Oh man, San Diego Comic Con is right around the corner and that means it’s time to finish up those costumes and somehow pack them/get them to the con.  Here are some tricks I’ve used and ones my friends have told me about to help you get to the con in fine form.

1.Make a List: As you can tell from my articles, I love lists!  They’re organized, they’re clear, and they’re simply the best way to lay out the information you need to stay on track.  Make a packing list, and a “getting ready in the morning” list.

2.Print out Photos: You may think you know your character’s costume/accessories by heart.  I mean, dang, you just spent 3 months perfecting every last detail!  But trust me, in the heat of the moment packing, it’s nice to look at a picture of your character and visually see every piece of the costume as you put it in your suitcase.  It’s also not a bad idea to cross off each item of clothing as your pack it.  Then use these pictures to get ready in the morning, check your make-up, hair, and be sure you have all your cuffs and collars going on.

3.Don’t forget ‘normal’ clothes: I’m talking about things like sweat pants, pajamas, flip flops and slippers here.  After a long day running around a con nothing feels better than peeling off the vinyl thigh high boots and slipping into sweat pants with fuzzy slippers.

4.Hygiene: Yes cosplayers, you too must obey the deodorant rule, all prepping-for-a-con-lists tell con goers this.  In fact it applies to you even more than the regular attendee.  Costumes are often hot, and you don’t want to be the Superman no one wants to go near due to pit stains!

• Sub note from Silver: Perfumes that match your character are a great idea. Ivy smells flowery, Harley smells like candy, and if you’re Rorschach you could actually not bathe and it would be ok.

5.Band-Aids: A full day at a con in 4 inch heels can destroy a person’s feet, so it’s a great idea to have many different kinds/sizes of Band-Aids around.  I bring a wide variety for any kind of blister or location of blister.  I’m also a fan of putting on preventative Band-Aids.  Wear your shoes around for a day to see where they’re rubbing and put a Band-Aid there before you hit the floor.  It can help reduce the chance you’ll get a blister and hey, if you do get one there…you’re already wearing a Band-Aid under those tights!

6-Food: Sometimes you’re too tired to get food before or after your day at the con.  It’s a fabulous idea to have food in the hotel room.  Silv and I have a tradition of getting a big pasta lunch on Wednesday and then saving the leftovers and munching on that after the con.  Straws are also great during the day for drinking beverages and not messing up your make-up.

• Sub note from Silver: If you have pouches, fill them with snacks for when you get the munchies and don’t want to spend 10 dollars on a pretzel! Gotta stay at least a little hydrated and fed during the day to keep up your energy in costume.

7.Repairs: Bring a small emergency fix-kit for anything that could go wrong.  The things I have in my quick fix-kit are:  A needle or two with some thread that works with your costumes, glue gun, safety pins, and tape.  It’s a really great idea to have the safety pins and tape on the floor of the con, goodness knows I’ve been saved by this stuff before!  This also includes any make-up you’d need to do touch ups throughout the day.

8.Schedule: Figure it out ahead of time so you can wear the right costume on the right day! It’s always fun to go to a panel wearing the costume of what the panel is about.

9.Have a bag holder: Okay, this one is a little tough, but if you can convince one of your friends it’s super fun to hold a bag full of your crap all day and then stand there waiting as you take pictures, you win!  The bag holder is a great asset; they have your phone/wallet/repair supplies.  All the crap you’d want with you at a con, but don’t want to lug around in your costume you can’t bend down in.  (To keep your bag holder happy I suggest buying them drinks)

10. Bring a camera And don’t forget to use it! Sure it’s fun to collect all the pretty posed photos on the internet, but the memories come from the shenanigans you have in the hotel room, at lunch with friends, and capturing the con from your own perspective!
Alrighty, so these have been some tips to hopefully help you get to and enjoy a con.  What are some things you do to get ready for a convention?

Kit Quinn
Kit@ComicImpact.com