Anime Con Adcice.... HELP ME! PLEASE!

[ChristianKitsune]

OK! I am SO EXCITED!!! MY STATE FINALLY HAS AN ANNUAL ANIME CON!!!!! WOOT!

Anyway.. I have lotsa questions fot this..and I know it's really really early considering the con isn't until august..but! I want to prepare early you know? (registration has to be done by may i think)

SO! It would be great if any of you con vets could help!

1. I want to cosplay SOO BADLY! But how do I prepare for that? I know I need to find a character to be... so that's a "duh" but if this thing is in august, when should I start to seriously think about it? Is it ok to cosplay as my own original chara?

2. What's it like to have your own art booth? Do they allow you to sell your own art or just fan arts (generally?)


3. Also...Vic Mignogna is going to be there! *FAN GIRL SCREAMS!!* Will it be really hard to get an autograph?

I think that is it for now! Thanks in advance...

[Debitt]

1. You can cosplay anyone you want, really - my brother was a taiko player with a moogle hat one year and he got mobbed with people asking for pictures. There really isn't much you have to "prepare" for, aside from knowing what character you're going to be, having a costume, and being prepared for people to ask to hug you/take a picture with you/etc.

2. I haven't had an art booth myself, but I've hung out with people at Artist's Alley and we had a blast. You can sell original art or fanart, it doesn't really matter. ^_^ In fact, there wasn't just pen and paper art there, at AX we also had people selling hats and necklaces and the like.

3. If you wait in line early, no it won't be hard. And when I say early, I mean get in line the moment you arrive in the morning, regardless of when the autograph session actually starts. My friends and I waited from 9 AM to 5 PM to see Seki Tomokazu and get his autograph, but man was it worth it! x3 Helpful hint: Go in a group and take "shifts" in line. Figure out a schedule, and rotate between who goes walking around the convention and who holds the place in line. The way my friends and I worked it, I got to walk around first, but I also had to be errand girl and take lunch orders and bring the food back to the line. XD

[ClosetOtaku]

OK...

1. It is never too early to start on your cosplay outfit (unless you plan on growing some inches, gaining/losing a few pounds, etc.). You can use the time for research, design, alterations, testing, and figuring out if it can survive the con experience.

As far as your own original character -- go for it if you want to, but be prepared to explain who you are to a bunch of people who you are (because they will ask!).

2. I've never had my own art booth, but I always frequent the artists' corner. The amount of activity definitely depends on the quality of your product. My suggestion, if you've not done it before, is to go in with another artist. As far as what they will allow you to sell: each convention is different, check out the rules on the website, or contact the convention director. Again, start early.

3. Again, it depends -- you may need special tickets in order to get an autograph. Check the website, consult the convention guide, stop by the information desk, and stay flexible. Some folks (usually not VAs, but you never know) will require you to buy one of their "products" before getting it signed. In any event, don't wait until the last minute to find this stuff out.

Good luck, and enjoy!

[Nate]

As far as Vic, I guess maybe it depends on his schedule and how many fans mob him. I know at Otakon, Spirit_Wolf and I were able to walk right up to him after the voice actor panel and talk with him, though he didn't have much time to chat.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

I GOT VIC'S AUTOGRAPH!!!!!!111

*prances around*

Spirit_wolf got Vic to use his "Dark" voice from DN.Angel for the away message on her cellphone. She still has it XD

1. If you cosplay as your own character. People will A) Mistake you for an actual anime character, or B) Ignore you and not ask for pictures...

First off! If you want to cosplay... first you need... INSPIRATION! MOTIVATION! A REVELATION! And... THE RESOURCES. Don't be trying to pull A samus or something. But don't make yourself cheap looking like some Monkey D. Luffy Cosplayers i've seen at Otakon. Accuracy is part of Cosplaying. The more you resemble the character, the more people "OOOo" and "AAaah"

Good luck with that. I cosplayed as Dr. Tenma and only ONE man knew who I was... so I applauded him for his good taste in anime.

