A quiet winter project to shine at the next con.

cosplay between conventions

Hello, friend. As the winter chill settles in and the big conventions feel like distant memories, there's something comforting about cosplay between conventions. It's that gentle rhythm of sketching ideas, stitching late into the evening, or simply flipping through progress photos with a cup of tea in hand. This week, we're diving into a small but powerful tool that can elevate your next build: the cosplay build book.

Picture this: it's a snowy Tuesday evening in early February, and Alex sits at their cluttered workbench in a cozy apartment just outside Seattle. The holiday rush is over, no cons on the horizon for a couple months, so Alex pulls out their tablet and starts a new project. They've been dreaming of cosplaying as Aloy from Horizon Forbidden West for ages, inspired by that epic bow and the character's fierce determination. But with MAGFest still fresh in mind from recent panels, Alex realizes something key: to really stand out in a contest, they need a build book. Not just any notebook of scribbles, but a polished showcase of the craftsmanship.

Alex fires up Canva, that free web tool everyone's buzzing about for its drag-and-drop magic. They start simple, grabbing a standard 8.5 by 11 template. First page: a striking side-by-side of Aloy from the game promo art next to a quick selfie in early mockup gear. "Competitor: Alex | Aloy, Horizon Forbidden West," they type in bold letters. It feels official already, like a magazine cover come to life. No rambling backstory here; judges want the highlights, and Alex knows to keep it tight, aiming for 10 pages max. Anything longer, and eyes glaze over.

Next come the sections: headgear, torso armor, bow assembly, boots. For each, Alex dedicates a page to photos , starting with reference screenshots, then raw materials like EVA foam sheets and Worbla scraps. They snap pics of the hot glue gun in action, sanded edges taking shape, and that satisfying primer coat. Bullet points keep it crisp: "3D printed quiver adapted from Thingiverse model, scaled 120%." Full-page spreads for the stars, like the glowing Focus necklace with embedded LEDs. Alex skips the failures, those crumpled foam attempts tossed in the bin. No need to dwell; this book celebrates the wins.

By midnight, it's done: downloadable as PDF for printing, PNG for uploads. Alex prints a copy on glossy paper at the local shop, binds it with brass fasteners. Flipping through, they feel a quiet pride. It's not just for judges; it's a time capsule of late nights and breakthroughs, a reminder that between cons, the real magic brews in these small rituals. Alex tucks it away for spring events, already plotting tweaks based on what felt right in the making.

Build books turn your solo grind into a shareable story, perfect for those quieter months. They're quick to make, especially with tools like Canva, and they sharpen your own process by forcing you to reflect on what worked best.

Have you ever made a build book, or are you inspired to try one now? What's one part of your current or dream cosplay you'd give a full page to, and why? Hit reply and tell us, even if it's just a sentence.

While we cozy up with winter projects, here are some cosplay highlights on the horizon to mark your calendar. These gatherings offer chances to debut builds, network, and soak in community vibes.

• Fan Expo Boston: May 2026, Boston MA. Massive hall cosplay contest with pro judging.
• Anime Central: May 2026, Chicago IL. Huge masquerade and craftsmanship showcases.
• San Diego Comic-Con: July 2026, San Diego CA. Iconic cosplay runway amid blockbuster reveals.
• Dragon Con: Labor Day weekend 2026, Atlanta GA. Multi-track parade and workshops galore.
• New York Comic Con: October 2026, New York NY. High-energy cosplay central with artist alleys.
• Katsucon: February 2027, National Harbor MD. Anime-focused gathering with skill-building panels.

If this sparks something, forward it to one cosplay friend who thrives on these between-con moments, the ones trading fabric scraps or Canva tips over coffee.

Hit reply anytime: where are you in your cosplay season right now, what project's got you hooked, or drop a quick story from your bench. This is our space, a back-and-forth between makers, not a one-way dispatch. Your notes keep it alive, so share freely. Can't wait to hear from you.

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