Editor’s Note: I’ve been going to conventions for a long time and anime conventions particularly since 2002. During my time talking to cosplayers, I noticed that one of the problems they face at conventions is etiquette from other attendees or cosplayers. I found Sami Foreman‘s article about cosplay etiquette and with her permission I reprinted it here. Feel free to add to the discussion at the comments section below and I hope that both newbies and pros, whether they agree or disagree with the article, can gain new insights about this subject.

Cosplay Etiquette

1. Cosplay characters you know and like!
There is nothing more annoying than trying to strike up a conversation with a cosplayer from a series you love, and they know nothing about the character or series. Cosplay should be fun, and people should be able to cosplay whoever they want, but it’s also about showing your love for a character. If you know nothing about that character, at least take 15 minutes to wiki it. It could save you from looking like a huge douche.

2. Do not use cosplay as an excuse to dress provocatively…
i.e., you cosplay so you can look like a slut for the weekend. Again, people should cosplay what they want, but if you feel the only way to garner attention is to dress provocatively, perhaps you should try a new hobby. Like poll dancing. At least that way, when guys shove bills down your pants, it won’t be frowned upon by security.

3. Cosplay groups should be discussed between all members.
A person has an idea for a group and tags who they think should cosplay as in a facebook picture. That’s cool. It would be great if you tell these people you’re actually planning this so you don’t wind up causing a scene when everyone else has plans instead. People have their own agenda. It’s not fair to assume people will drop their other plans when they see you’ve tagged them in a photo.

Some people want to be certain characters, and these things should be sorted out before everyone starts making/buying cosplays. No one wants to see three of the same person in one group. Talk it out so that everyone is happy.

4. If you’re in a cosplay group, stick with that group.
You’ve put in effort to actually make the cosplay, so why not show it off with the people you planned to do it with? I’m not saying it has to be all day, but a few hours of your time with people of the same series won’t kill you.

5. Don’t throw a fit if someone decides to cosplay the same character as you
You’re a big kid now, and the “Stop copying me!” argument doesn’t fly anymore. If the two of you were cosplaying the same character for a group, that would be different. See rule 3.

6. There’s being in character, and then there’s being a bit too in character
It’s great to be in character for a few minutes. You can joke around with people and just have fun, but then there are the people who refer to themselves and others as anime characters even outside of cosplay. Do not be one of these people. There is a time and place for being “in character.” Leave it at the convention where it belongs.

7. Jewlery/piercings/tattoos/glasses should be hidden or taken off for cosplay
There are exceptions. Like an engagement ring isn’t so terrible to leave on in cosplay. Tattoos I can understand. Life shouldn’t revolve around cosplay, so you should be able to get a tattoo wherever you want, but if they can be hidden with make up or tights, then I say go for it.

There are no excuses for piercings, glasses or random jewelry. Piercings can be replaced with a clear one if it can’t be taken out, glasses can be replaced with contacts or just taken off for photos, and jewelry can just be set aside in your hotel room. It is just one tiny step towards accuracy.

8. Do not be offended when people don’t recognize your cosplay.
Or if they mistake you for something else. Not every cosplay you do is going to be recognized, especially if you pick a character from a series that just started airing, or a very obscure series. Don’t get butt-hurt over some teeny boppers that didn’t know who you were. It makes having that one person who recognizes you so much more rewarding.

9. Don’t avoid doing cosplays just because they are popular.
Its okay to wait until the fandom dies down a bit, but don’t just flat out deny a cosplay just because its popular at the moment. If you like the series and want to do that cosplay, DO IT. The fanbase and popularity shouldn’t affect that. Haters gonna hate.

10. Get off your high horse about cosplaying solely for your love of anime/manga!
I can’t stress this one enough. We all cosplay for the love of anime and the characters we dress as, but we wouldn’t put in so much effort if we didn’t want our picture taken during a convention. All cosplayers are attention-whores to some degree. Just embrace the fact you like to be noticed. You wouldn’t cosplay at all if you didn’t like the attention.

