>Do a majority of congoers cosplay? I know it's common, but is it seen as a faux pas to not cosplay?
No. I go to a lot of big cons and while there are a ton of cosplayers there, percentage wise most people aren’t in cosplay

>Likewise, is it seen as a faux pas to wear the same cosplay more than once in a multi-day event, or to not wear it some days?
It’s not a big deal to wear it multiple days as long as it’s not dirty/stained/stinky

>I've read a lot on this board about "after hours" events and parties that aren't scheduled by the con staff. Do you have to get invited to things like that, or how do people find out about them?
Some are invite only, some have an open door policy. Just be chill

>Do cons that don't have a stated sub-demographic (ones that use terms like "fandom" or "pop culture" instead of specifically "fantasy" or "otaku" or something) tend to accept all demographics? Would you be looked at weird for going to something more "western" like SDCC in an anime cosplay, or would you expect to see a lot of them?
Cons are becoming more and more of a catch all, especially at larger sized cons. The majority of cosplays will still be related to the main demographic, but there’ll still be plenty of variety

>Why do some huge cons like Colossal and Dragon seem to place such significance on getting a hotel room onsite as opposed to just being nearby? Surely not just traffic, right?
It’s just nicer to be in the middle of the con atmosphere the entire time. I think you definitely miss out on a lot of the con night life vibe if you aren’t on site

>>10907375
>What's a "gull"?
Anyone who hangs out on this board is a 'gull'. The board is '/cgl' which -if you stretch it- could be pronounced 'seagull'. People who hang out here are 'seagulls' or 'gulls'.

>>10907375

>Do a majority of congoers cosplay? I know it's common, but is it seen as a faux pas to not cosplay?
If you want to make friends at cons cosplaying will make it so much easier. Bonus points for making it yourself or at least part of it so you have something to talk about to other cosplayers.

>Likewise, is it seen as a faux pas to wear the same cosplay more than once in a multi-day event, or to not wear it some days?
No one cares about the cosplay as long as its clean, Mostly people that do casual or store bought cosplays will wear a new one each day, Or a cosplayer brings out their big costume for Saturday and has some older or store-bought casual ones for other days.

>How do you keep track of scheduling for multiple cons across multiple years? Do you get notified about them? When is "con season"?
Most people have a few local cons they go too and maybe a few out of state cons, the con season depends on the area in Florida its in the summer.

>How do you make friends at a con if you're not going with a group?
Cosplaying helps but talk to people and maybe have some booze at night to share if you want to get invited to parties.

I wouldn't travel far for the corporate cons run by fanexpo or reedpop. Big cons like Ax or Dragon are great.
Aside from a few big cons I tend to prefer the mid sized hotel cons, its easier to meet people and they have more going on at night generally. But you also need to make your own fun with cosplaying and drinking as there is less going on during the day.

>>10907375
>How do you not get sick every time you go to one?
By eating a healthy diet, doing exercise , going out and having an average immuno system.

Seriously, do you get sick regularly when going to events? Because that is concerning.

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>>10907375
>How do you not get sick every time you go to one?

From the ACEN 2019 guide

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Damn, we don't usually get threads with this many questions in them. Will it breathe some life back, even if just for a moment? Only one way to find out
>Do a majority of congoers cosplay?
Many of your questions have the same answer: It varies. Katsucon, for example, was easily 80%+ cosplayers. If you're at one, and the turnout is low, don't expect anything special. And while it's also never expected that you dress up, you're absolutely relegated to background extra if you're there in normal clothes.
>is it seen as a faux pas to wear the same cosplay more than once?
I can't imagine so, unless you're into being "an influencer" or some dumb zoomie shit like that
>Do you have to get invited to things like that, or how do people find out about them?
Facebook, Telegram, Discord groups, this very board. At some you don't even have to look hard, you'll just hear a bunch of noise from a room with its door propped halfway open
>Do cons that don't have a stated sub-demographic tend to accept all demographics?
Maybe a few years ago but in my area, you have explicit anime conventions or implicit ones i.e. they're not advertised as that but weebs are the only one who care to show up. And while I've never done SDCC, some posts I've read suggest there isn't much cosplay presence there at all
>Why do some huge cons like Colossal and Dragon seem to place such significance on getting a hotel room onsite as opposed to just being nearby?
I'm guessing you read my post from yesterday on this. Colossal is bordering on the middle of nowhere, so it's not traffic. If you're at an event that has the convention, a waterpark and parties all in one place, you REALLY don't wanna waste time going back and forth, where to keep your things or worrying when one of your guys wants to call it a night

>>10907452
>How do you not get sick every time you go to one?
An already-strong immune system never hurts.
>When is "con season"?
Once you've been to enough, you'll get more into the swing of things. And if you wanna keep an eye out for something new, there's the ever-handy animecons.com. Most of my preferred cons are in the first half of the year. This weekend, as it turns out, is one of the busiest of the year. Down-season is late summer to early fall
>If you're partying, how do you deal with inevitable hangovers or crashes?
Same as always: stay hydrated. Not long ago, one guy I met here gave me a bunch of VERY hard cocktails but between each, insisted on a Gatorade. I felt nothing the next morning
>If you cosplay, what's normally your budget? Both in terms of time and money.
Probably never more than $150. I just pick characters I've been eyeing for a while and wear those till I've had enough of them
>How do you make friends at a con if you're not going with a group?
In spite of what you might think, even dorks can (sometimes) intuit who is or isn't interested in hanging out / looks like they can make a fun time themselves. Also this: >>10907383
>tend to prefer the mid sized hotel cons, its easier to meet people
>How many cons do you go to yearly or on a recurring basis?
Between 2021 and 2023, I averaged 18 each. Keep in mind, that includes a bunch of shitty local ones too. Also I'm dialing it back a bit this year

>>10907375
>Do a majority of congoers cosplay? I know it's common, but is it seen as a faux pas to not cosplay?
No, but a large chunk, and it makes starting conversations with randos much easier. Saying "I like your cosplay of X" to someone is an easy way to start a convo. There are also often group photoshoots for large fandoms and those can be lots of fun.

>Likewise, is it seen as a faux pas to wear the same cosplay more than once in a multi-day event, or to not wear it some days?
Not at all.

>I've read a lot on this board about "after hours" events and parties that aren't scheduled by the con staff. Do you have to get invited to things like that, or how do people find out about them?
Yes, you get invited. You do this by befriending people at cons. Do not expect to get invited to the coolest party your first year of going. Just make friends and be nice to people, and you'll eventually find a group of people who will invite you to their events. Additionally, if you already have a couple of friends going with you and sharing a room, keeping your door open and offering a drink to anyone who pokes their head in can easily lead you to finding people who are hosting or going to parties.

>Do cons that don't have a stated sub-demographic (ones that use terms like "fandom" or "pop culture" instead of specifically "fantasy" or "otaku" or something) tend to accept all demographics? Would you be looked at weird for going to something more "western" like SDCC in an anime cosplay, or would you expect to see a lot of them?
You'll see less, but they still exist. A lot of anime fans hate when people wear capeshit to anime cons. I don't really care, but there are some people who are judgey. If you are interested enough in the material to go, you can probably just make a cosplay of a western piece of media to go in if you really want to cosplay.

>Why do some huge cons like Colossal and Dragon seem to place such significance on getting a hotel room onsite as opposed to just being nearby? Surely not just traffic, right?
Because they are party cons and you want to be on-site to party.

>What's a "gull"?
Member of this board.

>How do you not get sick every time you go to one?
Lots of people do get sick after events all of the time. A week before the con, start taking vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea every day, and continue this for a week after the con. Drink lots of water, make sure you get at least 6 hours of sleep regardless of how late you stay up, and don't live off of ramen the entire time.

>How do you keep track of scheduling for multiple cons across multiple years? Do you get notified about them? When is "con season"?
Cons tend to be around the same time each year. Once you start going, you know when they fall. A lot of cons also announce their dates for the next year at the end of the current con.

>>If you're partying, how do you deal with inevitable hangovers or crashes?
Water+sleep+advil.

>If you cosplay, what's normally your budget? Both in terms of time and money.
I do a combination of buying and making pieces. I generally budget $300 per cosplay, but I've spent way less and I've spent more if a character has props.

>How do you make friends at a con if you're not going with a group?
Talk to cosplayers about their cosplays. Go to panels about things you like. A lot of cons have discord servers you can join where you could chat with people ahead of time.

>How many cons do you go to yearly or on a recurring basis? There are a fuckton I want to see but I'm not sure if my expectations are unreasonable.
I'm old so I don't go to many anymore (usually 1-3 a year now, as I live far away from things and have to fly to them), but at my prime I was going to 15ish a year. If you're looking for a specific kind of con experience, people will have feedback about what would be the best cons for you to attend.

