Open call for Board Member and Moderator positions in Coin Return. More information here.
Sign up to win MNC Dover's voice! Details here.

PAX East 2014 Cosplay

arwen_doll16_LOTRarwen_doll16_LOTR CommanderRegistered User regular
edited April 2014 in PAX East
Welcome to the PAX East 2014 costume thread!

Yes, it has already begun!! Work on a new PAX costume starts as soon as the recovery from the last PAX is over!

What is everyone planning on doing for their costumes for 2014?
Any big ideas or even just concepts of what you might want to do?
Games or other things coming out or are already out that you might want to base a costume off of?
Got any questions about how to make something or need opinions and advice?
Want to show off your work and post pics?
Find more members for your costume group or talk about a costume contest?

You have found the right place, now post to your hearts content!
Can't wait to see everyone's awesome work this year!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
385619_4094805042205_987774834_n.jpg
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please keep in mind this post will be updated as often as possible to provide current information.

FAQS:
Are there really that many people that cosplay for PAX?
There are enough of us that you are reading this thread!

I'm not sure if I want to dress up, what do you think?
Dressing up is a personal choice. No one will judge you either way.

Does my costume have to be video game related?
Not at all! There are a wide variety of costumes from all themes in geek culture from Doctor Who to Power Rangers, anime to video games! If you want to wear a costume then do it!

I am a beginner at costume making, any advice?
Many people will have many different things to say about this. At the heart of it all is to stick to your comfort zone. Never sewn a thing in your life? Don't make a full Princess Peach gown. Start out with something simple enough that you can make it, and make it well enough for YOU to be proud of. Don't get intimidated by others. Many people who do the large scale things have been at this a while. Also, nothing wrong with taking some pieces from your own wardrobe or the store and using them.

I have a cool prop weapon, can I bring it!? (this is the biggest one of all so please read on carefully!)
Please refer to these rules first and use common sense. If you ABSOLUTELY cannot find the answer to your question then please direct questions in a message to AaronC who is the security manager of PAX.
Do not flood him with questions if your answer can be found here!!!

NEW PAX ATTENDEE COSTUME WEAPON POLICY
The (NEW!!!) official policy is as follows:
Weapons Check Policies

All prop weapons brought to the show MUST be approved at the Info Booth as soon as you arrive. We will be looking for the following criteria:

It cannot fire any sort of projectile. (Nerf guns are only allowed if they have been deactivated and cannot fire.)
It cannot be an airsoft weapon. (Yes, even if it’s deactivated.)
It cannot be sharp or pointy enough to cut or pierce someone with moderate pressure. This includes all real swords, daggers and knives. It also includes ceramic blades, needles, syringes and anything that can pierce (for example, a Little Sister syringe made of wood would not be allowed)

Upon approval, your weapon and badge will be tagged and cataloged.

What kind of restrictions on clothing are there?
As an attendee the only restriction is that your genitalia is not showing (for either sex) and for women your breasts should be covered as well. If you (as an attendee, not a paid employee of an exhibitor) want to wear the equivalent of a bikini, you can.

The restrictions for clothing apply to people working for Exhibitors (do not worry about these rules unless you are working for an Exhibitor, in that case, please refer to your employer).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

544681_3349370446806_768019308_n.jpg
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND IF GOING IN COSTUME:
*See weapons policy and peace bonding sections above for prop weapons (this really can't be stressed enough!)

*You will want to wear comfortable shoes. Shoes are required at all times anyways. Even if they do not match this is a HUGE deal. If you don't think you can walk all day in them, then don't do it.

*You will most likely get stopped for photos (especially if your costume is good). If you don't feel like it then simply tell the person that you are not doing pictures right now but to come find you later, the main thing is to be polite. Keep in mind also that some people are fans of "ninja photos", they walk by and nonchalantly snap a photo of you while you are simply standing there or eating, or...anything really. Once again be polite and sometimes you may even offer to take a nice photo for them (without your mouth full of food!).

*When taking pictures try to move out of the crowd and off to the side where there is less traffic (I am sure the person wanting the picture will also understand).

*The convention center will be hot. Keep this in mind especially for costumes with layers. Fake layers (fake collars, half sleeves that are sewn into a shirt to make it look like layers etc.) are all neat tricks to saving you from sweating like crazy.

