anyone have any advice for a new cosplayer

The only advice I could really think to give is expect the unexpected. Don't be suprised when someone notices you are cosplaying their favorite character and tries to hug you. :p

like that personne said expect the unexxpected and don't be shy because everyone around is the same your there to have fun and express yourself

Know how to pose for a photo. If the character you are cosplaying as HAS a signature pose, try to copy that. Others will love that! Remember a few lines or phrases from the character. AND don't cosplay a character just because of the popularity of him/her/creature....cosplay what YOU LOVE.

Wigs are fun and easy, but cosplaying with your own hair or use an attachment that connects to your own hair is a better choice (makes it all most realistic). Don't use spray-on hair color! The dust from the spray will get on your costume. Get shoes that match the costume. An outfit can fall apart with the wrong shoes.

Hints and Tips from Teapot Panda Carry around a back pack/emergency bag with all things, or if possible create a hidden pocket in your costume to carry your wallet or other items of note Make sure to always have water on you, it doesn't matter if it's April, July or December (KEEP HYDRATED) you don't want your fun/Weekend/spending money selection ruined because you went to the hospital for a pack of saline solution to be pumped into you due to dehydration. Kits to keep you on your toes I've been known as the only person in my room to survive an apocolypse because I pack a small cooler, an emergency costume kit, and a first aid kit to keep me going Cooler Water Bread Peanut butter Jelly Papertowels Plastic knives/wear Chopsticks Cup o noodles Nutrigrain bars Granola bars (Other snacks/etc.) This is gonna be cheaper in the long run than going to the restaurants around the con/buying food at the con and will in the end keep you a lot healthier than pizza,take out, and vendor hot dogs.

Sewing Emergency kit Threads in the main colors of your costumes (About 3-4 yds of each) 2-3 Needles (Hand sewing or leather sewing or whatever material) Dental Floss for backup (I don't know how many times this has saved me for a popped button) Replacement buttons (2-3 of them) Ducttape (For fallen hems and other things such as impromptu binding (for crossplayers *make sure to wear a tanktop underneath and bring scissors to cut you out after*) Hot Glue gun + hot glue sticks

Make up(For men and women) Cover up powder Masquera (because lets face it, we all don't have anime perfect baby skin smooth as silk complexions, this will also help you get that "Dramatic anime character" look and keep you from getting to shiney in photos/ looking like the grim reaper with under eye bags...god knows after only 2-4 hours of sleep a night I look like a zombie...) Wig cap Wig clips aka extension clips (Can be purchased at your local Salon supply/Sallys/Wig store online) When sewn into the fringe/bangs area of your wig, it assists in hold the wig to your hairline so that you need much less bobby pin assistance, very helpful also if you have shorter hair) White glue, Tissues, Costume make up (Easy/REAL looking wounds/gash/scars in a stitch) White glue and hot glue also double as help for wigs that have a high amount of styling that might be losing their oomph) Cheap hairspray- Sprayed over a long wig (Think Sephiroth or Alucard length) and let dry, it keeps frizzies far away and will lessen the need for brushing (But if you are travelling by plane wait to buy certain supplies at your destination due to the temperature sensativity/delicate state some items may require)

Safety pins are also good for a repair in a stitch many of the other tips and hints are great because I know mine seem like a lot of information in a few messages...sorry about that @_@