Tools and stories to keep the momentum going between cons.

cosplay between conventions

Hello, friend. As winter lingers and the next convention season feels just out of reach, there's something comforting about settling into the quiet rhythm of cosplay between conventions. It's that time for sketching ideas, sorting fabrics, and dreaming up builds that light up your workbench. This week, we're diving into one maker's story of turning post-con reflections into a fresh plan, because those in-between moments are where the real magic brews.

Last fall, after a whirlwind convention weekend, Sarah found herself staring at a half-empty fabric bin and a notebook full of scribbles. She had debuted her elaborate steampunk inventor cosplay to cheers and photos, but the high faded fast amid daily life. "I loved the build," she told me over coffee, "but I rushed the wig and accessories, and it showed in the photos." Instead of shelving the idea, Sarah decided to channel that into planning her next project: a sleek cyberpunk runner from a game she'd obsessed over during the con downtime.

She started simple, pulling out a free planning worksheet she'd bookmarked months ago. Inputting a start date for early spring, the sheet auto-generated a calendar with tasks lined up: pattern drafting week one, foam armor week three. Sarah loved how it tracked "planned" versus "reality," with spots for actual completion dates and progress percentages. "It felt less overwhelming," she said. "No more vague to-do lists; this was my roadmap."

But Sarah didn't stop at spreadsheets. Inspired by con chats with photographers, she built a media kit to capture her journey. Using a basic template, she added a grid of progress shots: the runner's glowing arm piece taking shape, fabric tests pinned to her wall. She included a short bio, con highlights, and follower stats from her socials. "It was like a resume for my maker self," she laughed. Printing a few copies felt empowering, ready for booth collabs or artist alleys down the line.

One evening, sketching in watercolor pencils, Sarah broke down the costume: headgear with LED wires, body suit with neoprene panels, boots reinforced for mobility. She listed essentials in neat boxes, separating accessories like holsters and props. Small details emerged, like how the character's scarf needed metallic threading for authenticity. "These quiet nights let me refine without pressure," she reflected. By week's end, her build book was born, a visual journal blending plans, sketches, and real-time notes.

Now, with her planner open on the kitchen table, Sarah feels reconnected. The convention glow is back, not from crowds, but from steady progress. It's a reminder that between cons, we're all building something meaningful, one stitch and sketch at a time.

Sarah's story hits home for many of us: that post-con planning spark keeps the passion alive. What if a simple tool could bridge the gap from idea to wearable art?

Hit reply and share: What's one cosplay you're planning right now? Have you tried a planning worksheet or build book, and what worked best? Or, what's your go-to way to stay motivated between events?

Spring is stirring with cosplay gatherings on the horizon. Here's a quick list of upcoming spots to debut those winter builds or connect with fellow makers.

• MegaCon Orlando, March 2026, Orlando FL: Massive comic and cosplay celebration with epic group photos.
• C2E2, April 2026, Chicago IL: Windy City hub for panels, contests, and artist meetups.
• Fan Expo Dallas, May 2026, Dallas TX: Southern con with cosplay tracks and vendor halls.
• Anime Expo, July 2026, Los Angeles CA: Huge anime focus with masquerade and craftsmanship awards.
• Dragon Con, Labor Day weekend 2026, Atlanta GA: Multi-track extravaganza for all fandoms.
• New York Comic Con, October 2026, New York NY: East Coast giant with pro cosplay guests.

If this issue sparked an idea or a smile, forward it to one cosplay friend who thrives on those between-convention builds. They'd love the nudge toward planning their next dream.

Reply anytime with where you are in your cosplay season: maybe tweaking a wig, sourcing EVA foam, or just daydreaming characters. Share a small win, a snag you're solving, or a story like Sarah's. This is our space for real talk, a thread in the community fabric. Your voice keeps it going. Can't wait to hear from you.

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