[ChristianKitsune]

I already got some ideas..

I could go as a haibane renmei (I have the wings..and the crappy hair..all I need now is the fake halo)

I would love to be Anime Mascots like Menchi from Excel Saga, With/Wiz from DNAngel, or Rice Ball Idiot from Furuba. lol.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

anime mascots generally get more attention. As they are more original and "oh so cute"

I saw a togepi at otakon, it was cute XD

[Debitt]

8D CR, I'd love you if you did a Whizzu cosplay. <3

[ChristianKitsune]

yeah! It would be so cute!! ^_^

[Deny_Yourself]

...There really isn't much you have to "prepare" for, aside from knowing what character you're going to be, having a costume, and being prepared for people to ask to hug you/take a picture with you/etc.

I've only been to one anime convention (AWA2005), and something really creepy I saw was older men with cameras ~not cosplayers, either~ walking around asking young girls for hugs, and some of them even getting snotty if the girls said no (and the girls were always sweet about it, too!). Yuck. Now, I'm not saying all older men asking young girls for hugs are automatically creeps, but a true gentleman wouldn't even ASK a young girl for a hug and put her in that uncomfortable position.

...You can sell original art or fanart, it doesn't really matter. ^_^ In fact, there wasn't just pen and paper art there, at AX we also had people selling hats and necklaces and the like..

The booths had sellers of all different talent levels, by the way. I saw a complete range being sold, from total beginner to pro stuff. Some artists were just selling simple pencil sketches they'd done. Warning: at AWA2005, all the art was sold in the same place, and a lot of it was really inappropriate, esp. for a young audience. Someone at the AWA2005 told me that the AWA is one of the few "Family Friendly Cons," and that a lot of convention goers don't want it to be "Family Friendly," so I wonder what the others are like?

On the same note, some of the merchandise booths were also selling stuff that surprised me for a "Family Friendly Con," like hentai, fanservice & yaoi (sp??). They did have signs at their tables that said "18 and over only," but no one was policing it, and the sellers turned a blind eye (of course).

Someone also told me that the convention hotels (including the AWA) get really rowdy at night, with lots of drunkenness, room parties, and older men hooking up with young girls.

It was an awesome con, though. There were INCREDIBLE cosplayers, TONS of really cool merchandise (bring $$$!!!!), and FUN special events/activities. I'd definitely go again, and I'm not even an anime fan at all.

[ChristianKitsune]

well this Con IS Family Friendly, and they specify in the art gallery rules secion NOT to bring that stuff..

there is even a place for the children to hang out..and draw and watch tv y7 anime ^_^ and you have to show a lisence to get into the 16+ anime stuff..

[Debitt]

I've only been to one anime convention (AWA2005), and something really creepy I saw was older men with cameras ~not cosplayers, either~ walking around asking young girls for hugs, and some of them even getting snotty if the girls said no (and the girls were always sweet about it, too!). Yuck. Now, I'm not saying all older men asking young girls for hugs are automatically creeps, but a true gentleman wouldn't even ASK a young girl for a hug and put her in that uncomfortable position.

^^ Well naturally when I originally posted I was hoping that those reading would already realize that just allowing anyone to get at them was NOT okay. From my personal experience, I was Merle from Escaflowne and I had a lot of younger kids asking for hugs - cool beans, they were really cute kids. I know I would have NOT let some unkempt, middle aged, shady character hug me.

[ClosetOtaku]

I could go as a haibane renmei (I have the wings..and the crappy hair..all I need now is the fake halo)

Well, messy hair is Rakka... I've seen some good Reki and Hikari costumes as well... good luck!

[ChristianKitsune]

I would LOVE to go as Raka!! LOL ^_^

there is gonna be a masquerade ball too! I am think of going as a "Modest Siren" From FMA and changing her maske to a hot pink instead of white and wearing my winter formal dress lol.

[Mangafanatic]

1. I want to cosplay SOO BADLY! But how do I prepare for that? I know I need to find a character to be... so that's a "duh" but if this thing is in august, when should I start to seriously think about it? Is it ok to cosplay as my own original chara?

