2020 Cosplay contest rules are posted below!
Rules for All Cosplayers
1. All costumes must be suitable for a family-friendly event. Suitability is determined by library staff. If you have questions about your costume's appropriateness, please email ndenby@ebrpl.com prior to the event.
2. Nudity or the illusion of nudity is not allowed.
3. Profanity (including messages on clothing) is not allowed.
4. Obscene or offensive costumes are not allowed. Suitability is determined by library staff. If you have questions about your costume's appropriateness, please email ndenby@ebrpl.com prior to the event.
5. As this is not an in-person event, cosplayers will be permitted to include weaponry as part of their attire if they so wish. However, library staff reserve the right to screen costumes from social media for this event if they are deemed unsuitable. If you have questions about your costume's appropriateness, please email ndenby@ebrpl.com prior to the event.
Library staff reserve the right to ask anyone to resubmit photos or reapply with a different costume.
"Cosplay is an expression of fandom for a character, which is why many cosplayers will create characters from outside their own race. Many westerners who cosplay anime characters partake in this practice, as well as cosplayers portraying alien races from films such as Avatar. Race-bending in cosplay is generally accepted as long as costumes are respectful. But it is important to be aware that when cosplaying outside of your own race, it is essential to be sensitive to elements of your costume that could be considered offensive. For example, it is never acceptable to use blackface or brownface when cosplaying, even if you are trying to be as authentic as possible. When the race is fictional, for example, the Na'vi race of Pandora (Avatar) or Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy, you can feel free to alter your skin to blue, green, and so on. Don't forget that cosplay is supposed to be fun. You should cosplay characters that you admire and identify with, regardless of race; just be considerate of others."
-Excerpt from Chapter 7 of Cosplay in Libraries: How to Embrace Costume Play in Your Library by Ellyssa Kroski
Cosplay Criteria & Guidelines
How to Apply
Applications are open to all. The primary method of application is to fill out the Google form: click here!
If you do not have a Google account, you can send an email to midcitymicrocon@gmail.com with answers to the following questions and attached photos and/or video. Questions marked with asterisks are required. Submissions without attached images will not be judged.
Overall Guidelines
Participants for this contest do not have to meet a certain percentage of craftsmanship to enter. However, crafted costumes, props, etc. are highly encouraged.
Judging will be based on digital submissions. Video footage is suggested to best represent the outfit and give the judges a sense of your representation of the character, but not required.
Judging Criteria
Categories/Awards
Categories may be combined to reflect participation.
Registration
Procedure
Judging
Awards
Notes
*Rules adapted from Chapter 6 of Cosplay in Libraries: How to Embrace Costume Play in Your Library by Ellysa Kroski
Ninja YoYo Cosplay
Cosplay Contest Coordinator and Judge
Bio:
Ninja Yoyo Cosplay (more commonly known as Cheri) is a Baton Rouge, Louisiana based cosplayer originally from Mississippi. This Southern Miss and LSU alumna is a Graphic Designer by day, Cosplayer by night, and has been cosplaying for just over 5 years, and her looks are generally influenced by anime and comics. During her spare time, Ninja Yoyo is a moderator for the Extraordinary Journey of a Black Nerd Facecbook group, where she helps organize its #28DaysofBlackCosplay project, and she has also contributed articles for the EJOBN and Gathering of Geeks blogs in the past. In addition to this awesome con, she has plans to attend: Louisianime, MomoCon, Big Easy Con, and MechaCon.
Cajun Moon Creations
Worskhop Presenter, Wig Demo; Cosplay Contest Coordinator & Judge
Facebook: http://facebook.com/cajunmooncreations
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LovelyLadyLuna4
Bio:
Lady Luna Loveless is an award winning cosplayer and owner of Cajun Moon Creations. She is a professional seamstress and wig stylist from Lafayette Louisiana.
Gamma Rae Cosplay
Panelist: In Living Color: YouTube, Podcasts, and Online Content
Cosplay Competition Judge
"I work as a lawyer by day, but by night I double as a cosplayer, under the name Gamma Rae Cosplay. Three years ago, I attended my first Comic Con, where I discovered a newfound passion for cosplay. My first attempt at cosplay was when I went to the Mississippi Anime Festival, dressed as Rick from Rick and Morty. I've been addicted ever since.
I've always loved geek culture. Growing up I played video games and loved things like Ronin Warriors and Street Fighter.
I co-host a podcast called Geeked Up, where we discuss geek/pop culture and what it was like to grow up as a geek in Mississippi. She also recently started a chapter of the international organization Geek Girl Brunch (a meetup group for ladies to talk about geek culture over brunch and mimosas) in Jackson, MS with two of her close friends. When it comes to cosplaying I love doing cosplays as a variety of characters and adding some black girl magic to it."
Facebook: geekedupjxn & gammaraecosplay
Instagram: @gammaraecosplay
Twitter: @GammaRaeCosplay
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
