A few weeks ago, the most common discussion in anime and cosplay communities lately in social media is possibly moving convention plans for this year to 2021 instead.

In all honestly, I’m with them on that. With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic still ongoing with more and more confirmed cases everyday in some parts of the globe, I do agree that this year might not be right time to think of pushing through cosplans or schedule some travels.

Let me make it clear that moving convention plans this year is a “Plan B”. Although moving plans for next year is for the best and for safety reasons, who knows there might be some improvements in the next couple of months. As of writing this post, there have been more COVID-19 recoveries than deaths, which means the curve has gradually flatten and more people are following the necessary protocols to stop the spread of the virus.

Anyways, moving forward. Here are some things that you and your squad and do when planning to move your convention plans in a later date.

Keep the Third and Fourth Quarter of the Year Events Open

The first quarter of the year hasn’t been very great due to the pandemic. However, we still recommend that you keep your planned conventions in the third and fourth quarter of the year open. Don’t just cancel them yet. As mentioned earlier, there has been more recoveries lately and that is a good sign. If the conditions improve in the next few weeks and months, there are chances that the conventions that you plan to go in the latter half of the year are pushing through as scheduled.

Here are the things that you can do.

- Check if your flight and hotel accommodation dates can be rescheduled. This is just in preparation if the events push through or not. As early as possible, coordinate with your flight company and your hotel regarding this. Always take note that rebooking, rescheduling, and cancelling conditions may vary from company to company. So it’s better to double check on this.

- Look at other conventions that will happen during the third and fourth quarter of the year. If someone of the conventions that you plan to go through might not push through this year, consider looking at other conventions instead. We recommend only attending those that are nearby or within your city or state for now so that wouldn’t have to stress yourself on flights and accommodation.

- If ever you have questions and concerns related to the convention that you are planning to go to, contact the organizers the soonest through their official contact emails and social media pages. Please understand that there may be some delays on their responses due to the current pandemic.

You Can Focus on Improving Your Cosplay For Next Year

If ever you have finally made a decision to just postpone your convention plans for this year, you can always focus on this year to improve your cosplay. That way you wouldn’t have to rush or make preparations at the last minute.

If this year was supposed to be the year when you make your cosplay debut, fear not—for there is always a next time. Here are some tips to help you get started to make your cosplay experience even better:

Start Out Simple

It may sound cliché, but what better way to experience the thrill and excitement of cosplay by starting out wearing simple cosplay costumes. You can go as an ANBU from Naruto or probably L or Misa from Death Note. The reason why we recommend that you start out with simple cosplays so that it wouldn’t be stressful on your part and you have more time and energy to enjoy the con. Those who more detailed and complicated costumes take more than hour to set up, so we don’t want you stress out on your first try.

Find Local Cosplay Sellers

If you have decided which character you want to cosplay, the next step is to find cosplay wig sellers, made-to-order costume sellers, and crafters. Just go through the prices of the sellers first before making a deal. You can find local cosplay shops online or go through cosplay-centered Facebook groups to find what you’re looking for.

Here’s an important tip: make sure that the seller of the costumes or those who offer commissions show high-quality photos of their work or what they’re selling. If they can’t provide you any clear picture or none at all, find another seller. Knowing that this is the Internet, it’s easy to get scammed these days.

Be Creative! Make Your Costume

While the option of buying your costume is there, it’s also a great fulfilling feeling that you get to make your own costume yourself. Again, since this will be your first time cosplaying, we recommend that you start out portraying characters with outfits that are easier to make.

There are hundreds of tutorials online on how to sew costumes. There is even a basic step by step instructions on how to make certain props and costumes. A little research and definitely go a long way.

Whenever you look at a reference pic for your cosplay and think that you can’t do it, don’t be! Just take it nice and slow. The very thing about making cosplay props, armor, and costumes are that there’s room for trial and error. There will always be mistakes, but you can always change and replace those in which later on can improve your craft.

Know The Convention that You’re Going

Okay, so you have your costume, you have your props, and you’re getting things ready. The next thing that you’re going to deal with is to know the convention that you’re going to. Whether it’s just near your state or you have to take some hours drive just to get there, make sure you know the convention that you’re going to. Know the official dates, the activities that you’re going, the people that you’re going to meet, and so on. It’s time just to destress, have fun, and just enjoy yourself in cosplay.

Avoid Cosplay Cramming

A lot of long-time cosplayers are guilty of this, and we would like to address this. Avoid cosplay cramming. This is when you are rushing to finish your costume just few days before the con. Though the thrill, excitement, and adrenaline can be addictive, let’s not forget that you’re attending a whole day convention, and you need enough sleep and energy to survive.

If you have decided on your costume, be sure to plan and make this months before. That way you have enough energy to pose for the camera and meet with friends in the convention.

Cosplay is Not Consent

Always, always, and always remember that COSPLAY IS NOT CONSENT. You don’t have the right to touch somebody without their permission and consent. I have to be honest here that these kinds of situations are quite common in conventions, and sometimes people just tend to forget this very important rule in conventions.

If ever you were able to encounter this kind of thing, reach out to the convention organizers or the convention security personnel immediately. It is better than it is addressed the soonest rather than waiting for these kinds of people to strike next.

Remember, you are not alone. Do reach out, and don’t be afraid. You’ll be okay.

Cosplay is For Everyone

You are never too young or too old to cosplay. Cosplay is for everyone. It’s an art that should be freely expressed in different ways possible. So if you really love this character, get out there and portray him and her in the best way. Let’s not forget that cosplay is an art that everyone can enjoy, and everyone deserves to cosplay their favorite characters. No buts, no ifs.

Stay Updated

While your upcoming cosplay conventions are still hanging in the balance, make sure to stay updated on the news related to the Coronavirus. Let’s hope that the situation improves so that everyone would be able to still have a fun and memorable 2020.