East Blue Cosplay

couchandcanvas-images asked: If I wanted to join later on down the road, how would I go about this? (if at all possible)

That is actually a really good question! As I said, we’re a fairly young group, so we haven’t discussed how to add new members…

octolife asked: How do you guys prep for cons, and keep each other in check? I want to do more group stuff but am scared to speak up and tell people to get things done. I admire you all for keeping up with projects, coordinating skits while living so far away from each other, and doing wonderful craftsmanship all at the same time and would love to learn from you guys >3<

Well, I think it’s a kind of peer pressure, honestly.

We have group meetings every month as well as a discussion board where we talk about upcoming cons and plan our costumes, and I think that just talking about it and having all of the other group members discussing their progress is a really good incentive for you to finish your own costume. With two people, it doesn’t seem like as big of a deal if one person doesn’t finish, because it’s that person against the other; with a group, you have more people putting (unintentionally) pressuring you to get your act together.

Honestly, we haven’t had too many issues with people not finishing their costumes, and I think that’s because we discussed our goals and expectations very early on (maybe even before we started the group).

East Blue is very lucky in that all of our members are mature enough to not start drama (and if we do, to sort it out without being stupid).

Although, that said, we are fairly young and I’m sure that we’ll encounter problems in the future.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that communication is key! Not even confrontation, necessarily, just constant communication. I feel like that’s true for any relationship, really.

I’m not sure if I answered your question! Regardless, I think that if you want to do group stuff, then go for it. It’s tons of fun! Just make sure that you make your expectations known to the rest of the group beforehand, whether you’re forming a cosplay group or just doing a skit with some friends.

Additionally, thank you thank you thank you! I personally am very proud of us for staying together and moving forward as a group despite the fact that we live on opposite sides of the country! 

meradinpirates asked: Do you guys ever stop by Anime Boston or Another Anime Con? Would love to hang with you there some time!

Hiya! I personally haven’t been to either covention, but I know that Emmacchi, StolenValkyrie, Hazard, and Placidmage (?) go to Anime Boston!