written by Robin C. Farrell

My first convention was Baltimore Comic Con in September of 2013.  I knew about cosplay and I marveled (no pun intended) at the skill and detail some folks put into their work.  I have always been very at home in Geek Culture, but privately and had never seen that world up close.  It always seemed somehow out of reach; as a textbook introvert, I couldn’t see how I would be able to participate, but in my experience (both in costume and civvies) there is room for everyone.

Two Disney Ladies; Rey and Steampunk Ariel.

Some debate still remains in the cosplay community, but it’s my belief that Geek and Con culture as a whole is an outward manifestation of fandom and creativity, no matter the form or skill level.  Halloween was always my favorite holiday growing up.  Tremendous creative opportunity can be found in dressing up for Halloween (or…