Cosplay Etiquette

Conventions such as Comi-Con and E3 are becoming very popular all over the world. Fans of  animae (Japanese Animation), Star Trek, Star, Wars, DC and Marvel Comics, etc. create costumes of their favorite characters or create their own character and come to these conventions to show off their talents  and to admire the talent and skills other fans.The popularity of this art form has grown to the point that there are Cosplayers that do it professionally for a living and there is even a reality show that profiles Cosplayers competing or making appearances at different events. They too however have a code of conduct that they want adhered, so if you  are a newbie, here are some points to keep in mind before you approach the guy dressed like Ironman or the gal dressed like Wonder Woman.

Always Ask First, Cosplay Is Not Consent

If  you see your favorite character and just have to have a photo of or with them, want to have a chat, maybe ask for a hug or just want to give them a big high five for being awesome, ASK. If they refuse for any reason, please respect that! They are not rude to politely decline your request and may have specific reasons for not wanting photos taken of them or are avoiding  physical contact with fans or fellow cosplayers. It is never okay to try and ‘sneak’ a photo if they have specifically told you no or to sneak physical contact with any private areas of a Cosplayer’s body, this is considered sexual assault (male or female) even if that was not your intention.

Respect Their Costume and Personal Space

Cosplayers enjoy their hard work being admired, but that is not permission to  touch their costume or any accompanied props/weapons without asking first. The costume and/or prop could be very fragile, and you don't want to damage what they've worked so hard on - especially if they are competeting in a  Cosplay competition!

No Surprise Hugs or 'Glomps'

 Surprising a cosplayer with a hug or 'glomp' is unacceptable,there's nothing worse than being startled by an overzealous fan. Physical contact of an unwanted nature can be interpreted as assault or  harassment, with all the legal penalties that apply. Respect the cosplayer’s personal space.

Be Kind and Considerate

Cosplayers differ in terms of age, size and skill level, so please do not criticize someone else's costume. Cosplayers participate for many reasons, but mostly for the love of the art form and Cosplayers want to share that in common with everyone. I understand there are fans and Cosplayers who are purists when it comes to how their favorite characters are represented and may get annoyed if the image of their favorite character is compromised, BUT out of respect for others, keep your opinions of another Cosplayer's work to yourself unless it is solicited.

The more I research, the more I find that the basic premise of etiquette is to be respectful to yourself and others. Whether you are a Gamer, Cosplayer, Trekkie, etc. no matter how the rules are worded, people want to be respected.

On that note, enjoy the world of Cosplay and the handiwork of the 100 different Batmans, Spocks, or Spidermans you may encounter.

Cheers!