These are some things I have learned since starting cosplay. If you're just starting out, perhaps these will help you avoid the problems I have run into! ALWAYS finish all of your costume before the convention. I have roomed with so many people that stay holed up in the hotel room, frantically sewing, and all upset because they missed this panel, or that event. If your costume is that far from done, then just save it for the next con. Use hot glue as little as possible on your costume. Sure, it's quick and easy to glue everything together. But exactly what time of the year are most conventions held? Late spring-early fall. When it's hot. What happens to hot glue when it gets hot? Even if it just gets warm, the integrity of your costume will be at stake and things can start falling apart. This also goes for props! Don't paint your costume. For real, just, don't. I've heard judges say that it's basically the "easy way out." Granted, their are some cases where using some sort of paint might be the only alternative, but if there is another method (such as applique), then use that method. Don't paint your shoes, either! Yes, there is spray paint out there that is made for leather. It's made for leather seats in vehicles. It sounds like it cold be used on leather and leather-like shoes, right? WRONG. If you use this stuff on stretch leather, the effect will be...awful, to say the least. And no matter what kind of leather it is, the areas of your shoe that flexes the most (around ankle and toe area) will start to crack and peel. Before you start work on your costume, decide if you want to be judged in a contest or not. I have learned that you shouldn't just make a costume, and then when it's done decide to enter a costume contest with it. You'll almost never win. If you are making a costume with the mindset of "this is going to be judged" then you will be way more careful than if you're just making a costume for fun. If you want to enter a contest and be judged on craftsmanship, then it would be ideal if you take progress shots on your costume and props as you make them, and always bring reference photos with you to a contest. Even if you submitted reference pics with your sign-up form, because things can always get lost.