You might think that packing for an anime convention is just like any other trip you might take. But there are a few differences. It took me a couple of conventions before I created a system for packing and preparation and I'm going to share it with you. (There's a video version below, as well!)
1: Whether you are cosplaying or not, make lists!
One of the worst feelings at a convention is being a day and a half in and realizing you forgot something. The best way to do avoid is to make a list. About a week before a convention, I start writing down anything I can think of that I might need to bring. That way, I'm not freaking out at the last second trying to figure out what I might be missing. Especially when cosplaying. I pull up a reference photo and write down every single piece of the costume, from the shoes to the special make-up. Then, when I pack, I go through my list and check off each item as I put it in my bag. It saves a lot of stress and makes it so you don't have to double and triple check your bag. You can find some packing lists on line, or you can write/type one up like I do. I like to type one up in Microsoft Word and put checkboxes next to everything. Looks nice and fancy! And no matter what trip I'm on, I always tape a list of super important things (cell phone, chargers, camera, etc.) by my door so I see it before I leave. That's always my final step before walking out my door to start a trip.
2: Be prepared for any disaster!
Anime conventions can take quite the toll on our bodies, so it's best to be prepared for anything! This can be a wardrobe malfunction, a stomachache, or even an allergic reaction. None of these are fun. I've made a habit of bringing extra medicine with me at all times. I get a small ziploack bag or pill box and fill it with Tylenol (and/or other pain relievers), Benadryl (or other allergy medicine), Tums (or other tummy medicine), decongestants, medical ointment, bandaids, and special chapstick... Just for starters. I was unlucky enough to be caught without allergy medicine when my boyfriend had an allergic reaction to some food he ate when we were on a trip once. It wasn't fun. So I learned to bring anything and everything. It's better to have it and not need it than to leave it and wish you had it. And for cosplayers, you need to have an emergency sewing kit. I always "build" my own before a convention, depending on the costume. I have a lunch box that I fill with needles, thread (in the proper colors), double sided tape, extra buttons/hooks and eyes (if needed), and many other things. If a costume has lacing or trim, for example, I bring extra (if I have any) just in case there is a mishap. I also always keep some make-up and a comb in my bag at all times when on the convention floor. When I get a few moments, I spruce up my wig and make-up. Then I'm always fresh for photos. I always try to be prepared for anything!
3: Food is expensive, so try to bring your own!
One of the worst things about travelling anywhere is how expensive food ends up being. Especially at a convention. You spend two to four days in the same place with only a few food places nearby. When you're that limited, you often find yourself spending more on food in that one weekend than you would in one normal month. And you want to be spending that money on goodies! So it's good idea to bring your own food (or at least some). Always check with your hotel to see if they have (or can provide) a fridge and/or a microwave. With both (or even just one) of those, you could provide for yourself for most of the weekend. Even in cases where you don't have that, you can always bring an ice chest and refill it with ice from the ice machines that are always at hotels. That's what I usually do. I get stuff for sandwiches, plenty of juice and water, and sometimes breakfast-y foods. You can always bring non-perishable items too! Like bread, chips, or other snack-like foods. Even just having a few small snacks will really help with your convention budget. Snacks aren't an option at conventions, unless you want to spend a whole lot on one bag of chips. And always, ALWAYS remember to bring extra water! Dehydration is not good, and the water at conventions is also overpriced. Bring your own and reap the savings!
4: Stay clean and fresh all weekend!
If you look other places for cosplay preparedness or convention etiquette, there is one thing that you will always find: HYGIENE. Convention halls may be big, but the crowds are big, too. Often times you can find yourself reaching over or around someone to see something at a booth, or end up taking pictures with a stranger in costume. It wouldn't be too awesome if one (or both of you) was smelly. I know it's not good to waste water, but on occasions like this, showering every day is important! And don't forget deodorant and brushing your teeth! They are equally important. Always bring extra clothes so you can change if you get too sweaty or accidentally spill on yourself. Then you'll always be fresh! It's common courtesy and it's good to be clean!
5: Try your best to stay comfortable!
Conventions are one heck of a workout. You walk miles and miles each day, going in circles from one hall to the next over and over. You definitely want to try your best to lessen the discomfort. I always make sure to take breaks every so often by going back to my hotel room and just resting. I take off the really uncomfortable parts of my costumes (usually shoes and the wig) and give myself 15 minutes to sometimes an hour just to relax and be comfortable. I sometimes even fill up the hotel's bathtub with hot water and soak my sore feet. It's a good idea to take these opportunities to bring your purchases back to your hotel room and fix any parts of your costume or make-up that need it. Don't forget to drink some water during these breaks, too! It's important to stay hydrated!
6: Most importantly, HAVE FUN!
No matter what your reason is for attending an anime convention, be it for cosplaying, panels, or whatever, everyone is there to have fun! Try not to get too worked up about things, just relax and enjoy yourself. Give yourself plenty of time to do the things you like, but don't freak out if you can't do everything. We may dress like superheroes, but we're all human! Be nice to others, don't sweat the small stuff, and just have a blast!
Here's the video version! Keep in mind that I wasn't using this script, so it will sound a bit different!
No comments:
Post a Comment