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There are a lot of replies so I'm going to try to avoid (You)spamming everyone here. I really appreciate all the answers though.
>cosplay
Glad to know that I'm not going to be looking like an idiot just by throwing together a basic cosplay for my first (large) con. I'm kind of a weeaboo so I was more concerned about the opposite perception (Western fans judging Eastern media cosplays) but it's good to see that's not the case, at least not at most of the general purpose conventions I know of. I also expected budgets to be way higher, $150 for something that looks decent is a shocker.
>scheduling
It seems like it's mostly just keeping an eye out but animecons.com is exactly what I was looking for. And holy shit you weren't lying, this weekend is packed.
>getting invited
I should probably get a Facebook and Telegram then in order to actually start seeking people/groups out. I already follow a couple of cons on Instagram but that doesn't offer much from what I can see.

>>10907382
I feel retarded for not picking that up but it's hilarious, thank you.

>>10907384
>do you get sick regularly when going to events?
Yes, mainly because cons are pretty much the only time I'm around crowds as someone who works remote and doesn't get out much.

With regards to cosplay, is it more common for people to buy preproduced ones or make them from scratch? I know several sites sell dedicated cosplay gear.

Also this is probably a retarded question but are "purity tests" the norm for cosplayers? To pick a basic example, if I were to wear a Starfleet uniform would people expect me to know every Trek series back and forth and would I get shit if I didn't?

>>10907509
People will expect you to know something about the character you're dressed as- but not EVERYTHING about them. People who have never seen/read/played the series/movie/comic/game with the character they're dressed as get judged pretty harshly. But no one except crazy fanatics will expect you to know everything about them. And even then, they're mostly just sad that you're not as hardcore as they are.

>>10907507
>Facebook
>Telegram
These are not where people are connecting lol

>Yes, mainly because cons are pretty much the only time I'm around crowds as someone who works remote and doesn't get out much.
That isn't how your immune system words, bud

>>10907517
The most I've said to other cosplayers from series I like is just compliment them and ask for a photo. The mostly what's been asked of me when I have cosplayed as well.

>>10907507
With regards to cosplay, is it more common for people to buy preproduced ones or make them from scratch? I know several sites sell dedicated cosplay gear.

More people buy them because its way easier. But even if you do buy yours try to make a prop or something to go along with it.

>>10907561
most people buy because it's way easier and cheaper to buy some shit that China pumped out. also if you're hot that's way more important than the costume. a generic mass-produced Chinese costume on a hot girl will trump a hand-made accurate costume made with fancy materials on someone average, and hand-made with fancy materials on a hot girl trumps both obviously.

>>10907526
People connect on Fetlife but that's a different con experience all together.

>>10907509
>if I were to wear a Starfleet uniform
We can be friends. Also don't worry about it, people are not generally gatekeep-y.

not OP
is it considered rude to take pics of guests/panelists? $50 for an autograph or picture is fucking insane

>>10907632
it's rude to take a candid picture of somebody under any circumstance. a picture specifically with somebody or to autograph something is worth whatever they think they can get out of it. if you're at a panel and take a picture, nobody's gonna come for your neck or anything, just turn your flash off

>>10907526
>>10907638
What the hell is Telegram?

>>10907737
Encrypted messaging app where the creeps fled to after Wickr was bought by Amazon

>>10907375
>Do a majority of congoers cosplay?
No, the majority of congoers are in normie clothing.
>Likewise, is it seen as a faux pas to wear the same cosplay more than once in a multi-day event, or to not wear it some days?
If you have only one cosplay, expect less interactions because after someone has interacted/gotten a picture of you they won't have a reason to interact with you again.
>I've read a lot on this board about "after hours" events and parties that aren't scheduled by the con staff. Do you have to get invited to things like that, or how do people find out about them?
Personal interaction. Don't expect every after-hour event to be good. Some are just thirsty nerds trying to get a con hook-up.
>Do cons that don't have a stated sub-demographic tend to accept all demographics?
Yes and no. Bigger cons accept all but smaller themed ones it's weird to go if you aren't into the sub-demographic.
>Would you be looked at weird for going to something more "western" like SDCC in an anime cosplay, or would you expect to see a lot of them?
People put a lot of work into their better cosplays and will wear them any time they get a chance. Expect less interactions, but people always appreciate a good cosplay.
>Why do some huge cons like Colossal and Dragon seem to place such significance on getting a hotel room onsite as opposed to just being nearby? Surely not just traffic, right?
Parking is an absolute mess at bigger cons. Having a room usually gets you a designated spot in the con-center connected parking garage. Plus as a cosplayer that changes costumes multiple times per day, it gives you a private place to do so.
>How do you not get sick every time you go to one?
I take Emergen-C at every con I go to. Just put your tablet in water and drink it. Haven't gotten con crud in years.

>>10907789
Cont
>If you're partying, how do you deal with inevitable hangovers or crashes?
Don't go overboard at cons. Cons are expensive to go to and have enough going on that you want to be for it as much as possible. You can have a few drinks but save getting shitfaced for time with friends.
>If you cosplay, what's normally your budget? Both in terms of time and money.
Depends on your personal budget. Don't spend more than you have. There are some cheap cosplays that will get attention, but the bigger you go, the more you get.
>How do you make friends at a con if you're not going with a group?
Make friends in the community. I haven't been to a con where I haven't known at least a few others even if I was solo-ing.
>How many cons do you go to yearly or on a recurring basis? There are a fuckton I want to see but I'm not sure if my expectations are unreasonable.
I have a few base ones that I attend regularly and others that I do based on what events they're doing that year. Plus I have personal obligations and other responsibilities. It all depends on my budget and time available. Yours may differ.
>How do you keep track of scheduling for multiple cons across multiple years? Do you get notified about them? When is "con season"?
The bigger ones you need to plan for. Smaller ones you can easily get a room/ticket up the time of the event. I participate in local cosplay events where people regularly talk about what cons they plan on attending, what was good last year, what sucked last year etc.
>>10907526
>Facebook
>Telegram
>These are not where people are connecting lol
Open facebook events is actually a great place to meet other cosplayers if you don't know anyone. Open events put less pressure on people to make friends but are more welcoming of the community as a whole.

Are raves and the like common or are they only at big party cons? I'm going to a multi-day one soon that doesn't seem to have any sort of official discord or anything but it's in a reasonably big city so you'd think there'd be something at least.

>>10907875
From the biggest to the smallest, any multi-day convention will have a rave. And they're almost always total

>>10907876
>>10907877
Even if they do suck ass I've never gone to one before and I really wanna, I'm just nervous about there actually being one and I miss it somehow.

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Other beginner congoer here. Not really into doing cosplay myself but I am a huge japanese speaking weeb weirdo and I like the idea that animecon/comiccon/furrycon goers are considerably more unhinged than normal people. However, the room parties and the rave at the con I went to were sort of lame. I was one of the only people just walking around the con openly sipping alcohol from my backpack. Surprised everyone wasn't, staff didn't even give a shit.

So my question is: how would I get a rave going? Like a real rave with things happening that aren't supposed to be happening. I've been fantasizing about DJing for years now but keep getting offput about how stuck up/snobbish nightclubs are in the USA and I feel like cons could be way more fun if there were a DJ that were willing to play nightcore/happy hardcore/internetcore in a smaller venue like someone's room and perhaps someone could provide other substances besides alcohol. I'm considering just getting some shitty DJ equipment and a PA and trying to ape someone's room party, with their permission of course. Even if the events I attended were a little lame, the people seemed chill.

Anyone think this would work? My ego could probably handle failing this at least a few times/a few cons before I give up. Or alternatively, does this actually happen? Is there a con that would serve as good study material?

>>10907878
Well you're probably safe in that regard at least. Also for what it's worth, AYRT and I was at an awesome weeb rave just this last weekend, but it wasn't on site. The problem with official con raves seems to be too much space and DJs who don't play to their audience

>>10908237
How'd you find it? I would kill to go to a weeb rave.

>>10908244
Posters on the street. Off-site stuff is becoming more and more common these days

>>10908244
if your con is known for being a party con, you're likely to find it just out in the streets after a certain. Fanime has a park across the street from the center where you're likely to find groups partying once the con itself closes for the evening

>>10908355
what are examples of party cons? (so i can avoid)

>>10908482
lolfag

>>10908482
what a loser

i last went to a con in like 2009 so things may have changed. going to a con in 2 months from now.

