Panel Brain-Pick AGAIN

[morganskye]

I should make a career of these. XD

Ok, so I'm reworking my basic panels. 101 and 102 have become dull dull DULL! Since nearly the same people go to the cons I work they've gotten tired of hearing my spiel. Plus I feel like I'm taking slots away for others who have more to teach. So Costuming 101, 102, and Wigs 101 are gone. What shall I replace them with? I want to do about 2-3 per con depending on what else is going on. Roundcon is the major exception since I'm needing to fill an entire track.

Options:
~Working 102 into a full on Judge's Choice panel. Ins and outs of contests, etc. One thing that's always bothered me was that contests seem to be shrouded in mystery, so this is to help people see past the cloud. I'd also do honest critiques of costumes if asked. I could also cover emergency repairs.

~Wigs 101 seems to be almost too basic for most people. I like to do a live demo if I can (past putting a wig on someone). The question is what? It has to be cheap/free for me to do and not take more than an hour. I also need to be able to do it 2-3 times a year. I thought about showing how to trim a wig, but then I'd have to get three wigs. Maybe putting in wefts?

~Closet Costuming has been requested, so I'm adding this to my Roundcon line-up. This one will be fairly research heavy since I need tons of images to show what can be done. Has anyone done some closet pieces and are willing to share their experience?

~Demos: There are three demos I'm thinking about doing. Sharpie wig dying, boot/shoe covers, and hair falls. All of these are best with supplies for the attendees, but I need to make sure I can do it without them so that anyone can watch without needing to spend extra money. Cleanup and time is also an issue, so these might be RC only panels.

So! Here are the polls. They're open to everyone even if you don't have an account. Please to vote!

[Poll #1722468]

You know how I adore input, so if you have a moment I'd love to hear what you have to say. I still keep my last panel info request on hand because it was full of great ideas! :)

Comments

[sarcasm-hime.livejournal.com]

I'm kind of in the same boat where I don't know if I should keep doing my usual panels or if it's old hat to people. Plus I haven't really been keeping up with all the tutorials and new stuff going up on youtube/deviantart/etc.

[morganskye.livejournal.com]

Agreed. It's also hard to gauge just what skill level your audience has. Most of my 101 people are bored for the first 20 minutes till I start talking about the advanced stuff. I used to have a Q&A panel for whatever anyone wanted to ask, but last time I had three people in it.

I think doing specialty panels is the way to go for me.

[ssfseiyakou.livejournal.com]

Do you ever get feedback from your panels? Perhaps take notes on what interests people and what doesn't so that you can streamline it. I really think that Cosplay 101 & Wigs 101 need to be a staple at cons; particularly because new people keep coming every day. Maybe to Cosplay 101 at one con, and Wigs 101 at another so that it isn't the same thing at every con. Plus, when you run panels, take note of the questions asked. Jot them down, just in case there is a hidden nugget in there that you can research and expound on later.

I'm all for new panels, as well, but *someone* needs to do a basic panel once in a while. Just do your best to keep it fresh and innovative. New techniques and materials are coming out all the time. If you run those panels, you'll need to keep up with trending.

[morganskye.livejournal.com]

I've never gotten much constructive feedback. If I'm boring I want people to tell me! I also don't get too many walk-outs, so I'm guessing that I'm at least keeping them entertained.

Doing a basics switch is a good idea. I also should have kept better notes since I've gotten a few great questions over the years. >_<

Maybe just have an overall basics panel instead of breaking costumes and wigs into two separate panels?

[fluffydragon.livejournal.com]

What about both five and ten dollar packets? especially for the hair falls? One basic set of materials for cheaper hairfalls and one more deluxe set for better ones? Course, that's more to keep track of..

[morganskye.livejournal.com]

I don't mind keeping track of things and money so long as I know I'm not getting stuck with the bill if packs don't sell. I'm going to do a pre-order at the cons that will let me, but at the others I'm only going to keep at most 5 sets on-hand. $5-$10 a pop runs up quickly.

[marziepan.livejournal.com]

I haven't been to any of your panels yet! That will change come Hoshi time. :) I can't wait to see what you decide.

[morganskye.livejournal.com]

Hehe thanks! :)

[ainobethie.livejournal.com]

Here's a few ideas for the wig styling thing that you could demonstrate on the cheap.

1. Stubbing. When to use it. Why to use it. How to do it.
2. No-sew wefts. You can trim off the top inch and redo it for next year.
3. Adding body to pigtails. Case and point: Chibi-Usa. Tease it, baby!
4. Hair antennae. Those things are freaky, dude.

[morganskye.livejournal.com]

All terrific ideas. Thanks love!!

[tenshihitomi.livejournal.com]

Closet cosplay is pretty much all I do since I don't sew. What do you want to know? :)

[morganskye.livejournal.com]

Pretty much the entire process from beginning to end. I only have one closet costume, but a dress and shoes hardly counts!

[tenshihitomi.livejournal.com]

Well, first off I make a list of what I need that also involves printing a color photo of the character that I can carry around with me. Then I hit the thrift stores- they are your friend:) eBay is also your friend when it comes to closet cosplay. That's... really about it.

[everyinchofme.livejournal.com]

You should do hat, prop, make-up, or very specific craft skill like "leather" panels at con. I almost never see this type of stuff come up.

[morganskye.livejournal.com]

That's a good idea. I like the idea of a make-and-take workshop.