Fine-tuning a cosplay the night before lights up.

cosplay between conventions

Hello, friend. As we settle into these early February days, there's something special about cosplay between conventions, that stretch where the rush fades and we return to our workspaces with fresh eyes. Maybe you're like me, eyeing a half-finished prop or debating a last-minute fabric swap. This week, let's lean into those small, satisfying moments that keep the spark alive until the next big gathering.

Picture this: it's Thursday evening, and Sarah has her Ichibancon badge clipped to her bag, ready for the drive to Concord tomorrow. She's been building her Asuka Langley Soryu from Evangelion for months, but now, with the con just hours away, doubt creeps in. The orange plugsuit is mostly done, sewn from stretchy spandex she scored at a local fabric shop, but the plugs on the shoulders feel off. Too bulky, she thinks, running her fingers over the EVA foam edges in her dimly lit garage workshop.

She steps back, coffee mug in hand, and remembers a tip from last year's con: less is more for mobility. Sarah grabs her utility knife and sandpaper, shaving down the foam until it hugs the curve of her shoulder just right. The dust flies, but so does the excitement. She slips into the suit, zips it up, and poses in front of a full-length mirror propped against paint cans. There, finally, the fierce pilot stares back, ready for battle.

But it's not just the suit. The real magic happens next. Sarah tests the walk, striding across the concrete floor, feeling how the tweaks let her move freely. She laughs at herself, striking dramatic poses that echo Asuka's tsundere fire. Her partner peeks in, offering thumbs up and a snack break. They chat about panel hopes, maybe catching that speed friending event to meet new folks. By midnight, the suit is packed, wig styled on a foam head, and Sarah crashes with a grin, dreaming of flashbulbs and cheers.

The next morning, as she loads the car under gray skies, Sarah feels that quiet thrill. It's not the con high yet, but this between-con polish, these personal victories in solitude, they fuel her. At Ichibancon, she'll shine, but this moment, alone with her creation, reminds her why she makes.

What a reminder that cosplay lives in these in-between spaces, where tweaks turn good into great. Have you had a last-minute fix that saved your build?

Hit reply and tell me: What's one small change you're proud of on your current project? Are you heading to a con this weekend, and what's your top priority tweak?

With February cons kicking off strong, here are a few highlights to weave into your plans. Dust off those costumes and join the fun.

• Kami-Con, February 6-8, Birmingham, AL: Interactive anime and gaming celebration with story-driven events.
• Fresno Convention Center Event, February 7-8, Fresno, CA: Fandom gathering with cosplay showcases and panels.
• Ichibancon, February 13-15, Concord, NC: Multi-genre con featuring cosplay contests, maid cafe, and speed friending.
• Simi Valley Event, February 22, Simi Valley, CA: Themed con with artist alleys and photography ops.
• Anime Milwaukee, March 6-8, Milwaukee, WI: Anime-focused weekend with guest DJs and cosplay studio.

If this issue sparked something, forward it to one cosplay friend who gets the joy of those between-con builds. They'd love the nudge toward community chats like this.

Reply anytime with where you are in your cosplay season, a win from your workbench, or a story begging to be shared. This is our space for real talk, not polished posts, so let's keep the conversation going. Your note might inspire next week's story. Looking forward to hearing from you.

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