>Do a majority of congoers cosplay?
My experience: In America yes, in Sweden no.. Nowadays it is so much easier to buy a cosplay tho, in the past we had nothing like Temu and Walmart selling $20 cosplay outfits.
>After hours
In my experience these are sex and drug parties. If your con has a rave or anything similar, people will just walk up and invite you. I wouldn't go, for various reasons. Parties used to get advertised on 4ch but not anymore I guess.
>sub-demographic
You'll always be weird if you dress up as the Simpsons when going to an anime con. But no one is going to kick you out. Also the majority of Japanese people see western cartoons and anime as the same thing.
>Onsite hotel rooms
I work at a hotel. If the con has a deal with the local hotel, it can mean the con staff get rooms for free or cheap and the hotel workers get free con tickets. In return the con brings massive business to the hotel in what is usually the off-season where the hotel is suffering. The guests of the event have no clue about these secret deals.
>How do you not get sick?
Don't eat junk food, soda, etc. Bring earplugs and sleeping pills. Fastest way to feel like crap is to fill your body with crap then not sleep. Don't share a room with someone who snores.
>If you cosplay, what's normally your budget? Both in terms of time and money.
$100-$200 for just the costume. Then another $100-$300 for the travel, hotel, souvenirs, etc. I try to carpoor, roomshare, bring own food, only do costumes where I can reuse the parts as normal clothes, then it's not such a waste of money. Time-wise, I usually end up throwing everything together within 3 months as I never know if I am actually going to get to go or not.
>How do you make friends?
Literally just go up and talk to people. Hand out your Email after you have a chat.

>>10908505
One thing to know: At the bigger cons, there are a lot of foreign tourists who came just for the convention and they basically don't speak any English whatsoever. This is especially true with Asian visitors including the Japanese ones. They often feel lonely and just walk around silently. So don't be afraid to try talking to them even if it's through stuff like hand gestures, it often really makes their day. (Make sure the person you do this with is not a bigwig con guest or something). I've had several times where I said something like "Are you from Prince of Tennis?" and the person completely ignored me, and I thought they were rude until I realized they had no clue what I said.

If you want to eat at a restaurant, make a reservation and a plan then a backup plan. Most places will be either full or closed by the time you get around to eating.

The best plan is a loose plan, just go with the flow. Let the liquor do the thinking.

>>10908517
I've suggested this before, even from the practical view that you're almost guaranteed to have plans interrupted / ruined. That got roasted immediately and it didn't make sense until I remembered what site I'm on

>>10907375
Different anon but would it be better to get dressed in cosplay at the venue or at home and drive there?

>>10908667
Unless you have a room you can change in at the con, do it at home. Maybe just save the more delicate parts for once you park and get out of the car so they don't break while you sit on them driving

>>10908520
Yeah.
You should go in with zero expectations. Flip through the guide pick out a few events you wouldnt mind hitting. Take a pull of liquor then explore.

1/2. Assuming you're a male/zoomer tourist with how these questions are written.

>>10907375
>I'm a near-complete beginner to con culture and the "scene" due to zero exposure to it until recently
You missed out on the golden years, but you can still probably have fun before cons become complete corporate, cosmodeling/OF shilling, and coomer infested shitholes.

>Do a majority of congoers cosplay? I know it's common, but is it seen as a faux pas to not cosplay?
Not anymore. It used to be that maybe 40-60% (60 being pretty high and not as common, but happened) of a cons population cosplayed or closet cosplayed *because* it was the only place to meet people like you and do those kinds of things. Now it's probably less than 10% at most cons and even then, of that 10% it's Aliexpress bought or onlyfans style models. Not as common to see people cosplaying for fun, either, mostly fotm that gets cycled though constantly.

>Likewise, is it seen as a faux pas to wear the same cosplay more than once in a multi-day event, or to not wear it some days?
No, this used to be normal before cosmodeling became the defacto way to cosplay. If you spend months working on something by hand, of course you'll wear it more than once.

>I've read a lot on this board about "after hours" events and parties that aren't scheduled by the con staff. Do you have to get invited to things like that, or how do people find out about them?
Know the right people, stumble into a group who thinks you're chill or cool.

>Do cons that don't have a stated sub-demographic (ones that use terms like "fandom" or "pop culture" instead of specifically "fantasy" or "otaku" or something) tend to accept all demographics?
Weird question, but I'm assuming you're a socially inept moid with no experience. What's the demographic of the media? Then that's probably the demographic of the con. Use your common sense. Look at the guests and what media they're promoting. If it really is just a catch all con then obviously yes.

2/3 actually, cause these are pretty open ended questions.

>>10907375
>Would you be looked at weird for going to something more "western" like SDCC in an anime cosplay?
Anime is nearly ubiquitous at that point. Maybe 15-20 years ago, but at this point? No one cares.

>Why do some huge cons like Colossal and Dragon seem to place such significance on getting a hotel room onsite as opposed to just being nearby?
Because they're fucking popular host hotels. You really think some drunk retard wants to get an Uber instead of just going back up to their room? You really think a cosplayer with huge armor wants to lug that shit to and from the con all day?

>What's a "gull"?
Seagull.

>How do you not get sick every time you go to one?
Sometimes you just get sick.

>How do you keep track of scheduling for multiple cons across multiple years? Do you get notified about them?
How do you learn about any huge, promoted event? You think cons put all that money into the event just to not advertise? You think nerds who have a place to "be themselves" aren't going to spread it by word of mouth? Nowadays we have social media as a huge source of information, and even discord groups. Pick your poison.

>If you're partying, how do you deal with inevitable hangovers or crashes?
How would you do that in any other situation? Or at all? Drink water, hydrate with electrolytes. Duh.

>If you cosplay, what's normally your budget? Both in terms of time and money.
Depends on the cosplay and how much I want to put into it. I definitely don't put in as much now as 10-15 years ago despite having more money. Cosplay, unlike a fashion like Lolita, fluctuates since making a costume is dependant on materials. And you don't always go to the same type or number of cons every year, so that changes as well. Your budget is whatever you want to allocate, there's no real average.

3/3 finally made it

>>10907375
>How do you make friends at a con if you're not going with a group?
Not be an autistic retard, so you're probably not going to make it (joking, mostly). The current con scene is no longer suited for autists making friends, but at least if you make impressive cosplays you have a chance that people come up to you to ask for pictures and you can chat them up that way. So if you want to make friends, cosplay from a piece of media you like and people who enjoy that media will probably come up to you and ask about it. This is what cosplay used to embody for a lot of people, just a fun was to broadcast your love for a particular series.

>How many cons do you go to yearly or on a recurring basis?
Personally? Used to be 4-5 average, and maybe 8-12 at my height, but now it's 0-2 a year max. I only really budget for the biggest ones anymore because that's when all my friends get time to go. If you can budget for more or want to experience more, the only thing realistically stopping you is money.

>>10908220
An independent weeb rave event would be kino but finding "artists" and musicians would be hard, I think. A small one just where you dj could be cool but I wouldn't expect a ton of people. Shit, I'd go. Sounds fun. Most raves at cons are kind of shit now, they used to be a ton of fun because ravers/Kandi kids/PLUR types actually went to them (and ravers are an endangered species in current year). Now it's just a bunch of people who have never been to a rave trying to put on a semblance of one for a bunch of socially inept or introverted people. So yeah, anything would be better.

>>10908520
Most people don't want "teehee I'm so DRUNK xD" retards who use the con to facilitate their substance abuse around them and find it annoying. I'm not talking about just have a little to loosen up, but there was a period where people would come to cons just to get shitfaced and cause problems and your "advice" might have come off similarly.

>>10908682
>Most people don't want "teehee I'm so DRUNK xD" retards who use the con to facilitate their substance abuse around them and find it annoying. I'm not talking about just have a little to loosen up, but there was a period where people would come to cons just to get shitfaced and cause problems and your "advice" might have come off similarly.
Well said
Pace yourself people. By the time 4am hits you can be pretty drunk and pass out in your room, but no one likes that early in the day, not to mention you'll miss out on cool shit. I'm a seasoned drunk.

>>10908682
>A small one just where you dj could be cool but I wouldn't expect a ton of people
I'm thinking a room party and 5-15 people who actually stay for a while sounds ideal to me. I fucking hate it when there's great music on but no room to dance and you have a bunch of meanies giving you weird looks for bobbing your head a bit.
>Now it's just a bunch of people who have never been to a rave trying to put on a semblance of one for a bunch of socially inept or introverted people
In all fairness I've never been to a rave, but I've had some great mosh pit experiences and been to a few good concerts and I think I have a decent idea of what I would like to see. Classic rave music is my #1 genre that I get drunk to alone at night for the last 4 or 5 years and my main goal is to just share that experience. All I need are a handful of attendees who are fun and down to let loose.
>finding "artists" and musicians would be hard, I think
Seems like the easy part to me, actually. Musicians are desperate as hell even if they're flaky. I want to do the bulk of the DJing anyway. The hardest part actually seems like [spoiler]getting drugs to everyone without someone getting triggered[/spoiler]

Glad to hear someone might be interested in this anyway, thanks. Planning on actually dropping some cash on some beginner DJ equipment and practicing, then finding some musicians to split cost of a party room with

>>10908696
No one is going to get "triggered" because you offered them molly

>>10908696
>getting drugs to everyone without someone getting triggered
I feel like taking some shit your weeaboo DJ offered you is probably an easy way to get fucked over

>>10908711
MDMA is a lot better now than it was 10 years ago. Seems like way less nbome, 2ci, and other RCs. I know checkpoint upped their pressie game big time. Sucks I'm on brain meds now because I used to live rolling.