Convention Etiquette

1. Just because he looked at you doesn’t make him a creeper.
Especially if your chest is three-fourths of the way out of your shirt. People are going to look at you while in cosplay, and it doesn’t make any of them creepers. You cosplay to get noticed, so don’t call security on every dude who looks at you for more than a second. You’re at a convention. A kingdom filled to the brim with socially awkward basement dwellers whose eyes haven’t quite adjusted to sunlight. Being looked at comes with the territory, princess. Either deal with it or put some clothes on.

2. Yelling memes in the halls does not make you look cool. You look like a moron.
Memes include; buttscratcher, marco pollo, lost the game, the cake is a lie, it’s over nine thousand, and many more I can’t even think of. Stop. Just stop.

3. Hugging, yes. Glomping, NO
Hugging is okay with that person’s permission. Glomping should be outlawed in all 50 states. Run-tackling should not be used to show affection. All it does is damage cosplays and injure innocent people.

4. Budget your money.
There is a difference between what you want and what you need. You NEED to have money for food/drink, your share of the hotel, and transportation money. Don’t cry to your roommates that you spent all of your money in the dealer’s room and can’t eat or get home. You may not be invited to stay next year.

5. Just because they’re cosplaying someone you like, does not make them your best friend all of a sudden.
People dress as characters they love, and because of that, they can connect with fellow con-goers. That doesn’t make you BFF 4 Life. Your new “friendship” with this person is not written in the stars. You’re just following them because they’re dressed as a character you like. Stop freaking them out and go find your own friends.

6. Ask before you take the picture.
It’s not hard to just walk up and ask. Most cosplayers would be obliged to pose for a photo.

7. Take a SHOWER!
Do I even need to explain this one? No one wants to smell your funk as you walk by. And while you’re at it, use some deodorant, especially if you’re going to the rave.

8. If she looks underage, assume she is underage.
A given. No one wants to get a call from convention security at 2AM saying you got arrested for coaxing a minor to come back to your room with you.

9. If you are a minor, don’t drink in public.
Again, this is a given. If you’re stupid enough to drink in a public place while underage, you deserve to get arrested. If you MUST drink while underage, at least stay in the hotel room, ya dingus.

10. People have personal bubbles. Don’t invade it.
Put at least 3.5 to 4 feet between you and the person you’re talking with. If you’re a visual learner, here’s a nifty picture showing personal and social space radius! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Personal_Space.svg

Hotel Etiquette

1. Even if you’re in your hotel room, you’re still in a public area. SHUT UP!
People around you may not be part of the convention, and it’s very annoying to be able to hear screaming and laughing through the wall. Be courteous to others and keep voices at medium volume, or be prepared to have hotel staff called.

2. Pay your share of the room upfront.
The person booking your room needs money from you, so pay for it upfront so there is no temptation to spend it later.

3. Don’t over charge your roommates.
Don’t be a dick, dude. Seriously.

4. Choose your roommates wisely.
You are stuck with these people for two to three nights, so make sure you choose to stay with people you get along with.

5. Do not invite strangers to the hotel room.
Not everyone is comfortable meeting new people at conventions, so don’t invite a bunch of drunk ravers to your room when people are trying to relax/sleep.

6. Keep in contact with your roomies.
You only get up to 4 keys for a room, so make sure they are given to responsible people. If you are given a key, people may need to get in contact with you to use it. Keep your phone on and check it every now and then for texts or voicemails left by a roomie.

7. If you end up damaging something, pay for it.
Just man up and pay for whatever you damaged. Your room mates don’t want to have to put in more cash for your screw up.

8. Bring snacks or drinks for the hotel room.
Bring a bag of chips, or a 12 pack of soda for you and your roomies to share. It’s a small contribution that goes a long way when you don’t want to spend money on a drink or if you get hungry between meals.

9. Keep your stuff organized.
Don’t leave the room each morning with it looking like a bomb went off. Keep your stuff together in your own personal corner of the room. Keep toiletries together in a bag so it can be brought with you into the bathroom. DO NOT assume it is okay to use other peoples shampoo/body wash/razor/towels/etc. just because it is left in the bathroom.

10. Clean your room when you pack up to leave.
Throw away trash, collect personal items and make sure nothing is damaged. You don’t have to go nuts and make the beds or anything, but just be courteous to the hotel staff who have to clean up after you.

Article by Sami Foreman. Check out her awesome deviantART page here! Pictures taken by Sam Carpenter and Paul Stewart.