*Weight of a costume can be a big issue. Think about it practically. If you can't carry the weight of a costume on you for the time that you will be in the center then don't wear it. Try to lighten up the load with hollow structures and the like. Remember that costumes don't always have to be the exact proportions of the original to look good.

*Costume size can also be a problem. Keep in mind that you will be wearing this into a convention center full of tons of people. No one wants to get smacked in the face by your giant Jesse from Pokemon wig or by your Final Fantasy bigger than a person sword.

*Swag is a very common thing, try to have a plan of where you will keep all your awesome shirts, buttons, magnets, games, etc. Matching bags are always a popular option. Having a buddy to help carry your stuff is also another option. Please note, there is limited coat check or spare room space to keep stuff in for attendees. It all depends on personal preference but is something to keep in mind.

*Freshness can be a little lacking by the third day of being in costume (this is not meant to offend anyone but this should be addressed). Try to change at least any underlayers to your costume everyday. If this can't happen then try to hang up the costume in your room for the night so that it can at least air out (febreeze isn't a bad option either). Wear deodorant and any other freshening toiletries that you prefer and shower each day to keep yourself and your costume nice and fresh.

*Finally, it is a good idea to carry a few safety pins (or your costume equivalent) with you to make on the fly repairs while at the convention center. Accidents happen, especially the more people you add to a situation. It would be a shame for someone to step on the hem of Kaylee's Fluffy Layer Cake Dress and have it rip and leave you exposed.

261551_4340364141029_785616448_n.jpg
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GROUPS:
If you have a group page that you would like to have posted here then please PM me!
Keep in mind that most groups make a Facebook page to connect and organize through since things can get lost very easily on this thread.


_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GROUP MEETUP TIMES AND LOCATIONS:
TBA (please PM me if you know of any)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONTESTS:
TBA (please PM me if you know of any)
S2 Games Costume Contest
An event to honor the creativity and ingenuity of cosplayers. S2 Games will be host to a Cosplay Contest at PAX East hosted Saturday, April 12th in room 159 of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
ANY costume is welcome as long as it does not violate convention rules
Grand Prize Winners in Male and Female categories will receive a $500 USD cash prize and be officially commissioned by S2 Games to create a costume for their upcoming MOBA Strife. There will be tons of other prizes, INCLUDING MOXIE PLUSHIES!

Check out details for this contest at http://cosplay.s2games.com"

I should go.
534159_4247466298641_1660805487_n.jpg
arwen_doll16_LOTR on
«13456715

Posts

  • AaronCAaronC Enforcer - Lieutenant Portland OregonRegistered User regular
    Thank you Arwen for making this post.

    I'd like to point out a rule change regarding costume weapons. Arwen has the right info, there is no missprint. Realistic looking costume weapons are now allowed as long as they are not airsoft (working or not), nerf that works or fire any kind of projectile.

    They still have to be inspected and tagged.

    Have fun cosplaying this year.

  • XX55XXXX55XX Registered User regular
    Good. I'll be dressing up as a stalker from Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl next year.

  • AaronCAaronC Enforcer - Lieutenant Portland OregonRegistered User regular
    Just remember, no airsoft regardless of its ability to function or not.

  • XX55XXXX55XX Registered User regular
    AaronC wrote: »
    Just remember, no airsoft regardless of its ability to function or not.

    I'm aware. Still a silly rule if you actually inspect the weapons though. And I doubt anyone is going to be dumb enough to engage in an airsoft battle within the convention center and get ejected.

  • Ana NgAna Ng Registered User regular
    I love seeing the cosplayers every year, hopefully one these times I'll actually make a costume. Just wanted to make a clarification on " Please note, there is no coat check or spare room to keep stuff in for attendees". There are actually two coat checks at the BCEC, at least in the past there have been and I can't imagine them disappearing in 2014.

  • XX55XXXX55XX Registered User regular
    AaronC wrote: »
    Just remember, no airsoft regardless of its ability to function or not.

    I'm aware. Still a silly rule if you actually inspect the weapons though. And I doubt anyone is going to be dumb enough to engage in an airsoft battle within the convention center and get ejected.