>>10908707
Absolutely do not offer anyone at any con anything besides maybe alcohol. You've no idea how these people will react or if they're on medicine that will interact, and the average congoers is already in the 99th percentile of being a fucking retard. At least if they drink too much you don't have to worry about the law and idiots screeching.

It's just not worth it. Don't trust con people farther than you can throw them. It doesn't matter if you consider X a friend or "helped them out" in a situation, the second the roles reverse they'll fly the coop. Actual worthwhile friends met through conventions are a rarity, most are just con acquaintances who will never put the kind of effort in that you will.

Also, I'd never accept anything from a con rando. These people don't test their shit.

>>10908673
Thank you. I will just have to deal with embarrassment at my parents home when leaving for the con because I'm too cheap for a hotel for that.

>>10908727
listen it'll be fine. you haven't truly enjoyed cosplay yet if you've not yet stopped for gas or went shopping for con supplies in full outfit

>>10908713
You can hand out herb. People will smoke if you offer and they smoke. I'm surprised at the amount that don't same with drinks. I usually always have individually packed shooters with me that I hand out and I'm surprised how many people say no. They're polite about it, and it's fine I just figure more people are there trying to get fucked up.

>>10908696
>A small one just where you dj could be cool but I wouldn't expect a ton of people
>I'm thinking a room party and 5-15 people who actually stay for a while sounds ideal to me.
Yeah that would be a cute little shindig with some buds, but I don't know if it would work to advertise it that way.

>In all fairness I've never been to a rave, but I've had some great mosh pit experiences and been to a few good concerts and I think I have a decent idea of what I would like to see.
No offense, but why are you interested in throwing a rave when you've never been to one? Mosh pits and concerts are much different experiences, raves are much more social compared to both of those and have less dancing and more hanging out and moving to the music. Imagine if someone said, "I've never been to an anime convention but I like anime and I've gone to anime speed dating events so I think I should host one. We won't need many guests, I can host all the panels myself." Would you go to that con?

>my main goal is to just share that experience. All I need are a handful of attendees who are fun and down to let loose.
So you more want to vibe with a handful of people who like electronic/trance music?

>Seems like the easy part to me, actually. Musicians are desperate as hell even if they're flaky. I want to do the bulk of the DJing anyway.
A rave with only one dj with no experience and questionable sounds lame as fuck.

>The hardest part actually seems like [spoiler]getting drugs to everyone without someone getting triggered[/spoiler]
This isn't a good idea. You better have a test kit for all your shit, and when someone reacts badly because they're on SSRIs, it's on you. This isn't what a dj does, you're not supposed to be the druglord for the event you dj. And it's telling that someone "getting triggered" is your worry and not someone getting serotonin syndrome.

Doing this with your friends and friends of friends, sure. But I wouldn't do all this with a ton of people.

>>10908740
Serotonin syndrome is a myth I believe

>>10908713
>>10908734
I'm getting mixed messages here. Perhaps I just have an ungodly amount of beer on hand that I can give people and just save drugs for myself and highly trusted people. Also not talking about weed, not a fan of the stuff myself. I've just been to so many lame "raves" and concerts where the entire audience is just filming the artist with their phones and there's like one guy dancing. I'm not sure if there's really any solution besides drugs. I'm down to do this at a furrycon as well, maybe people would be more willing to dance if their faces are covered? Hell I'd get a fursuit.
>>10908740
>No offense, but why are you interested in throwing a rave when you've never been to one?
None taken, legit question. I'm technically a zoomer and I'm not really from the rave generation. It's just that I've seen videos of raves from the 2000s where everyone is jumping up and down and clearly tripping on something, no one's judging each other, no phones, just in a state of flow. And as loser-ish as it is, some of my best memories are just banging my head to 2000s EDM/nightcore/happy hardcore while shitfaced and not at an actual show. Everytime I've tried dancing at a club, you just get disgusted looks and macho assholes thinking you're fighting with them. While metal shows and even synthwave shows are mostly fellow nerdy dudes who just want to dance, and I've had a lot of fun at those. I just want to have that experience with weeb rave music.
>A rave with only one dj with no experience and questionable sounds lame as fuck.
Maybe, but I gotta start somewhere. Either throw a shit party in a hotel with no consequences, or beg a venue for a slot, get one, it's shit, and get blacklisted from that venue forever.
>you're not supposed to be the druglord for the event
Even so, I find it hard to believe that the best DJs don't at least verify somehow that drugs will be there. Most crowds don't just start hugging sober. I heard Freddy Mercury had dealers tour with him.

>>10908774
I mean if your looking to push at a con that's not a bad idea. Just fuckin be cool. Scope people.out and make sure they won't narc on you. I wish people would offer me blow at cons I would buy some at custied up prices too.

>>10908745
I don't wanna take any chances. Last time I took mahl after I've been on brain pills the next day I was like having tunnel vision, vomiting, and felt like I was gonna pass out. Could have been from all the booze but I ain't looking to find out. I'll stick with blow.

>>10908781
I was pretty "deep" in the jamband scene and it's identical to the rave scene, in minecraft. You can start a production company put on raves then sell whatever at them. Then you take the money you made from selling whatever and count that as ticket sales. It's all clean then.

Not the OP but I also do have a similar question: Do you guys go up to couples cosplaying or a woman cosplaying while her bf is standing around and ask them for pictures? Is it awkward and shit?

>>10908796
I'm too shy to ask for for pics but I had women ask for pics of me when I went with my girlfriend in the past.

>>10908774
Every post you make it is very obvious that any event you plan will fail. Drinking alone at home and banging your head to music is as unrelated to planning a party as it is to riding a horse. Please learn to walk before you run. Go to cons, make friends, connect with people involved in them, learn the vibe of each con, and then host an event.

95%+ of con parties don't have anything more intense than beer and weed. Anyone who wants to do harder shit is doing it with friends, not around strangers.

>>10908808
>any event you plan will fail
Bit of a strong statement, sounds like you want that.

>>10908782
Shit man I wouldn't trust no one for nothing, there's so much fent floating around that a random giving you stuff is not the kind of gamble I want to take

>>10908808
You ever heard of the Grateful Dead? They filled 60k stadiums with people doing drugs with strangers that were usually bought or given to them by strangers.
>>10908816
No one besides cops is putting fent in blow. If I drop dead from that then I am a victim of the states unjust war of drugs. That is a price I'm willing to pay.

>>10908774
>None taken, legit question. I'm technically a zoomer and I'm not really from the rave generation. It's just that I've seen videos of raves from the 2000s where everyone is jumping up and down and clearly tripping on something, no one's judging each other, no phones, just in a state of flow. Gotcha, that makes sense. [...] I just want to have that experience with weeb rave music.
Okay, that makes sense, thanks for answering. That's an admirable goal.

>Maybe, but I gotta start somewhere. Either throw a shit party in a hotel with no consequences, or beg a venue for a slot, get one, it's shit, and get blacklisted from that venue forever.
Yeah but what I'm saying is you really don't want to do an event and call it a rave, because there's expectations associated with that word. It would be like putting in a lace monster dress and calling it Lolita fashion, you know? Either way, sounds like you just wanna have a good homebrewed time! So I say go for it (with reservations).

>Even so, I find it hard to believe that the best DJs don't at least verify somehow that drugs will be there. Most crowds don't just start hugging sober. I heard Freddy Mercury had dealers tour with him.
Yes, but you're not Freddy Mercury... I think doing this with a few friends would be great but I don't think this kind of idea works with a bunch of strangers, you know?

>>10908796
>Not the OP but I also do have a similar question: Do you guys go up to couples cosplaying or a woman cosplaying while her bf is standing around and ask them for pictures?
Yes, frequently.
>Is it awkward and shit?
Not in the slightest, especially if you're not being a creep about it. Asking for a picture is extremely flattering to most people. Cosplay is an art form and people put effort into them (usually) so having that effort noticed feels great. Tips:
>always ALWAYS ask first if you have the ability to do so and the subject isn't already presenting themselves (i.e., they're doing literally anything that isn't posing)
>have your phone (or camera if you're a richfag) ready so they don't have to watch you awkwardly fumble through a password or something
>don't talk to someone from behind, walk around to their side/in front of them first so they can see you and hear you better, no jumpscares
>"Excuse me, I like/love your cosplay, may I get a pic?" or if you know the character name, "Hey Reimu/Saber/Snake/etc, can I get a pic?" will work 99% of the time
>smile, look happy to see them
>if they have someone not in cosplay who wants to be in the pic too, or is confused about whether they can be, default to "yes" or "sure"
>give them time to pose if they want to
>if anyone involved says they would rather not be photographed then you respect that and do not take a picture, simple as
You will never make anyone unhappy or uncomfortable this way.

