Documenting the cosplay journey between cons.

cosplay between conventions

Hello, friends. As we settle into the quieter rhythm of winter, with conventions still months away, there's something deeply satisfying about the steady work of creation. Cosplay between conventions is this sweet space where we tinker, reflect, and build without the rush of deadlines or crowds. This week, let's lean into that by talking about build books, those personal records of our craft that capture the heart of what we make.

I've been thinking about how these books aren't just for contests; they're keepsakes that remind us of our progress, our problem-solving, and those quiet victories in the workshop.

Picture this: it's a chilly February evening, and I'm at my desk surrounded by scraps of EVA foam, reference prints, and a half-empty mug of tea. My latest project is an Aloy cosplay from Horizon Forbidden West, inspired by a binge-watch after the holidays. The con season feels distant, but I've decided this is the perfect time to start my build book. Not because I'm entering a contest right away, but because documenting the process feels like honoring the hours I'll pour in.

I pull up Canva on my laptop, that free tool that's become my go-to for layouts. The panel from MAGFest last month is fresh in my mind, where judges shared tips on keeping it to 10 pages or less, no novels allowed. I start with the cover: a crisp screenshot of Aloy mid-hunt, next to a photo of my fabric swatches pinned to a mood board. My name goes last, subtle, so the work shines first. It's simple, but it grounds me, turning scattered notes into something tangible.

As I flip through digital pages, I dedicate one to the bow, my proudest challenge so far. Full-page photos show the progression: rough sketch, foam layers glued and sanded, wooden core reinforced with dowels. Bullet points note the decisions, like switching from paint to a wood stain for authenticity after a test piece cracked. No failures here, just the path forward. Another page captures the armor pieces, torso and head separated neatly, with before-and-after shots and quick lists of materials. Worbla for curves, LED wiring tucked inside. It's not perfect yet, but seeing it laid out sparks motivation to finish the quiver next weekend.

The real magic happens midway through. I step back, print a draft, and flip through the physical pages. The flow feels right, top left to bottom right, just like magazine design principles suggest, drawing the eye to what matters most. A pull-quote from my notes: "This bow isn't just a prop; it's the tension of every hunt scene embodied." Pride swells. Between cons, this book becomes my companion, a story of persistence told in images and sparse words. It's not for judges yet; it's for me, preserving the quiet thrill of making.

By bedtime, 10 pages done, PDF exported, ready to print or upload whenever the next opportunity arises. I tuck it away, already dreaming of wearing it, but content in the between space where the craft lives.

Build books have a way of transforming our solo work into something shareable, a bridge from workshop to community. Whether for contests, personal joy, or even submitting to cosplay magazines, they highlight our ingenuity in ways words alone can't.

Have you made a build book before? What's one technique or page you're proud of? Or, if you're new to this, what's holding you back from starting one for your current project? Hit reply and share; I'd love to hear.

With spring on the horizon, here's a quick look at some cosplay-friendly gatherings to mark on your calendar. These are great spots to debut builds, network, or just soak in inspiration.

• MAGFest, late January 2026, Washington DC area, gaming and cosplay extravaganza with build workshops.
• Katsucon, February 2026, National Harbor MD, anime-focused con with masquerade and hall cosplay.
• Fan Expo New Orleans, March 2026, New Orleans LA, celebrity guests and massive cosplay contests.
• C2E2, April 2026, Chicago IL, comics and cosplay hub with artist alleys and photo ops.
• Anime Boston, May 2026, Boston MA, vibrant anime scene with fashion shows and panels.
• San Diego Comic Fest, early summer 2026, San Diego CA, relaxed con vibe for creators and fans.

If there's one cosplay friend who thrives in these between-convention moments, forward this their way. They'd appreciate the nudge toward build books or just the shared spark of ideas.

Hit reply anytime: tell me where you are in your cosplay season, what project's on your bench, or a small story from your latest make. This newsletter is our conversation corner, a place for your wins, questions, and sketches to land. No broadcasts here, just us makers chatting across workshops. Looking forward to your notes.

Reply with your stories, photos, and questions for a future issue.