Why keeping notes between conventions might be your best craft habit yet.

cosplay between conventions

Spring is here, and for many of us, that means the convention season is ramping up. But here's what I've been thinking about lately: the real magic of cosplay doesn't happen on the con floor. It happens in those quiet weeks in between, when you're sketching at your kitchen table, testing foam techniques, or jotting down notes about what worked and what didn't. This week, I want to talk about something that can transform those in-between moments into something bigger: keeping a cosplay journal.

It sounds simple, maybe even a little old-fashioned. But there's something powerful about having a dedicated space, between conventions, where you can document your process, your ideas, and your growth as a maker.

Lena had been cosplaying for three years, but she always felt like she was starting from scratch with each new build. She'd repeat the same research, second-guess her material choices, and wonder if she'd made mistakes she'd already learned to avoid. Then, after a disappointing panel at a spring convention, a veteran cosplayer mentioned keeping a build journal. Lena decided to try it.

She started simple: a spiral-bound notebook with thick, blank pages. On the left side, she sketched her character's armor in quick pencil strokes, front and side views, with notes scribbled in the margins about rivet placements and proportions. On the right, she listed materials with brutal honesty: EVA foam for the chest plate, leather scraps for straps, silver acrylic for distressing. Nothing fancy. Just her thinking, preserved.

What surprised her was how quickly the journal became a anchor. A few weeks into her build, a paint test failed spectacularly. Frustrated, she flipped back to her initial color swatches, the tiny fabric samples she'd taped in glowing under her desk lamp. She could see exactly what she'd been aiming for. The tweaks weren't setbacks; they were part of the dance. The journal reminded her of that.

By the time summer rolled around, Lena's journal had grown. Construction checklists tracked which pieces were finished. Photos of each stage lived on their own pages, with bullet-point notes about what she'd learned. When she hit a snag with armor assembly, she could flip back and see how she'd solved a similar problem three months earlier. The journal had become a conversation with her past self, generous and patient.

At the convention, someone asked her how she'd gotten so efficient with her builds. Lena smiled and pulled out her journal. "I started listening to myself," she said. She wasn't talking about ego. She was talking about the knowledge she'd already earned, now written down and waiting for her to find it again.

Whether you're someone who journals religiously or someone who's never written down a single build note, there's no wrong way to document your cosplay journey. Some people use structured templates, some use blank pages, and some use a mix of both. The point isn't perfection; it's creating a space where you can think between conventions, capture your decisions, and build on what you've learned.

I'm curious about what works for you. Do you already keep notes on your builds, or is this something you've been meaning to try? What would make it easier for you to actually do it?

Here are three questions I'd love to hear your thoughts on:

• Do you currently document your cosplay process in any way (journal, photos, notes, or something else)? What's your system?
• What's one thing you wish you'd written down about a past build that you'd like to remember for next time?
• If you were going to start a cosplay journal today, what format would feel most natural to you: sketches, checklists, photos, or something completely different?

Spring and early summer are packed with conventions, meetups, and cosplay gatherings. Whether you're gearing up for a big debut or just looking to connect with other makers between cons, here are some events worth marking on your calendar.

• Anime Expo West, April 2026, Los Angeles, CA. One of the largest anime conventions on the West Coast; great for cosplay showcases and meetups.
• MegaCon Orlando, May 2026, Orlando, FL. Multi-genre convention with strong cosplay community and costume competitions.
• Otakon East, June 2026, Washington, DC. Long-running anime convention with dedicated cosplay panels and workshops.
• Colossalcon, June 2026, Sandusky, OH. Outdoor water park cosplay event known for its relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.
• San Diego Comic-Con, July 2026, San Diego, CA. Industry-leading convention with massive cosplay presence and photo opportunities.
• Dragon Con, September 2026, Atlanta, GA. Multi-day mega convention with costume contests, panels, and a thriving maker community.

If you know someone in your cosplay circle who's always working on something between conventions, forward this to them. This newsletter is meant to be a conversation, not a broadcast, and I think the best issues are the ones that spark replies and connections.

Hit reply and tell me where you are in your own cosplay season right now. Are you finishing something up before the next con? Starting a new build? Stuck on a particular technique or material? Are you already keeping a journal, or is this the nudge you needed to start one? I read every reply, and I genuinely want to know what's on your workbench and in your head.

Cosplay between conventions is where the real heart of this community lives. Let's keep talking about it.

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