>>10908833
>>10908798
thanks, appreciate the info!

>>10908809
I don't, but I'm being realistic.

>>10908825
Yes, and they've been doing their thing for almost 60 years, have millions of fans, and entire teams to organize things and ensure their shows go well. You have never done this, have zero connections at cons, and are seemingly a one man operation. Do you not see the difference?

>>10908989
Dude I know people that put on jam band shows it's the same thing. Rent a venue, hire a band/dj, then sell tickets. It's that easy. You just have to promote it with flyers and on social media. Tons of people each day put on small music production shows.

>>10908993
And plenty of those shows fail entirely. Lots of people lose money when they put on local shows. Many shows have zero or very low turn out. And those people aren't booking shows when they've never been to one before. They've already been in the scene, going to shows, making connections with other artists or venues, etc.

But no, you're right, of course. It will be a perfect event where everyone is off their tits on molly and headbanging to EDM and on their knees praising you as the rave god that they've been waiting for for years to book a hotel room and set up some speakers.

>>10909007
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take.

>>10909007
>dude you your plans might not turn out perfectly therefore you should kys
Did someone bully you out of trying anything new when you were young anon?

Bring money with you to a con, my budget is normally $10,000 to $15,000.

>>10909106
Jesus Christ what are you buying?

>>10909009
>>10909105
I think that anon has a point in that our wannabe DJ's expectations are overinflated and he would have a much better time throwing a good room party in a suite as opposed to trying to set up some sort of major rave, especially as a beginner. He's definitely a bit too cynical but there's wisdom there.
I can relate as someone who's always wanted to go to a rave but never had the chance, but you need to learn to walk before you can run. A big party like the one you're dreaming of requires money, effort, and connections.

>>10909112
Women

>>10909132
Like prostitutes? There's prostitutes at cons?

>>10909126
I don't think I'm too cynical. This person has barely been to cons, never been to a rave, and doesn't have enough friends or connections to ask any of these questions to anyone but a Tibetan knitting forum. They're saying they want to DJ a "rave" for 5-15 people in a hotel room. Would you go to a stranger's hotel room to hang out with a dozen strangers you don't know while someone is "DJing" instead of your own hotel to hang out with your friends and drink while you put a playlist on?

I suggest practicing sex with burro, women like experienced

>>10909182
>Would you go to a stranger's hotel room to hang out with a dozen strangers you don't know while someone is "DJing"
Yes, yes I would.

>>10909250
Yahsame. I've done it before, and likely will again

How do you cut loose and party at cons without worrying about getting your wallet stolen or your shit spiked?

>>10909576
refrain from inhibiting your mental facilities

>>10909576
I'm poor and am a big guy.

>>10909576
Party with friends you trust my dude, doesn’t take a rocket scientist. If your friend is slipping in your drinks, he ain’t a friend.

>>10907375
How revealing do most cons allow outfits to be? I don’t want to be X-rated or anything. Especially in the presence of minors. My outfit involves a bikini underneath my clothes so I’m just wondering in case it’s visible.

>>10909182
>go to a stranger's hotel room to hang out with a dozen strangers you don't know while someone is "DJing"
Have you not?

>>10909132
are there actually cosplay escorts?

>>10909652
With that kind of money yeah

>>10909648
The moralfag police will execute you

>>10909654
Where do you find them?

>>10909648
Quite revealing, bikinis are allowed.

>>10909648
Most cons allow anything that's "as revealing as swimwear". Standard rwo-piece bikini would be okay, but anything with a G-string or a very revealing top might get you escorted back to your room and asked to change.

>>10909697
That's crazy. I would get a boner instantly if I saw any cosplays like that.

>>10909699
pretty sure there are lots of horny cons in the US

>>10909699
I see at least one girl like this at even the smallest cons around.

>>10909718
Such as?

>>10909728
The con that might still be having its ads run here despite being over, TsumiCon in Vegas. The three Ecchi Expos in Texas and Colorado. KirbiiCon in Fort Lauderdale. Akeome Con (formerly Ahegaocon) in Minneapolis

>>10909725
>>10909729
I need to go to those

>>10909728
Colossalcons also have many swimsuit cosplays

File: file.png (2.4 MB)

>>10909737
I considered listing CC in there and it's my favorite con(s) of all...but it's not because of the swimsuit cosplayers

>>10909737
>>10909739
If you could only choose one, Colossal or Dragon?

>>10909739
What could be better than swimsuit cosplays?

>>10909746
Bunnysuit cosplays.

File: 7abada09a1d00d0c35968f293a520762.jpg (46.2 KB)

>>10909750
>Bunnysuit cosplays.

File: E598B5F0-C68A-4BAC-AA98-0B6746BD78C9.jpg (519.3 KB)

>>10909752
Buns are peak. The 2023 chinese year of the rabbit gave us so much.

>>10907375
>>10907377
I generally agree with 'large cons becoming catch alls', but some big cons are doing the opposite. Fanime used to be a catch-all con, then SDCC really took off. There used to be tons of capeshit and even book stuff. One guy showed up as Death of Rats from Discworld for a while.

>>10909743
I can't say in fairness because I've only attended Colossal. But in spite of Dragon being spread across four hotels, I do at least know what downtown Atlanta feels like and it's not as distinct as the outskirts of an already small Ohio town. Dragon's also known for being the ultimate boomer con (in a good way) and CC is extremely skewed towards millennials so I say it's gonna get the same reputation in due time
>>10909746
If you're just going by promo pictures you might think that. To answer your question more directly though, last year I went to one room that had skinny dipping in the hot tub

>>10907375
I’m wearing lolita fashion to my first ever con. Will people, especially guys, approach me if I’m in lolita or will they think it’s too childish? Should I cosplay instead? I want to meet both genders but I’m really hoping to find a cool guy to talk to..

>>10910097
>too childish
I don't approach lolitas because I have autism, I'm afraid of women, and this board says all of you are crazy and hate men.

>>10909790
>To answer your question more directly though, last year I went to one room that had skinny dipping in the hot tub
Wrong thread buddy
>>10873579

>>10910101
Ayrt. I have autism too :’) I don’t hate anyone I just want friends

>>10910117
Well you sound nice, and I feel ya about wanting friends, I'm not sure if I would have the courage to approach you regardless, so I would say just have fun.

>>10910101
lolitas that act like that only feel empowered to act like that online. irl most lolitas are fairly neutral towards men who aren't acting like psychos

>>10910148
I don't think you can fault anyone for coming to that conclusion after scrolling past posts like "We get really angry when men approach us and show any level of interest or knowledge in our hobby." That's almost verbatim, and I link it directly if I could remember where it was said

>>10910148
I get that. I'm more of an asshole here than IRL. But I just don't want women to think I'm a disgusting creep if I compliment their coord.

>>10910097
I don't think the issue is appearing childish. It's just easier to approach and make conversation with a stranger if they're dressed as a character you recognize

>>10910149
>>10910152
yeah nah i get it, i just hope it's reassuring to know lots of girls are way more normal than CGL would have you believe. your best bet is conventions and other mixed events, since randos showing up to lolita specific meets can come off as weird. other than that, just be polite: "i really like your outfit" or "excuse me, your coordinate is really cute". be specific if you can, and focus on the hairstyle, makeup, and outfit instead of her physical traits. this puts focus on the hobby and makes you less likely to come off as objectifying (a lot of women prefer complements that focus on things that have direct control over). don't ask for pictures. if she seems uncomfortable, politely excuse yourself-- backing off when the vibe is off makes you more approachable. if she's receptive, ask questions and show interest until you find some common ground to sperg over.

most lolitas are just autistic nerd girls in frills who may be a little paranoid about fetishism, so the secret to befriending lolitas as a male mostly hinges on being cool and giving her as much agency in the conversation as possible. even if the first lolita you approach doesn't end up wanting to talk, others will notice your good manners and may be more receptive.

tldr: be chill, focus on her hobbies, look for shared interests, and give space as needed. you'll do great.

>>10910404
>tldr: be chill, focus on her hobbies, look for shared interests, and give space as needed. you'll do great.
I can do that, its what I do when I meet new people generally. Maybe I'll work up the guts to talk to some of them if I think their outfit is cool or were in line for a panel next to each other.

Is there a way to tell if vendors are actually making their items and arent just reselling shitty amazon merch?

>>10910412
good luck nonna! i hope you make plenty of new friends.

File: _Orig__57514.jpg (138.7 KB)

>>10910419
Are they in vendor hall? They're selling Amazon or AliExpress stuff at a huge markup, if not outright fakes. Are they an artist alley? They aren't...presumably.

