When I began cosplaying I was lucky enough to live in a large city that held a lot of conventions. This meant that I didn’t need to travel to a different city/town to attend a con and cosplay. I never realized how much different cosplay is when you’re not able to come home after a long day to your own space.
My first cosplay away from home experience was for Ottawa Comiccon. I struggled to get all of my things together (I didn’t have the cosplay bins), remember to pack everything (I forgot several important things like face wash and a towel), keep my things semi-organized while I was away, manage meals and snacks, and generally felt scattered and frazzled since I was never sure where things were. This didn’t stop me from having a ton of fun, it just meant that I wasn’t as relaxed as I usually am.
Since then, I’ve cosplayed away from home many times, and it’s finally become easier. My most recent experience was at Costume-con35, and I was lucky enough to get a room at the hotel where the convention was being held. This meant that I had about 3 minutes transit time between my room and the con. All I had to do was wait for the elevator! I felt so spoiled!
When I lived in the city, I’d have a 10 minute walk to the subway, then a 30 minute subway ride, followed by another 10 minute walk to the convention centre. That meant I was usually sweaty and uncomfortable by the time I arrived at the con. Not this time!
I discovered the secret to cosplaying away from home is being organized. The Rubbermaid bins are an absolute life saver. If I bring my Red Queen costume, I can get away with one bin, then a bag for my wig, and one for my crinoline skirt. Additional costumes would require another bin, but my Pandaren Monk and Lady Tsunade wigs are both able to be packed in a Rubbermaid, so no extra bags would be needed.
Once at the hotel/friends house, I like to keep my stuff in one place. I only bring things out as needed, and once I’m finished with them, they go straight back into the bin. The last thing I want to do at the end of a long day of cosplaying is come back to a hotel room/bedroom that looks like it threw up on itself. I want to faff around looking for my makeup/brushes, setting powder/glue/eyelashes even less when I’m exhausted the next morning. It sounds so simple, but returning everything to the bin as soon as you’re not using it will save you hours of time.
The bin doesn’t need to stay tidy – mine sure doesn’t! I have things haphazardly stuffed in there, but they’re in there. I know if I brought it, it’s in there somewhere.
I also like to remove my costumes from the bin the night I arrive and iron them. I then hang them up/lay them out on a bed to ensure they stay wrinkle free until I want to wear them. I can usually get away with only ironing my dress once a weekend if I’m careful with it. Ironing the first night saves you time subsequent mornings.
If you’re going to travel and cosplay, it’s also beneficial if the costume breaks down into transportable pieces. Instead of making a full bow, make it in two pieces that fit together to form a bow.
Elaborate head piece? Make each part detachable for easy transport!
Walking stick/staff? Telescopic rods/pipe connectors are your friend!
Unable to break your piece down? Depending on the size, you can take it as carry-on if you’re flying. If you’re driving, you have more leeway with the size of your pieces.
Have you cosplayed away from home?
How was it?
Any tips?
It Takes A Village To Cosplay!
Earla Alara
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