Where the heck have I been for the last 40 years? Why did I not realize that every hobby or sport has a true small inner circle of avid mover and shakers? I belong to the pageant world and realize the sport of pageantry is loved by some, fills a need for others and plain ole challenges others. Then there is a bigger population that doesn't even know the world of pageantry really exists at all. And that is where anime con comes in the picture for me.
Anime. My first anime con was very eye opening, fascinating and triggered my love of dressing up (but that is not the proper word - they cosplay). I was a surface observer. I watched as connections were made, excitement to see long lost friends reunite and make new friends. They share in a world they all loved. I was exhausted after the first con. (Why it is a called a con, I do not know yet - just short for convention?).
And off to my second con. A new con to the anime scene but always new for me. But my approach was completely different. I grabbed the schedule of panels, concerts (I am not a concert person at all and really would not be phased if I never went to another concert in my life) and activities. A general set up for a con consists of (in my words) shopping, artist shopping, cosplay competition, video competition, interviews with people in the business, interesting discussions groups and a few odd and end activities such as a murder mystery. They even wrap up the evening with a rave and some 18+ discussion groups. I choose my activities.
I went to the the girls activities and I took them to my activities. We watched the video competition, interview with a gentleman who does the voice overs for many of the anime shows, attended a murder mystery (but only stayed long enough to grab a bottle of cream soda), watched the cosplay competition, visited every room of goodies and treasures, watched the girls engage in theater games, project runway competition, took many pictures, tracked down my free key chain, sat and observed but more importantly, I engaged. I happen to fall head over heels intrigued by a guest of the event. He was spectacular. (He is in the black and green outfit below) His costumes, attitude and sheer magnetic personality. I was hooked. So I keep asking, listening, watching and shared a weekend with complete strangers who will become friends. I found the core group of organizers extremely warm and open. I could not have asked for a better event to get my curiosity peaked and questions answered.
I come to realize that there are many cons throughout the year - not just one or two. I am even thinking about designing and making my cosplay for the next con. It's time to narrow my thoughts and begin sketching up a drawing of the costume. As you can see below, the amount of work, time and love to create these cosplay are evident. Maybe I will be ready in 2020?
Anime. My first anime con was very eye opening, fascinating and triggered my love of dressing up (but that is not the proper word - they cosplay). I was a surface observer. I watched as connections were made, excitement to see long lost friends reunite and make new friends. They share in a world they all loved. I was exhausted after the first con. (Why it is a called a con, I do not know yet - just short for convention?).
And off to my second con. A new con to the anime scene but always new for me. But my approach was completely different. I grabbed the schedule of panels, concerts (I am not a concert person at all and really would not be phased if I never went to another concert in my life) and activities. A general set up for a con consists of (in my words) shopping, artist shopping, cosplay competition, video competition, interviews with people in the business, interesting discussions groups and a few odd and end activities such as a murder mystery. They even wrap up the evening with a rave and some 18+ discussion groups. I choose my activities.
My greatest find at this past con - An anteater sticker and he is playing a kazoo! Seriously cute.
I went to the the girls activities and I took them to my activities. We watched the video competition, interview with a gentleman who does the voice overs for many of the anime shows, attended a murder mystery (but only stayed long enough to grab a bottle of cream soda), watched the cosplay competition, visited every room of goodies and treasures, watched the girls engage in theater games, project runway competition, took many pictures, tracked down my free key chain, sat and observed but more importantly, I engaged. I happen to fall head over heels intrigued by a guest of the event. He was spectacular. (He is in the black and green outfit below) His costumes, attitude and sheer magnetic personality. I was hooked. So I keep asking, listening, watching and shared a weekend with complete strangers who will become friends. I found the core group of organizers extremely warm and open. I could not have asked for a better event to get my curiosity peaked and questions answered.
I come to realize that there are many cons throughout the year - not just one or two. I am even thinking about designing and making my cosplay for the next con. It's time to narrow my thoughts and begin sketching up a drawing of the costume. As you can see below, the amount of work, time and love to create these cosplay are evident. Maybe I will be ready in 2020?