Pic extremely related. Saw this for sale at my last con, shitbags wanted $100. Checked online with the exact specifications and found it for $30

>>10910609
This. SO MUCH THIS. It's SO over, bros. It has NEVER been more over than this. It will be MORE over than this with every passing second *though*

>>10910621
It gets like that with anything. Any band, any movie series, any "scene". Never gets as good as it was.
To quote Robert Frost
"Nothing gold ever stays"

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Where can I buy a custom wig? Specifically a Yotsuba wig.

Where can I find people cosplaying Madoka?

File: 20240413_131314.jpg (2.8 MB)

>>10910636
I met one at Huntsville Expo this past weekend actually, in the cosplay contest signups. She was super chill.

If I'm looking to meet people and make friends at a con, what's a basic sort of social media baseline to establish so people don't think I'm a freak? Just Instagram?

>>10910810
WTF that arm...

>>10912248
Insta is the most normal one for cosplay, twitter is sometimes acceptable too

How are cons/events in Japan? I may go to the June Bride Fest this year to buy doujinshi, I saw online that cosplay wasn't allowed but aside from that I find it hard to see info what it's like. I know that the Comiket now is different from pre-covid so you have to get a ticket to enter, which is random, or you have to queue to buy one the day you want to go in but I assume that's not the case for any of the Comic City events?

>>10912971
From the experience of people I know, jp cons pale in comparision to the big US cons, cosplay restrictions really kill the vibe, and you'll meet the occasional racism in sellers refusing to sell doujin to foreigners for fear of them scanlating it. But Japan is Japan, you'll still have fun.

>>10913007
I'm not American, the biggest con I've been to was Japan Expo in Paris but from what I've seen on /cgl/ it's more or less organized the same way.

>you'll meet the occasional racism in sellers refusing to sell doujin to foreigners for fear of them scanlating it
I don't plan on scanlating anything to begin with, I hope there won't be any misunderstanding because of this. I look racially ambiguous but I don't think that's going to help in my case. I also plan on shopping in Akihabara's and Nakano's Mandarake but if I want new stuff I might as well get them during the con.

>>10913014
Might be a lot more fun for you then, I've been to a few Euro cons and they were shit.

It's not like you walk up to a seller and announce you're going to scanlate. They assume just by the fact that you look or sound foreign that you're going to scanlate. If you look Japanese and either your Japanese is perfect or you can do the entire interaction without saying anything then you should be completely safe. If that's not the case just be prepared that someone may refuse to sell to you - and I'm not saying all sellers are like that but some are.

>>10913158
This isn't just about doujins. As a white foreigner who speaks Japanese, when I tell Japanese people I consume anime/manga they often assume I do it illegally and they start to take an automatic moral stance. It blows their mind when I say I use Rakuten eBooks, Abema, Japanese Amazon Prime and so on and do it legally. Or maybe I've just met jerks.

>>10913158
>>10913160
I'm French, and Japanese people usually know that France is nearly as obsessed with manga as they are so I doubt anyone will assume I read manga illegally. At least the ones I interacted with. Maybe they assume this because the first country they think of when thinking about the West is the US, and anime are way more popular than manga there and for a long time it was easier to find series by pirating them than by actually buying VHS or DVDs or blurays? idk I'm trying to understand.

>If you look Japanese
Absolutely not, the closest to this was when Indians in Japan assumed I was Indian and Pakistanis assuming I was Pakistani. I don't look Asian at all though, and certainly don't look mixed either.

and either your Japanese is perfect or you can do the entire interaction without saying anything then you should be completely safe.
I have an intermediate level in Japanese, I can do small talk easily but can make some mistakes here and there because I forgot a lot of words and kanji, and I'm not used to talking in Japanese in general. It's not a problem at all when shopping in actual stores but I don't know how conversations tend to go with sellers/fans in cons in Japan. How is it usually, you just say or show which doujinshi you want to buy and you give them your money, or can small talk happen? In small cons in my own country I've made small talk with some artists but Japanese cons look so crowded I have a hard time imagining it.

with Japan being discussed i have to wonder what it's like with how much different the culture is
i can't imagine con parties exist there, at least not to the same level

>>10916974
cons in japan are trade shows, not for socializing. people stay there during the day and either go home or to a hotel maybe with 1 or 2 people. not to mention a lot of otaku think drinking is a waste of money.

>>10907375
How do you get laid or make friends and be invited to room parties?

>>10910117
I would approach you but only if you're by yourself I would rather die than talk to a group of girls

>>10907375
>Would you be looked at weird for going to something more "western" like SDCC in an anime cosplay, or would you expect to see a lot of them?
Go as who you want, a true nerd recognizes everything, only a retard poser can't name every costume at a con.

Besides, i've seen some of the best /co/ or /tv/ cosplays at anime cons than I have at comic cons and shit.

>>10908825
a connnection i had apparently had fent in the supply so he didnt sell it

>>10908808
theres a decent amount of coke and psychedelics

>>10908244
Facebook interestingly does that well but mostof my friends are weebs on there so it gets forwarded

>>10907507
Instagram and Twitter are the big ones for. cosplayers/attendees, Facebook is too personal (pages are basically dead at this point), Discord is also good akin to exchanging numbers.

Me and my friend are planning on attending a con for the first time tomorrow.
He unfortunately got covid a week ago and just lost his fever yesterday.
Should I convince him to stay home? I don't really understand the etiquette for stuff like this, and the convention doesn't have any hard rules for covid anymore.
He was really looking forward to going, but I don't want him to like kill people by showing up.

On the other hand, from what I hear everyone gets sick from conventions anyway, so will him attending just be adding one more risk to a stew of sicknesses?

>>10924382
yes what the fuck

>>10920270
fent test strips cost 99 cents yknow

File: mya-nee_wataten.jpg (40.1 KB)

I want to cosplay Mya-nee from Wataten for my next con. It will be the first time i cosplay. I usually just take pictures of cosplayers so I thought it would be fun to be in character while doing it. What is the general opinion on Wataten in the """scene"""? Would it be recognizable? Would cosplayers avoid me?

>>10909648
Most cons will have their policies and rules up on their website. Check the cosplay policy, it will spell out what's allowed.

Do people actually successfully pick up girls and fuck at this things or are the stories I'm reading in the other threads pure fantasy?

>>10929531
yes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOeuqo875z4

just be yourself

>>10929547
None of this is real this is an influencer

>>10929123
you're fine, might be unrecognizable to most

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>>10929123
>I want to cosplay Mya-nee from Wataten for my next con.

Marry me

>>10929531
Tldr: it happens but might be rare and they're not necessarily 'good looking'

I know a girl who gets ll primped to go to Akon in TX each year with the expectations of getting laid. She wasn't a fatty but not skinny either. She was in one of those open poly things though so those might be the types doing it. Her boyfriend or whatever is the friend of my boyfriend and he laments it's the only time she gets all pretty - and it's not even for him. Apparently she came onto my boyfriend there one year before we were together. I dunno if they banged. She's getting old though, I don't know if she still does it, this was before covid.

So what I gather from the thread is to just put together a simple first cosplay and join discords to see if any meetups happen. Alright, i can do that. How are the conventions in France compared to the american ones? Any differences?

>>10931170
Ask on >>>/int/

>>10907375
i'm pretty new to cons myself and have only been to a few, and i'm sure you've already got your answers, but i'll take a crack anyway.

>Do a majority of congoers cosplay? I know it's common, but is it seen as a faux pas to not cosplay?
Not a majority, no. If you exclude stuff like wearing jeans a red shirt and MAYBE a red hat and calling that a mario cosplay, I would say not even a third does so. Most people definitely dont cosplay. If you exclude stuff like amazonbasics mario cosplay $10 order now, then even less people do so, maybe 1/4 or 1/5. It's not a faux pas to not cosplay, but cosplayers DO tend to get more attention.
>Likewise, is it seen as a faux pas to wear the same cosplay more than once in a multi-day event, or to not wear it some days?
No to both. Both are normal. Just make sure its clean.
>I've read a lot on this board about "after hours" events and parties that aren't scheduled by the con staff. Do you have to get invited to things like that, or how do people find out about them?
Usually you have to get invited, but sometimes its open. Similarly ,sometimes bars and stuff will do things like that. The best advice i have is make LOTS of "friends". If youre lucky, one of them will know of something. If nothing else works, you could always plan something yourself.

