Chiharu's Creative Corner

1) Always be prepared for a hot day! Don't forget the sunblock and remember to double check your bag even if your positive you have everything that you might need. You don't want to end up looking like a lobster.

2) This is very important: stay calm, don't freak out and spiral into a serious meltdown. Cosplay malfunctions happen and can seem difficult especially if there's snags, rips, or it's suddenly falling apart. Check with a friend immediately or someone close by who is willing to help out and repair your costume or prop. Next time pack an emergency kit at hand filled with sewing tools and other things that can aid your troubles. You never know what will happen, but at least now you'll be prepared.

3) Don't have a snarky attitude with your friends and fellow cosplayers. Your day might not have started how you planned or isn't going the way that you wanted it to, but that doesn't mean you have to bring others down and feel bad too. Who knows? Perhaps your day will get better if you just confide in your friends and they can cheer you up and keep you busy to where your not thinking about the negatives.

4) Having to take a break from cosplay due to lack of income, family issues, or fed up with cosplay drama, etc will happen to some if not all the time. A hiatus is beneficial in some parts... then again, if gone too long it's tough to get that creative mojo and spark of crafting interest again.

5) Cosplay drama. Stay far, far away! Go hide and lay low and come forth when it dies down. The next thing you need is to be mixed up in a cluttered mess with people blaming others, spreading rumors, or whatnot. Some will even go through the trouble to try and harm you verbally and/or physically.

6) Have a reference photo or sketch of a certain cosplay design at hand to make sure that everything is on correctly and facing the right side before leaving the house or your hotel room. Looking back at photos online and seeing where you went wrong, you'll face palm yourself so hard. The perfectionism kicks in and you'll have to reschedule for another shoot with your photographer.

7) Private shoots are fun, engaging, and sometimes exhausting. It's a nice way to converse with your photographer about your character and your ideas. Going back and forth giving each other input will put your photos in a great and satisfying result.

8) Summer copslays especially bikinis and fall weather is a no, no! Being scheduled for an evening shoot and your practically shivering during the entire session. Problem was, that was the only one that I had handy at the moment while every other costume was either currently being constructed or being repaired and revamped. It's getting too cold for that shit.

9) If you don't know how to sew and are a beginner with a sewing machine, don't do a project by yourself no matter how big or small it might seem. Being overly confident or to shy to ask is an issue. Have an advanced person sit next to you and teach you, guiding you through every step. Online tutorials are resourceful, but aren't always the best if not shown correctly. One wrong move and you've fucked up your garment.

10) Participating and volunteering in charity events that involve children are very rewarding. Smiles and hugs keep a person going strong.

11) Wear thermals or enough layers underneath your cosplay during the dying down temperatures to keep warm especially when you'll be staying out for a certain amount of hours. Jack Frost can handle the cold and be fine without shoes, you can't! Being true to your character is one thing, but your well being and your heath is most important. Having to suffer with the flu for two months isn't fun.

12) Carry socks and a more comfortable pair of shoes other than flip-flops when you have bare footed or sandaled characters. Walking too long in those suckers will result in blisters in between your toes and those are a bitch.

13) Dressing up with a group of friends and hanging out at a gathering is super fun, but remember to take at least one photo before your battery runs low and shuts off your camera!

14) Bring extra batteries. You might need them. My camera is literally a succubus. It'll suck the life out of the batteries that I put in, so I have to use it really quick.

15) Cosplay and unexpected rain during the month of December don't mix! Water and chilly temperatures can be damaging to some costumes and props that have certain fabrics, dyes/paints, or that are constructed out of a certain material.

What are fifteen cosplay things you have learned this year?