Anime Conventions are a busy time for everyone, especially for cosplayers who are scrounging for whatever bit of time they can get their hands on, rushing to finish their costume for the big day. Picture this – after snipping off the last thread, you bundle yourself into your car or try to fit onto public transport, then you arrive at the convention with a big smile… which is quickly dashed after realising you forgot to pack properly!
I’ve been in the same situation before which is why I meticulously check my to-bring list often before I leave. This article is here to help you stay organised and keep your worries from spreading further than your cosplay!
Here is a list I wrote for myself a while ago (customise it to suit your own needs!):
- phone + charger
- camera + charger + SD card (empty it out before the con or bring extras)
- console (3DS, PS Vita, etc) + charger + games
- money/wallet
- con ticket/pass
- things you may want con guests to sign
- pencil case
- transport ticket/pass
- keys
- food (lunch or snacks like muesli bars)
- bottle of water
- first aid kit (bandaids at the very least)
- umbrella/raincoat
- sanitary products
- deodorant
- spare socks
- medication/painkillers
- thread that matches your cosplay + needle
- binder
- makeup + remover
- hot glue gun +sticks
- superglue
- lint roller
- safety pins
- wig caps
- bobby pins/hair clips
- insoles
- hairspray/styling products
- contacts + case + solution
- scissors
- wig styling scissors (if you’re cutting it really close! Haha!)
- sewing kit
- iron (there are mini ones you can purchase)
I prefer to write down repeats (like the chargers) instead of lumping them into one group as it’s easier to tick off.
If I’m bringing my cosplay and changing at the con, I find it helpful to write down every single component of it while looking at an official picture of the character (NOT doing it according to memory!)
For example: wig, wig cap, shirt, tie, vest, blazer, trousers, belt, shoes, Penguin #2 plush, shoes (though normally I wear the shoes there so I usually won’t write it down)
For example: wig, wig cap, shirt, bow, blazer, binder, mp3, headphones, armband, belt, trousers, holster, holster belt, Evoker (the gun prop), tarot card
For example: wig, wig cap, contacts, shirt, bow, dress, black socks, white shoes, bag (when I cosplayed her, I made the dress in two parts so I also wrote down straps, skirt, safety pins)
Being extremely specific is the key!
Here is a great picture that cosplay-on-a-budget.tumblr.com put together:
Here’s another one from Crazy 4 Comic Con:
Let us know in the comments what else you would put on the list! By the way, you can check out our tutorials on how to make Catwoman claws or Nezuko makeup. Take a look if you are interested!
-Pinni