>Do cons that don't have a stated sub-demographic (ones that use terms like "fandom" or "pop culture" instead of specifically "fantasy" or "otaku" or something) tend to accept all demographics? Would you be looked at weird for going to something more "western" like SDCC in an anime cosplay, or would you expect to see a lot of them?
This honestly depends on the con. Firstly, because some specialty cons will often have a subsection of something else. I've seen lots of "nerd" cons that have a section for wrestling and nfl, for example. No matter what, you'd probably get accepted, it just might vary whether that acceptance is "oh nice Link" or "oh hey, thats weird. I guess that guy must REALLLY like Link." Generally, if you go as something "weird" to a con, you either become a celebrity, get treated normally but have some snobs look down on you (but no one likes them anyway), or have people think youre normal/dont understand but wanted to support your friend/gf/whatever. Truthfully though, unless you go to a REALLY snooty con, most people worth talking to really won't give a shit. As long as youre not dressed up in smelly cosplay and harass the con-goers, most people honestly probably have other shit to worry about, and other people to think are weird.
>>Why do some huge cons like Colossal and Dragon seem to place such significance on getting a hotel room onsite as opposed to just being nearby? Surely not just traffic, right?
I think it's a cultural thing? I never got it either. The idea is that between con hours, its easier to find other attendees, I think. Let's say youre going to flapjack-con and go to hotel pancakes. Well you and your breakfast stans are WAY more likely to meet eachother and be able to talk and hang out or meet OTHER guys like you BETWEEN con sessions (like between days). Meanwhile, if you went to say, Motel Burgers which is across the city, you're way less likely to do that. It's not really worth it for the price of most con hotels though, imo.

>>10907375
>What's a "gull"?
Dunno. People who post here I guess?
>How do you not get sick every time you go to one?
Get lucky, to be honest, but you can hedge your bets by consistently getting vaccinated, and wearing a cosplay which has a mask. For what it's worth, I'm immune compromised and i usually don't get sick.
>How do you keep track of scheduling for multiple cons across multiple years? Do you get notified about them? When is "con season"?
Honestly, people just bring it up to me and I say "OH FUCK I FORGOT I HAVE TO REMEMBER FOR NEXT YEAR!!", and then I repeat that cycle every year. THe best thing you can do is have friends who ALSO go to cons, but failing that, keep up with local events and set up stuff in your phone calendar.
>If you're partying, how do you deal with inevitable hangovers or crashes?
Same way you do for any other party. Lots of water, lots of food, don't push yourself too far, and accept that sometimes a hangover is worth it. Barring that though, here's my go-to hangover cure. It's not perfect, but it's easy to remember:
BANANAS: this is mostly for potassium, but has other stuff
eggs: these are REALLY REALLY helpful, and I cant remember why. It's not the protein.
fruit juice: this is mostly because fructose is a readily accessible form of sugar, which helps your body recover.
And some more personal questions
>If you cosplay, what's normally your budget? Both in terms of time and money.
i'm broke, so not a lot. I try to reuse what I already own, if I can, and thrift for the rest if I can. As a rule of thumb for YOU though (which is what youre really asking), I recommend about 1/10 of whatever your savings for a month are, excluding other con expenses. your total shouldn't exceed 3/10. That said, if youre the kind of person where this is the ONLY thing you do for fun in a year, make sure its worth it, but don't go overboard. I'd really need to speak personally to give you better info than that. If youre new, I wouldn't recommend > $200.

>>10907375
>How do you make friends at a con if you're not going with a group?
Same place you do anywhere else. Cons are WAY easier to make friends at than normieville. You know how in video games there's often an easy mode, or baby brother mode? Cons are like that. Everyone else is also likely a weirdo like you are, so they dont judge and most like talking and hanging out. Don't push too much, and don't be afraid to ask if youre unsure. Try something easy/basic like "omg i love your cosplay!", start a conversation. If they're receptive, ask if they wanna hang out at the con.
>>How many cons do you go to yearly or on a recurring basis? There are a fuckton I want to see but I'm not sure if my expectations are unreasonable.
I only go to one, maybe two, but I live in shitsville, and would go to way more if I could. I'd say if you wanna go to more, see what your budget allows per month, look at ticket prices, and go from there.

>>10932750
also, its usually easier to find MORE people if youre already in a group, since people gravitate towards other people, and because theyre likelier to find other people SOMEONE in the group knows.

UK and Ireland anons, where's a good place to buy fabric for robes?

>>10907382
>>10907507
The older 4cc games used to have /cgl/ chants which amounted to the crowd chanting "Seagull, seagull".

What's the "standard" for a cosplay? At what point can you comfortably call something cosplay?
Am I being disingenuous if I say I'm cosplaying and it's little more than street clothes and some basic accessories?

>>10929573
no

>>10907375
So I'm going to my first con in Cosplay soon-ish, I only have one cosplay.
Should I cosplay only for one day, or reusing the same cosplay for two days is good too?
Also, as a man, is it good to use a little of foundation makeup to hide scars or physical imperfection? Is there a good tutorial for this?
Should I put the makeup before going to the con or when I'm on site?

>>10937701
Reuse the cosplay, unless you want to have a rest day to buy things or it'd be inconvenient to change after the con when leaving (no hotel room etc)
Use YouTube for some basic foundation tutorials, usually it's better to put it in when/after you get into your costume so you don't accidentally smear or ruin it. Doing it at your hotel room is more convenient than a convention restroom.

>>10908808
How the fuck do we even get invited to con parties? Its nothing but cliques that make me empathize with incels.

>>10929531
the hot guys do
so not you

>>10910621
Afraid so

>>10907375
Just attend cons by yourself for two decades and talk to no one. That's what I did. It's working out pretty fine. Cosplay if you want; no one gives a shit. Just dress up as something interesting.

>>10941291
That doesn't sound very fun.

>>10941293
It was for the first decade; now I'm going through the motions. You can start too.

File: 1731965925411352.gif (3.4 MB)

>>10907375
>first convention and first cosplay
>Just resting a bit while sit against a wall because I'm tired
>a guy comes asking me if He could take pictures
>Neat.jpg
>Does the "photoshoot"
>He ask for my instagram, I give it to him

>... Nothing after 2 month

Why would this dude take picture of me and get my instagram if he doesn't send them to me? Did he forget about me? I wanted my damn pictures even if my cosplay was really crappy dammit

>>10941616
don't feel bad, anon. he probably took shitloads of photos and lost track of who was who. it's an easy thing to do
did you get his contact info? if so, try reaching out

>>10941621
Sadly no, he only took my contact.
I might leave instagram after a while because I fucking hate facebook, so I hope he will contact me at one point

>>10941616
He might have just wanted fap material I'm sorry to day

>>10907375
wew lad

File: file.png (589.2 KB)

If I bought a purple hoodie, would it be possible to add markings and stuff to it so it looks like hers?
How might it be done if so?

Not OP but I have a kinda weird question and I don't know where to ask it. How does one go about getting a Toku mask made? I found someone who can print stuff, but I'd need to get a mesh model for him to print, and I'm not sure it's worth it to cosplay grimdark Robot Keiji K.

More cosplay than con and a stupid question for sure, but is it true that temporary hair dye fucks your hair up? I put a lot of effort into my hair and I'm not sure whether a weekend with some temp hair dye would hurt it long-term and if I should just go for a wig instead

>>10947062
If you can't find a 3D model for it (or a similar-looking one like Q from SF) then you could always see about commissioning one.

what was up with the downtime

>>10948172
Great question, botfag but incidentally enough it has literally nothing to do with this thread. of course you already knew that

>>10949144
IDK

>>10949144
Personally I'm still keeping an eye on this thread every so often just to see if anything interesting or useful pops up
It's not as if advice for beginners is ever not useful to someone

I'm gonna be shirtless goku how much sex am I gonna have?

>>10949144
At least it could be useful to someone and isn't some retarded shitpost that deserves to fall off the board.

>>10954758
Zero. Just go because you like convention's subject.

Just don't go to any cons in the Chicago area. I sware everyone on the west side of the midwest are fucking insane.

>>10954858
It's the usual suspects

File: file.png (2.1 MB)

Not a con goer question, but I don't see a help thread anywhere so I'm asking here, what is this technique called where there's a pattern on a flat color but it's part of the same layer like pic related

>>10910810
Anon said people, you seem to have posted a tattoo artist's practice pig.

>>10941616
I only ask for photos of cute/cool cosplays as mementos, I don't have any social media. I don't fap to them either.
>t. autist male

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>>10956610
>I don't fap to them either.

>>10954858
Legit question, do you now or have you ever associated with those retards from the Midwest seagull discord?

>>10941616
>even if my cosplay was really crappy
You answered your own question. He just had better photos to use regardless of what he was using them for. Sorry to be the one to acquaint you with reality, but don't blame me, just facts.

>last con I went to was 10+ years ago
>move to England
>search for cons
>most are in hotels
>watch dozens of videos of all the different cons including London MCM
>nothing interesting to do, mostly focused on selling oc, bootleg and overpriced stuff
>can't even attempt to get laid like I see people doing in USA because it's all underage, uglies and fats
Guess I'm skipping cons for another 10 years and then check on them again.

