Happy Tuesday!
This will most likely be the last entry in our convention survival guide, unless I did, in fact, leave out something important. Here we go!
FOOD
Food is something that is often forgotten when planning out your convention schedule but it is necessary! It is understandable though: walking into a sit-down restaurant or even a Taco Bell when you're dressed as Ryuko Matoi and lugging around a 30 pound scissor blade isn't exactly appealing, most con food is expensive($5 for a cookie? No thank you), and some cons don't have much in the way of food(man cannot live on boba tea alone!). That's where snacks come in! I don't know about you, but I love snacks. Who doesn't love snacks? I digress. Anywho, if you pack the right type of snacks you'll stay nourished and happy throughout the day. I'm not a big junk food eater, so I won't be listing much here today(it won't stay with you anyway, it's empty calories and chemicals). Good snacks and food to pack for a con include:
Granola bars(I'm partial to KIND bars, myself)
Dried fruit(Trader Joe's has a ton of it and it's cheap!).
Fresh fruit in tupperware containers(to prevent it from getting bruised and smushed)
If you can pack a cold pack: Salami, cheese, and crackers
Fruit Snacks
Bottled Drinks
Sandwiches
Proteins will help keep you fuller longer because it takes longer for your body to digest them. Don't forget carbs, they may digest quicker but your body needs them for fuel when you're walking around the con or dancing at a con rave/concert/club. Try to get a good balance of both. Also, don't forget to stay hydrated! When it's hot or you have a heavy costume you will get dehydrated quickly. By the time you feel symptoms your body is already severely dehydrated, so drink a little water even if you don't feel thirsty.
Note: Check convention rules before bringing food with you! Depending on the venue, outside food and drinks may not be allowed. As an alternative, for Phoenix Comicon this year myself and several others brought ice chests that we kept in the our cars, and when we got hungry we had a mini tailgate picnic in the parking garage. :D
ARTIST ALLEY
Artist alley can be overwhelming to the newcomer. Manga and posters and plushies, oh my! Here are a few tips for surviving artist alley without having to declare bankruptcy:
Make a budget and stick to it. Determine your budget before you get to the con. You can break it down by day or have a lump sum for the entire trip, whatever works for you. DO NOT GO OVER YOUR BUDGET. If you go over by one item or a few dollars the temptation to buy "just one more thing" gets stronger and before you know it you might not have enough money for food. Be strong! If you can't afford to get it right away, ask for a business card. Most artist alley vendors have online shops and most dealers have websites. You may be able to get it later, after the convention.
Look at everything before buying. Some places may be selling the same manga or plushie but at different prices. Look around. Find out who is selling what, how much it costs, and plan accordingly so you don't overpay for something.
Ask questions. If you are looking for something specific a dealer may have it in their overall stock even if they didn't bring it to the convention. If you are looking for a more customized item some artists do commissioned pieces, and sometimes they don't advertise. Don't be afraid to ask. If they don't have what you are looking for they may know where you can find it.
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This concludes our convention survival guide! I hope you found the information helpful, and that you have a BLAST at whatever convention you are attending! :) As always, if you feel I forgot something post in the comments and...stay fabulous!
Three days till Saboten!
-Vik
