Above all else, I think the most important thing is to have fun, because why else would you want to dress up and act silly?

Beyond that, I think what really makes a costume isn't in the outfit itself, but your acting. Anybody can dress like their favorite murderdoll (to whatever degree of "like" they wish to put time/money into); a judge might give you technical points if you stayed up all night to custom embroider a class emblem, but what'll really impress them (and everybody else) is how well you pull off bringing a fictional character to life.

Do you have more specific tips you're looking for? "First con" tips, like con etiquette, what to bring, what to avoid? Sewing/crafting/makeup/etc. tips? Posing/photography tips? Specific character tips (like how to make so-and-so's weird-looking doodad)?

There's definitely a lot involved in cosplay/cons worthy of advice. There's also a lot of advice and info floating around the internet too.

I'd say the most important universal advice for cosplay/cons is how important early planning is. This applies everywhere from booking hotels early and firming up plans with friends (plus making sure said friends are dependable beforehand, since cons tend to bring out all sorts of issues) to making sure you're in good shape (pacing, realistic expectations) to get your costume together on time, so you're not having last-minute late-night crises before the con that ruin everything. Cosplay cons are pretty notorious for last-minute crises (hello, big project deadlines!), but the more you can do to avoid them, the better.

...Seriously, though. I know everyone "knows" you're supposed to do things early and it kind of gets shrugged off. But I've had to really learn things the hard way so many times at cons over the years. Most of my worst experiences can be traced back to staying up way too late the night(s) before the con doing stuff at the last minute (or riding/rooming with friends doing this), and one problem leads to the next since exhaustion sets up all these other issues that ruin the con (as well as one's health/safety/sanity), and in the end it really isn't worth it.

Now, having said all this and almost hitting send before even looking up the con in question...I now see Ohayocon is at the end of this month. If you haven't started your cosplay yet, please take a step back and be real with yourself. In the majority of cases, and especially if you're inexperienced, I would highly recommend against starting a cosplay three weeks before the day of the con. Things always go wrong and take longer than expected, and things go even wronger and longer with less experience. The best way I could see this happening and turning out alright without a lot of stress is if it's a simple costume made of stuff that could be found off the racks at local stores (no shipping) and/or with some easy pieces that you're sure you can whip up really quickly. (A costume like Scout?) Otherwise, I would really recommend not killing yourself trying to do something in a couple weeks* and instead saving it for a later con. (*The last days/week should really be for planning and finalizing the details of the trip and being well rested, not hardcore crafting.) Like, if do you start it now and are realistically nowhere near finishing it on time (without wrecking yourself, your friends, or your family), just put it aside, go plainclothes, relax, have fun, and start back up after the con (bonus: be finished early for the next con!). I just...I had a friend who once tried to sew her costume in our hotel room during the con, and later barely missed doing it again and was an exhausted wreck of a dangerous driver the next day; both times were disasters, so I had to cut her off. Please don't do this to yourself or your friends. (If this stuff isn't the case and you're managing fine, I'm sorry for the insinuation and lecturing. I just really want to help other people avoid my disasters.)

Going to Ohayocon is a dream of mine. I have no idea how to make a cosplay, and I'm afraid/was previously not allowed to travel very far, but all my friends go on a yearly basis. I just want to meet them.

>>2858 Oh, man that sounds horrible about what your friend did! But thank you, that all really helps! Originally, I was planning on trying to whip up a simple cosplay like Scout, but I got sick and couldn't go out to get any materials anyway. I think once I get better I'll attend the con normally and just enjoy some panels, or maybe use an old cosplay I have lying around. And I'll definitely take you up on that advice and start preparations for next year!

I tend to always try to do things at the last minute because I'm always getting sidetracked with work and other crap, ugh. This time I will focus on it more and try not to half-ass it. I do have my accommodations and everything planned out, however, thank goodness.

That being said, maybe I'll go ahead and ask specific questions for next year since I'm already on here. I really want to crossplay as Medic. I'm genderfluid so I'm fine with just cutting my hair. Should I do that or should I get a wig?

Also, as for his lab coat, should I make it myself? I have absolutely no experience in making such things, I have only made like capes and stuff, so yeah, I'm a noob. Or should I commission/buy one? I have a pretty okay budget, but ugh and I need boots too. And I don't even know where to start on the weapons. I could probably make a bonesaw pretty easily, though. I really don't even know where to begin, haha.

sorry for the spam of questions, you don't have to answer them if you don't want to, I'll just have em up here for whoever to answer if you choose not to

>>2859
Awww, I've been once and it was really fun! lots of people, though, haha. I really don't know how to make a cosplay either, the most I've ever made was a shirt design or accessories and stuff.

It's only a miracle my parents ever let me start going to cons, they're normally very strict. Now that I'm on my own budget, it's definitely harder to travel. But I wouldn't be afraid to, as long as I have friends I know in real life going with me. Are you afraid to go because you'll be going alone?

Either way, I really hope you can go soon, though! It's such a crazy experience, being around soooo many awesome people. Although, I've never met any of my online friends yet, either, but best of luck to you!!

>>2857
Very true, it seems I'm always getting wrapped up in finding out how to make a perfect cosplay and then I get so frustrated or I lose so much confidence that it really isn't worth it. So thank you for reminding me about what's really important <3

I agree, I always try my best to be the character, otherwise it's not only not fun for me but it's not fun for people around me, seeing their favorite character being... not in character, heh. I'm pretty good with it though. I do, however, get shy very very easily, so I don't think I'll be attending any contests or skits anytime soon. Perhaps in the future~ For now I'll just roam around and talk to people, haha. Thank you for the advice!