Posted by Blasphemy Blue on 04-14-2009 - 12:51 AM
After a relatively stressful pre-con prep and an equally disorganized stay at said convention, I have decided that I will never allow my peaceful time away from the real world to be so hectic again. Being panicked from college and the sudden surprise of a panel, I found myself running in circles, having forgotten some very important things while packing in a rush. I managed to survive, being only several miles from my dormitory, but there is not always a five minute ride back to the underwear drawer.
Thus, the Essentials list was inspired: A compilation of things I need to have at a convention, regardless of what else I need to pack on top of that. This list is a constant work in progress, and will be improved and expanded as I come up with new items to add.
There is more to come! If you have anything you want to see added to the Essentials List, leave a comment, and we'll see if it makes the list.
Thus, the Essentials list was inspired: A compilation of things I need to have at a convention, regardless of what else I need to pack on top of that. This list is a constant work in progress, and will be improved and expanded as I come up with new items to add.
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The Essentials List
✯ Underwear ✯ While this may seem simple, it is something easily overlooked in the rush of packing. Always remember that accidents happen; you can fall in a puddle of black tar or end up in a fountain, but when you need to change, you want to have extras available. The rule for this is one pair per day of the con, one pair per night of the con, plus at least a few extra. If you fly, always keep a pair in your carry-on bag to be prepared for that unexpected overnight stay in an airport. ✯ Normal clothing✯ It's a hassle, but after a long day of wearing your costume, you may feel an urge to walk around and do a bit of shopping or loitering in more comfortable attire. Jeans and a t-shirt or sweater can go a long way if only worn for a few hours, and tennis shoes feel absolutely amazing on a pair of feet that have been shoved into crazy shoes all day. ✯ Gel soles ✯ The shoe fits, of course, but that does not mean it is going to be comfortable. It will feel great for about an hour, more if you're lucky, but after a while of standing and walking around a convention, your feet will be screaming in pain and your knees and back will be less than happy with you. Dr. Scholl's gel soles are God's gift to the cosplayer, and can make even the most ridiculous shoe a more bearable experience. Just remember that they will slip around in there unless you glue or tape them in. ✯ Scissors ✯ Just when you think everything it going well, you find something you need to cut. However, you don't have anything to do it with, and you have no idea where you can find something at ten at night. All problems can be solved with a pair of scissors, be it a few uneven pieces of wig hair, tough packaging on some merchandise, or a fraying edge on a ribbon. ✯ Safety pins ✯ This one is kind of like duct tape for clothing. It can fix a lot of problems, but there are a few things outside the power of the pin. Don't try to use it to hold a wig on. (Yes, it has been done, and it has not ended well.) Don't overestimate the strength of a safety pin, either. It's a helper, not a permanent fix. ✯ Band-aids and Neosporin ✯ Blisters are painful, and so are the other injuries you can get running around in a costume. Keep these on hand to bandage your wounds and protect vulnerable areas on your feet from a bad rub from your shoes. |
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