  • letsgamelawlzletsgamelawlz If you want to know me, CHEESE Aperture scienceRegistered User regular
    I'm being Chell! IMMA MAKE A PORTAL GUN AND EVERYTHING! No I'm not. *calls uncle*

    it seems everybody is doing this so....PAX EAST 2014: Badges[X] Travel[X] FRANNDS [X] My video game spirit [X] Party supplies[]
  • letsgamelawlzletsgamelawlz If you want to know me, CHEESE Aperture scienceRegistered User regular
    Ana Ng wrote: »
    I love seeing the cosplayers every year, hopefully one these times I'll actually make a costume. Just wanted to make a clarification on " Please note, there is no coat check or spare room to keep stuff in for attendees". There are actually two coat checks at the BCEC, at least in the past there have been and I can't imagine them disappearing in 2014.
    HOW DO U MAKE UR PIC MOVE?!

    it seems everybody is doing this so....PAX EAST 2014: Badges[X] Travel[X] FRANNDS [X] My video game spirit [X] Party supplies[]
  • zerzhulzerzhul Registered User, Moderator mod
    It's an animated gif. Also this thread is about cosplay, not people's avatars ;)

  • Little WrenLittle Wren Atlanta, GARegistered User new member
    I've heard there will be restrictions on "showing skin" with cosplays, but I don't see that mentioned in the above rules. I'm aware of similar rules at other conventions and issues pax has had in the past, but it would be nice to have those rules spelled out for both genders so cosplayers can plan accordingly. If that info is in another forum I'll happily refer to it with some direction. Thanks!

  • AaronCAaronC Enforcer - Lieutenant Portland OregonRegistered User regular
    The only restriction is that your genitalia is not showing. If you (as an attendee, not a paid employee of an exhibitor) want to wear the equivalent of a bikini, you can.

    PAX has not restricted attendee cosplay clothing, although I did ask Zangief to pull his pants up a little bit this last Prime.

    The restrictions for clothing apply to people working for Exhibitors.

  • arwen_doll16_LOTRarwen_doll16_LOTR Commander Registered User regular
    Ana Ng wrote: »
    I love seeing the cosplayers every year, hopefully one these times I'll actually make a costume. Just wanted to make a clarification on " Please note, there is no coat check or spare room to keep stuff in for attendees". There are actually two coat checks at the BCEC, at least in the past there have been and I can't imagine them disappearing in 2014.

    Haha I will change the original post, I am not aware of what goes on at East too well >.<

    I should go.
    534159_4247466298641_1660805487_n.jpg
  • arwen_doll16_LOTRarwen_doll16_LOTR Commander Registered User regular
    edited September 2013
    I've heard there will be restrictions on "showing skin" with cosplays, but I don't see that mentioned in the above rules. I'm aware of similar rules at other conventions and issues pax has had in the past, but it would be nice to have those rules spelled out for both genders so cosplayers can plan accordingly. If that info is in another forum I'll happily refer to it with some direction. Thanks!

    It is not in another forum so far as I know. I simply have not had the info in the OP because it has never come up since it has not been an issue for attendees (which is what I am concerned with haha XD , exhibitors have a whole different set of rules that they are informed of!). I will add it though =)

    arwen_doll16_LOTR on
    I should go.
    534159_4247466298641_1660805487_n.jpg
  • Ana NgAna Ng Registered User regular
    Ana Ng wrote: »
    I love seeing the cosplayers every year, hopefully one these times I'll actually make a costume. Just wanted to make a clarification on " Please note, there is no coat check or spare room to keep stuff in for attendees". There are actually two coat checks at the BCEC, at least in the past there have been and I can't imagine them disappearing in 2014.

    Haha I will change the original post, I am not aware of what goes on at East too well >.<

    No worries, I figured that was the case.

  • TacoForceTacoForce Registered User regular
    I started work on a thing... I wanted to get a head start this year.
    D0xm2lll.jpg
    Anyone else start already?

  • aBByNormaLaBByNormaL Registered User regular
    Very nice ... definitely looking forward to seeing the cosplay ... headmask is looking great !! 8-)

    PAX East 2016 .... gots my Passes [x] Hotel [x] Flights [x] Packed [..] .... ok we're all good !!!!!
  • Little WrenLittle Wren Atlanta, GARegistered User new member
    I see, basically you don't want scantily clad booth babes waking around! Definitely familiar with that rule, but thanks so much for clearing that up! And no, I don't plan to walk around with my butt out (at least not without 2 layers of skin-toned tights....it gets cold in Boston, I found out!) :lol:

  • brtyleighbrtyleigh Registered User new member
    Any word on a contest? I know LoL did one last year but is there a possibility there will be an overall contest run by PAX?