If you want an impressive costume, start now. That's right. Now.

What are you doing looking at this post!? You should be planning your costume! XD Really, a well put together costume will take some time to construct, especially if you plan to create the pieces yourself (which is probably the most economical option.) Cosplaying can be very cool when done correctly, or very embarrassing if done half heartedly. Make sure your costume is the kind everyone else wishes they had bothered to make. XD

As far as cosplaying as your own original character-- I would suggest cosplaying as a character some of the other con goers are going to recognize. You'll have both the fun of other people recognizing your character and you'll have a lot of online resouces in the process of constructing your costume. ^___^

[ChristianKitsune]

RIGHTO~ Thanks Osaka-chan! ^_^

[Myoti]

But don't make yourself cheap looking like some Monkey D. Luffy Cosplayers i've seen at Otakon. Accuracy is part of Cosplaying. The more you resemble the character, the more people "OOOo" and "AAaah"

So if I found a correctly shaped hat, red vest with three yellow buttons, matching jean shorts, wooden sandles with correctly shaped bands, and correctly drawn scar under the left eye, would that do?

Or would it be better to choose a Luffy from a certain arc (say Alabasta, possibly the most complex outfit he has in the series)?


EDIT: Just on a side note, I also plan on going as Dosu someday. Why? Cuz he was kewl and short lived. :p
Only difficulties in the costume would be the amplifier and big hairy thing on his back... hmm...

[Deny_Yourself]

Someone also told me that the convention hotels (including the AWA) get really rowdy at night, with lots of drunkenness, room parties, and older men hooking up with young girls.

I've been talking to a friend of mine who was at AWA last year. He asked me who said the above, and here's what I told him:

"Remember when we went up to that room where they were having snacks, and people got to just hang out?? (That was so cool)

I was talking to the goth-looking guy in the corner with the video camera...remember him? With the long fingernails?? He's a Con-Addict..LOL... (kidding)...he travels around to lots of cons. Anyway, I was telling him how cool the AWA is, and how it was my first time...that I came to check it out coz [my daughter] wants to go to them. He told me it was good that I did that, but to not judge other cons by the AWA, because the AWA is "Family Friendly." Then he told me that there are a lot of con-goers who don't like that the AWA is "Family Friendly" because anime was never meant for kids in the first place, which I knew coz [my daughter] filled me in long ago about the difference between anime & cartoons.

He told me that "after hours," after all the families go home, the partying starts, and that people get absolutely wasted, running up & down the halls, and that older guys specifically set out to have sex with younger girls, knowing that the girls are drunk. He said that there's a LOT of debauchery after hours. He said it very matter-of-fact, too...I couldn't figure out if he's a part of that, or if he's repulsed by it!! But anyway, he shared with me because I'm a concerned and involved parent, and he wanted me to know the scoop."

Well, my friend (he can name himself if he wants) responded:

"I'm wondering if he meant other cons. Since I have been going to AWA since 2001. Now the first year, I only went on Sat and only stayed for a like six hours. In 2002, I went Friday and Sat night with a lady friend of mine that year. We did stayed on Sat night untill 1 am, because we went to the dance. We never really saw a problem as people being drunk and stuff.

Now in 2003 and 04, I stayted at the hotel all from Thursday to Sat night. Both Friday and Sat night, I was up untill 3 am or so. I had stayed up to watch one of the night showing of some anime movies that haven't been showned here in the States, they mostly show them late at night, because there will be more room to show the movie and after that I walk around a bit and meet up with some friends mine at one of food places that stays open late at night that in the hotel. I do know that some of the adult staff member go to the bar that is at the hotel after their work is done for that night. I have even talk to them a few times, and have ask me how the con was for me and if there was any problems that I may have. When I have talk to them, they never been drunk or I have see other con people there that were drunk. If they were some, they must have been in their rooms. Now, I know that doesn't mean that there could have been any room parties and stuff. But as the time of hours that I been in and out of my room, there wasn't a party on the floor that I was on and there not much noise at all. There was one that happen that I saw, when I was up and talking to one of my friends that works at the con and this was 1 am to 2am.

