosplayers and Photographers.
Cosplay has evolved from “just a hobby” to a legitimate global phenomenon. Passionate fans and talented creators galivant through conventions and events across the world, spending BILLIONS of dollars at events. As local and regional events continue to pop up and evolve, so too has… Read More »Being Paid as a Cosplay Guest at Cons.
Panels can be a fun and lucrative way to get started in the convention and cosplay community! To start, you will need a panel outline, like the freebie we offer. What’s a panel outline? It’s the document that outlines what you will need to successfully… Read More »A Random Cosplayer’s Guide to the Panel Outline template
August, 2021After incorporating my business, I decided to get out there and start shooting. Much like any endeavor, it was very trepidatious. I didn’t know many people in the community, and it seemed like photographers were crawling over each other to get the best shot. Frustration… Read More »Essential Tips for Aspiring Cosplay Photographers.
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