  • letsgamelawlzletsgamelawlz If you want to know me, CHEESE Aperture scienceRegistered User regular
    brtyleigh wrote: »
    Any word on a contest? I know LoL did one last year but is there a possibility there will be an overall contest run by PAX?

    maybe. There aren't usually that many cosplayers from what I've gathered.

    it seems everybody is doing this so....PAX EAST 2014: Badges[X] Travel[X] FRANNDS [X] My video game spirit [X] Party supplies[]
  • letsgamelawlzletsgamelawlz If you want to know me, CHEESE Aperture scienceRegistered User regular
    OMG TACOFORCE THAT IS SOO COOL! And nice bender pic. ;) SORRY ZERZHUL! :)

    it seems everybody is doing this so....PAX EAST 2014: Badges[X] Travel[X] FRANNDS [X] My video game spirit [X] Party supplies[]
  • zerzhulzerzhul Registered User, Moderator mod
    I would be extremely surprised if PAX ever ran a cosplay contest.

  • letsgamelawlzletsgamelawlz If you want to know me, CHEESE Aperture scienceRegistered User regular
    zerzhul wrote: »
    I would be extremely surprised if PAX ever ran a cosplay contest.
    yeah. me too.

    it seems everybody is doing this so....PAX EAST 2014: Badges[X] Travel[X] FRANNDS [X] My video game spirit [X] Party supplies[]
  • zerzhulzerzhul Registered User, Moderator mod
    It's not because there aren't enough cosplayers, it's just not a thing that pax does. Exhibitors will likely continue to run their own though.

  • XX55XXXX55XX Registered User regular
    Does anyone want to do a Stalker group cosplay?

  • DelaneyDelaney Registered User regular
    I really like the idea of trying some cosplay, but I'm really curious about how recognizable the outfit "should" be. Taking into consideration what would be feasible for me to make as well as comfortable to wear, my favorite idea thus far is to dress as my LotRO burglar. The general class archetype should be recognizable, but it's definitely not going to be like seeing Batman. Assuming the idea of cosplay is for those who are doing so to have fun, this seems like it could work well, but I do wonder what the general reaction would be? Is cosplay generally encouraged regardless or would I be mocked for being something no one can identify?

    "I will participate in the game. It's a wonderful, wonderful opera, except that it hurts." - Joseph Campbell

    Steam: delaney_a

  • Account4ThisAccount4This BostonRegistered User regular
    I've got a large group of friends and we're doing a Pokemon Cosplay. If you've ever wanted to see a bunch of mid-20's guys (and one wife) dressed up like the various forms of Eevee (we've got all but the new Faerie type [that guy can't make it this year]), PAX 2014 will be the time and place. (1st time Cosplaying for my whole group too)

  • zerzhulzerzhul Registered User, Moderator mod
    Delaney wrote: »
    would I be mocked for being something no one can identify?
    If someone mocks you, tell them to get bent.

  • DelaneyDelaney Registered User regular
    zerzhul wrote: »
    Delaney wrote: »
    would I be mocked for being something no one can identify?
    If someone mocks you, tell them to get bent.

    There is a certain appealing justice in this. :) Now I want to make mock citations for violations of Wheaton's Law.

    "I will participate in the game. It's a wonderful, wonderful opera, except that it hurts." - Joseph Campbell

    Steam: delaney_a

  • DolarrahDolarrah New JerseyRegistered User regular
    I cant think of anyone that would mock you to your face for not knowing what you are.... but my reply would be "oh, so you have never seen (Character Name) from (Origin of Character), how nice it must be to live under a rock"

  • aBByNormaLaBByNormaL Registered User regular
    Dolarrah wrote: »
    I cant think of anyone that would mock you to your face for not knowing what you are.... but my reply would be "oh, so you have never seen (Character Name) from (Origin of Character), how nice it must be to live under a rock"

    I would hope that no one would openly mock someone for being a character they were unfamiliar with. I think the situation would be more akin to curiousity. Some characters are instantly recognizable others however may be obscure. However, the kind of response you indicate to their unfamiliarity presumes that it is a highly recognizable character or that the person is a fan of or familiar with the particular series in question. I know that there are probably many cosplay characters which I will not be personally familiar with but I will enjoy seeing nonetheless - it doesn't mean I might not ask which character they are. I'm sorry but in my experience that kind of retort doesn't highlight their ignorance it would only serve to display yours. Much better to simply state who you are - who knows you may expand their world in the process.