Some teens started to play a game of marco polo with going up and hugging people that they didn't even know. Just as I walk out and was about to find someone that was part of the AWA security, but just as I was walking out, a Staff member came and told them to stop doing it and that was the end of that. One thing is, there is a lot of the people that work that con are in bed or resting a bit. But still have AWA security on hand at those hours and the hotel security picks up too at those hours to help AWA put, plus Cobb County Cops, which is where the country that the con and hotel is.

Every time that I have been out around the con area and the hotel at those hours, I have felt very safe. But I know that is because I'm older and a guy and yes, I wouldn't want a teen girl by herself at the con at those hours or at any time of the day. It never hurts to be safe."

So, perhaps the info I got was misunderstood!! I'm really glad to hear that the AWA has their own security in the wee hours.

Again, I LOVED the AWA, and would definitely go again..anime fan or not. It was a blast!!

[Doe Johnson]

Okay, I guess I'll post. After reading this, I am SO glad I live in a very conservative area. I mean, I'm in a college town and those descriptions were actually worse (in all ways but the drinking) than what I see here. This school is KNOWN for its parties! Of course...I don't go to those parties and I still hear some bad stuff from them, but the dorms have only had a few problems I've heard. I do hope they keep up the rules at this convention, especially since we are staying there (I'm going with CR). (Just out of curiosity, do most other conventions actually have rules against sitting on floors? I know people do it all the time, but it was weird reading they will tell people to find a seat if they find them on the floor at this convention.)

So anyways, I'll take some advice too! Since I'm going with CR, I'm going to cosplay, CR wants our group to do a skit, and there is the masquerade ball. The convention lasts two whole days! I'm planning on having at least two costumes, one for regular times and one for the ball, but SHOULD I go through the painstaking agony of making a third costume for the skit, or should I just force CR to change my character? Just so you know, I haven't sewn anything since my 8th grade year, though I did very well and my clothing was wearable. Oh, and no, I don't actually care about any of the costests you can enter if you cosplay, so it won't matter to me what any rules for those contests say (like I have any idea what the rules are! this is just in case they say I can't do two things at once). Yep, that's about it.

[ChristianKitsune]

you would go against my wishes DJ-Chan? *sobs* how sad!!!

3 costumes might be a bit much though, you don't have to do the skit with me..*puppy eyes*


EDIT: there are funny rules too! Like Don't Take Pocky from strangers.. OH and no glomping unless you ask first! ^_^ IS that normal too?

[Doe Johnson]

Yay! The first person to reply to a post of mine in...*counts on her fingers* NINE MONTHS! I wonder what the record is for the longest time to post something since becoming a member...

Anywho, I'll do the skit if you want me to (as long as I don't have to say too much), I just want the experienced opinions of other anime con goers.

[ChristianKitsune]

I know! ^^ lol

[Roy Mustang]

Where is the con at, by the way?


Wingzero22

[Chainchump]

[Chainchump]

actually no offense but anime convention or any conventions about comics, matrix ,movies or video games are filled with the biggest losers youd ever meet not that any of you guys are losers. *runs and hides*

[Myoti]

Just wondering... how could I find info on cons in/near Georgia, preferably like the Macon or Atlanta area (I'm guessing the latter is more likely)?

[Heart of Sword]

Myoti, try Google. ^^

[Myoti]

I will/would/might/not sometime.

Not like I can GO anytime soon (need a job first Xp )...

[Roy Mustang]

Just wondering... how could I find info on cons in/near Georgia, preferably like the Macon or Atlanta area (I'm guessing the latter is more likely)?

You rang, sir?


anime cons.com


Anime Weekend Atlanta


Wingzero22

[Myoti]

Wingzero22 is the bestest.

Hmm... must find a way to get now... >_>