It's 3 days before Planet Comic Con, Fishbones is still under construction, and I haven't even started Pow Pow. How am I staying calm and collected while I still have two huge pieces to finish cracking out? I remember to breathe. I have several other obligations to complete as well, and it does no use to panic and then do none of the things. I made sure to take yesterday off, as I always take Mondays off. I worked out and got my mind in focus. I went through and made my list of things I wanted to get done this week. I also reminded myself that while yes, PCC is important and that I would like to enter into the cosplay contest, it isn't the end of the world if I can't.
I'd much rather have an amazing costume that I can take to the next convention. It's important for me to create stunning works because it makes me happy. Entering into the competitions is just a bonus for me, because a lot of people have to look at me for like, 5 minutes. You hit the most bang for your buck. It's also really exhilarating to go on stage and be noticed for a couple of minutes, and if you happen to win an award, it's all the more validating in my feelings of doing cosplay/Seifer's Stitches full time. Not that I'm not validated by you, friends, just that like, "OH. SENPAI NOTICED ME" feeling that makes your heart feel like half an ounce and like it could fly away at any moment.
Anyway, it's important to remember to breathe, and that if you don't get your thing done before this con/event/competition, that it isn't the end of the world. Everything will be alright and there is always next time. Remember that eating and drinking and sleep as so much more important than finishing your cosplay. Showers are also really nice. And at the very least, dry shampoo, some good antiperspirant deodorant and brushing your teeth. Wearing the same clothes for 4 days straight is also not advised. This can also apply to depression and anxiety (Which I am very close with.) and maintaining a healthy atmosphere for not only your body, but your mind as well. The rules of conventions also apply to the days leading up to the con.
Especially if you are entering into a Cosplay Contest, rushing is unadvised. Yes, it's important to get the job done, but it's best to take your time and get something great made than rushing a piece that looks like it was rushed. It's okay to take time for yourself and step away from the project, especially if it's leading you into a dark place mentally where you only see mistakes. Taking a step away from the project, even if it's for five minutes to take a potty break and stretch, is suuuuuper helpful to not allow yourself to hyper focus on one part of your cosplay. Sometimes, I'll step back from that project as a whole and work on orders or a quilt patch (right now) to recenter myself.
Remember, that cosplay, first and foremost, is about having fun. Being the (humble) best is a secondary trait and deserves to take that back seat. If you aren't having fun in cosplay, you need to step back and reevaluate why you're doing it and adjust accordingly so that you are having fun. It's alright to stop cosplay completely for a while to read, work on your other hobbies, or even just cloud watch. Now that it's spring in the Northern Hemisphere, you don't have to wear a full coat (at least in STL) while you watch the world pass by.
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