    PAX East 2016 .... gots my Passes [x] Hotel [x] Flights [x] Packed [..] .... ok we're all good !!!!!
  • DolarrahDolarrah New JerseyRegistered User regular
    The response was meant for someone mocking them. Politely or curiously asking what or who you are is not mocking. If you go as an obscure character, then yes you should expect people to ask, if your costume is interesting enough, but if they are standing there pointing fingers and laughing at what they don't know... they are fair game for being idiots.

  • aBByNormaLaBByNormaL Registered User regular
    Karma is a b______

    PAX East 2016 .... gots my Passes [x] Hotel [x] Flights [x] Packed [..] .... ok we're all good !!!!!
  • arwen_doll16_LOTRarwen_doll16_LOTR Commander Registered User regular
    It is my experience that no one is going to mock you for simply not knowing your character. The mostly likely scenario is someone is going to ask, you will answer and both of you will continue along merrily! I have seen plenty of costumes that are not even from anything but are characters or designs that people have done themselves. None of them have ever been made fun of.

    Even I have an original character (this costume is straight out of my own head and cannot be found in games, movies, etc.) And the most people do is ask what it is from, I tell them I designed it, most people react with "oh cool!" and that is that =)

    Don't worry about being recognized or being unrecognizable. Just do whatever costume you want, have fun with it, and be courteous to others who will in turn will most likely be courteous to you.

    I should go.
    534159_4247466298641_1660805487_n.jpg
  • GhostDanGhostDan Registered User regular
    I don't know probably 75% of the cosplay characters I see (I blame a lack of familiarity with FF). I'd never mock, I just enjoy the costumes and move on. :)

  • jdixon1972jdixon1972 Registered User regular
    Yeh, normally I have no clue either as to who the characters are. I just enjoy seeing everyone and seeing how much attention to detail they put into those costumes. I remember this past year seeing some kind of cool demon looking thing on stilts that I though was so awesome. Not to mention the various Halo costumes that were great. I'd never mock either and I don't think the majority of Pax attendees would either. Just like others have said before, Pax is an inclusive place. There may be a few bad apples here and there, but this is a very welcoming community.

  • satyr16satyr16 Registered User regular
    I've finally made up my mind to do a Solaire of Astora cosplay from Dark Souls in honor of Dark Souls II releasing the same month. I'm also playing it for the first time and am loving it. A Dark Souls group cosplay could work if anyone wants in.

  • TopherRocksTopherRocks Rockstar Beard Grower Kent, OH or Long Island, NYRegistered User regular
    Only in planning stages but I'm thinking of doing my very first cosplay this year. Planning on being Jacket from Hotline Miami. Shouldn't be too hard for a first go.

  • BonniesBonnies Registered User regular
    edited October 2013
    I'll be cosplaying Aether Wing Kayle from League of Legends. Can't wait to get started on the wings :3

    wallpaper_760px_7652.jpg

    attachment.php?attachmentid=781570&d=1379389598

    attachment.php?attachmentid=781571&d=1379389606

    attachment.php?attachmentid=781572&d=1379389614

    attachment.php?attachmentid=781574&d=1379389640

    Bonnies on
  • aBByNormaLaBByNormaL Registered User regular
    that sword looks spectacular .... kudos

    PAX East 2016 .... gots my Passes [x] Hotel [x] Flights [x] Packed [..] .... ok we're all good !!!!!
  • WolfieeWolfiee Web/Graphic Designer and Illustrator MARegistered User regular
    Going as Ellie from The Last of Us because I sorta look like her LOL

    0CsmwYt.jpg
    Badges [ ] Hotel [ ] Complete Pixelist.net [x] Excitement [x]
Sign In or Register to comment.