>>10959506
sounds like you're also ugly and fat

>>10959510
Probably not good looking but not ugly either, according to my coworkers and real friends I've been with for 26 years.
6'1, athletic build, 6 pac, wide back and big lats, don't skip leg day, 57 VO2max.

I don't understand how people fuck at cons
Maybe if you're by yourself but most people go in groups, are you just gonna bang her while your squad waits outside??

i went to my first con which was anime related
i was not in cosplay
vast majority of people there were in cosplay
is there some an assumption that anyone not in cosplay is a creep
i was able to have normal conversations with people and they told me nobody cares about not being in cosplay but people kept looking at me and i don't know why

>>10959954
you just self concious, lol
nobody gives a shit
no matter how creepy you are, someone (probably a tranny) has already outcreeped you
its hard to be cringe or creepy when you have to compete with professional dedicated creeps, cringelords and troons

>>10959955
>its hard to be cringe or creepy when you have to compete with professional dedicated creeps, cringelords and troons
you have a point considering how awkward i heard other people strike up conversation
but then i don't know why so many people kept trying to make eye contact with me
might've been a town/minor city type crowd showing up

>>10959824
My experience: You generally know the vague schedule of peeps (well, depends on the group). Most people are out during the day. It can be easy to find some time for a quickie or similar during the day; do it in the bathroom for a little bit of plausible deniability/they don't literally walk in on you fucking.
At night, it depends. Alcohol throws all normal things out the window. If everyone is shitfaced, A room with some people passed out and some people making out isn't too uncommon (or wasn't 5-10 years ago at least), and the most daring couple would just go lock themselves in the bathroom for sex until someone has to piss and bangs on the door to chase them out; at that point in the night, its all sloppy drunk people not caring either way. That's probably the most out there I've experienced; these days I make enough to book my own hotel room. I've heard way worse stories about just fucking without caring that other people in the room (almost always involves too much alcohol), but no idea if its just hearsay

>>10960058
>or wasn't 5-10 years ago at least
people still makeout at room parties

>>10959955
you kidding? cis guys are the most likely to be creepy

I dream of the cute autistic cosplayer girlfriend

>>10961531
i dream of you getting cucked by one

>>10959954
in my experience everyone is fine, the only exception is bronies. They have to be the least self aware autismos.

I thought a congoer was someone who comes from the Congo

File: Flag sheet.png (1.0 MB)

Hello, gulls.
Complete neophyte to costume making and cosplay, but I wanted to get into it for some Halloween parties coming up.
I want to do the Flagellant from Darkest Dungeon, given that he seems relatively simple to assemble.

Questions for the experienced as I blindly throw myself headfirst into this:
- The leg and arm wraps are easy enough (gauze rolls dyed with black acrylic paint), but how do I make the stud looking things in his arms? I'm pretty sure in-game they're metal bars impaling him, but I like to un-impaled.
- What material do I use for the hood? It needs to cover the eyes but I'd like to be able to see. Is cotton muslin sheer enough to hide the eyes will still allowing vision, or do I use something else?
- I can't tell if his skirt would be made by a single piece of fabric wrapped around the waist, or if it should be cut from a larger piece. If it is cut, what shape do I make? I was thinking a diamond shape, with the top and bottom points longer than the sides (to cover in front and behind but leave room in the sides to move), and then cutting out a portion in the middle of the diamond to wear it. I'm very new to fabric work so please tell me if I'm being retarded and overthinking this.
- For the flail/collar/bracelet, do I stick to EVA foam, or is there a chance I can (on the cheap) make them out of actual metal? Granted, I have basically no tools or experience for metalworking, so I think this is kind of a long shot.

Additionally, I've never touched EVA foam in my life. Do I have someone make them for me (please give trusted vendors) or do you think I could do it with some good tutorials (please give me good tutorials). I've got about 2 1/2 weeks to make this work, and I think it can done in that time.
Thanks in advance, frens.

How do I get patterns for free?
If I just show reference photos to a tailor will that be just as good?

>>10962134
from teh interwebz

What are the large cons that happen outside of the summer? I went to AX '25 and enjoyed it for the many JP industry guests, premiers, notable Vtubers, and massive corpo booths. This was my first time traveling for a con and greatly enjoyed it, i've only fone to local mid-sized cons previously. Are there any similarly large cons outside of summer? Are there better cons I could go to during summer?

And barely related, does AmiAmi make regular appearances at any cons? I missed getting a Fumo and would like to fix that, but I don't see anything on their news page about upcoming events.

>>10966445
Anime Central is giant. It's in May.

File: 1495681088953.png (1.8 MB)

this isn't a con question, but i don't see any other thread, and don't want to shit up the board with a new one
do people buy handmade cosplay accessories? i lost a job and am pretty proficient with doing things, so i thought about starting a baito on the side and making cosplay stuff like wands, potions, weapons etc. i'm fairly proficient with basic machining so i thought i would be able to make an actual steel sword or something. not a "real" forged one obviously.
with how much shit is being produced in china etc, is this even a remotely profitable idea? i'd rather go for quality than quantity. i could make stuff to order, like "i want a wand from so and so anime". i'm based in eu

>>10966624
Unlikely to be profitable
Dont make metal swords, even if they are blunt kids can still hurt themselves/each other with them. Plus most cons ban them. You can still make them if you want, and someone might buy them, but be prepared to have people screeching and you and maybe have to deal with the police.
>eu
100% dont make metal swords.
Aldo avoid glass.

Other than that, prepare for people trying to haggle to price below your cost, trying to "pay with exposure", demanding impossible customizations, ordrring super specific custom things and cancelling the order leaving you with a piece of unsellable junk.

Although it is still not as bad as cosmaking, where you also have to deal with fatties blaming you for the costumes looking bad on them and trying to cancel you for fatphobia.

On another note, I have noticed most propmakers tend to use 3D printing for stuff that they really shouldnt, you could try to outsmart them on that

>>10966625
>>eu
>100% dont make metal swords.
legal where i live, but yeah i get it
>I have noticed most propmakers tend to use 3D printing for stuff that they really shouldnt
mind elaborating?

>>10966626
>mind elaborating?
I've seen people printing parts with very simple shapes, such as rods or plates, things they could have just cut
Ehh, maybe the just didnt want to deal with stock

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Any advice for a tranny whos thinking of doing fanservice cosplays at events??

-What should I be careful about at events?
-Biggest 'do" and "don't do" at events?
-Specific advice for fanservice cosplayers?

>>10907375
>>10900752
there's like a 8 year old thread still up. Literally have fun gush about shit you love. Listen to autists prattle on about why they ship heterosexual men together and why they think it would work besides all the porn they drew of them. Literally just ask questions about peoples favorite thing and know you're in a safe space to sperg out about shit you love. Like it's really just that easy.

download the guidebook app if you're a panel attender all these cons put the schedules on the app and you can set reminders for shit and have a map.

stay hydrated and eat high protein meal or protein bars to synthesize alchohol to prevent hangovers vitamin B and !supposedly! before drinking powder mixes help

I go to Otakon and Magfest every year they're basically big fun parties like Halloween.

>>10908220
this is actually harder to pull logistically than it sounds because prudes in the con and non con goers in the hotels. Getting a corner room with large floor space and kitchenette for drinks and seats bringing all the equipment and shit. Actually turning the music up without some fuck wit 20 year old knocking on the door
>uhhh I have a panel about cross stitching at 7 am tomorrow and really need to get sleep we already have 3 might attends
fucking stupid ass dad who went on vacation and didn't check if the hotel had any events going on
>hey I only have 3 days of vacation a year and spent 40 thousand dollars to see *insert shitty tourist attraction* with my wife's kids I'm gonna tell on you

Is lobbyconning worth it or will it just be boring without being able to go inside?

>>10968014
Depends on the con.
Katsucon? Absolutely.
Collossalcon? Absolutely (if you have the water park pass).
Magfest? Probably not
Otakon? Probably not.

>>10968079
whats the difference between magfest and katsucon? dont they happen at the same venue?

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>>10907375
I want to cosplay for the first time but I just want to take it easy and wear my Kuromi onesie. Will cons let you wear these grippy yoga socks instead of shoes?

>>10971645
>Will cons let you wear these grippy yoga socks instead of shoes?
I'm not sure, but your toes WILL be stepped on

>>10971646
I just didn't want to do shoes since she doesn't wear any and these are designed for studio floors so I didn't think it'd be a bad idea for the con floor, I see your point about toes being stepped on though

A nearby con has a voice actor guest I'd be mildly interested in seeing, which is a first for me.
I'm thinking about meeting them for the novel experience, but what do you even do when you meet a voice actor? Is it appropriate to try to talk to them in Japanese or what is a standard interaction?
I'm not really a real fan, I just like a character they have voiced.

>>10972093
Make sure to invite them to your room party

>>10972093
>>10972094
>now let's turn the light off