As cons and cosplaying are becoming popular, newbies will be taking an interest, however, intended or not there are times when newbies do something that’s not ok, but with this list hopefully you (newbie) will not embarrass or make anyone uncomfortable.
TW// BRIEF MENTION OF SA AND STALKING
- Cosplay is not Consent
this is a common saying in the cosplay scene because sadly some people have either taken roleplaying too far or think that the person cosplaying a character is the actual character. this has sometimes unfortunately caused things like sa and/or stalking happening at conventions, this is why we say cosplay is not consent whether that be touching, role-playing, or even taking pictures without consent, so that things don’t escalate to this, so remember that when seeing someone cosplaying your favorite character do not;
X Take pictures without asking
X Make rude comments (saying anything sexual, unwanted criticism, etc)
X Touching that person without asking
instead;
✔️ Ask to take pictures
✔️ Ask about their cosplay process
✔️ Ask if they’re comfortable being touched
All you have to do is ask! the worst they can do is say no.
2. Be nice to the venue
Most conventions are held at hotels or convention centers, so please be courteous about the venue its being hosted at, for example;
° keep the venue clean
° be nice to staff and non-convention attendees
° don’t destroy or break anything
remember, you are also representing the convention (at least to the hotel or convention center) if they find people destroying or being disruptive to the venue they can take away the convention and obviously we don’t want that.
3. being rude and not respectful
I know this sounds super vague but hear me out, were all here to make friends and have a good time so lets be kind by；
° not disrupting people (budding into random peoples convo, being loud at panels, etc)
° Having common manners (saying excuse me, not blocking the walkway, saying please and thank you)
I know it’s very basic but kindness goes a long way.
4. Not being a good sport
sometimes we see a cosplayer who cosplays the same thing as you but you might feel like they did a better job, the one thing you should never do is be a sourpuss about it, whether that be talking behind their back, being rude to them directly, or making it a whole thing, I’m not saying you shouldn’t feel these feelings, we all do from time to time, but you shouldn’t act out from those feelings.