Cosplay is an amazing art that is a staple at fan conventions and events.
2D Con focuses on the fun and function of the cosplay community.
We want everyone to be included and feel comfortable no matter your level of skill, home made or store bought – everyone can cosplay! Join the ranks and keep our cosplay community growing.
We offer both a judged option, and non-judged/casual option for all entrants of our Saturday Cosplay Show.
Cosplay sign-ups will take place in the main market hall during Market hours on Friday of the convention. Sign-ups are limited to 50 entrants so sign-up as soon as possible! (Check 2023 program guide for specific location and Market hours.)
Cosplay Show
As part of the cosplay show, participants who choose to compete will be judged by an experienced panel of judges. Awards will be given out in the following categories.
- Best Novice: the best novice-level craftsmanship participating in the masquerade.
- Best Journeyman: the best journeyman-level craftsmanship participating in the cosplay show.
- Best Master: the best master-level craftsmanship participating in the cosplay show.
- Best in Show: the best stage presence.
- Judge’s Choice: the judge’s favorite entrants.
Hall Cosplay
If you’d like the panel of judges to review your costume but you’re unable to attend the cosplay show, or simply don’t want to go on stage, then the Hall Cosplay Contest is right up your alley!
Each judge has several awards to give out to Hall Cosplay participants, at their own discretion. Hall Cosplay entrants are not judged specifically on craftsmanship; meaning the Hall Cosplay Contest is open to commissioned or purchased cosplays!
Masquerade Policy
Masquerade Registration
All participants in the Masquerade must be registered with 2D Con in order to take part. Space in the Masquerade is limited, and entries must be submitted by noon on Saturday of the convention.
Masquerade Requirements
- All participants must be registered for the current year
- Each participant is allowed to enter 1 time. You cannot enter as an individual and as a group, or in multiple Craftsmanship Levels
- There is a limit of 4 people per group for craftsmanship entries. Exhibition groups are limited to 8 people
MASQUERADE RULES
Code of Conduct
All contestants are expected to be courteous and respectful onstage, please refrain from swearing or using offensive language or gestures. All costumes should be within 2D Con’s Costume Policy. Do not jump off the stage, or behave in a way that may endanger other participants or audience. Use the designated entrance/ exits, and keep everything confined to the stage. 2D Con Staff has the final word in all matters concerning the Masquerade.
Craftsmanship vs Exhibition
If you wish to have your costume judged for craftsmanship, you must inform us during the registration, and which Craftsmanship Level you are entering as (Novice, Journeyman or Master). You may participate in the Masquerade as an
Exhibition entrant without participating in craftsmanship judging. Exhibition entrants cannot win awards.
Judging is completed prior to the Masquerade. You will be given a time slot for judging on Saturday before the Masquerade begins. Please be on time for your designated slot or you may be skipped and be ineligible for judging.
Craftsmanship Levels
We use a tiered system for Craftsmanship Levels. Each entrant can only be in one level. If you have never entered a Masquerade before but feel as though you may qualify for a higher level, please feel free to choose at your own discretion.
- Novice: 0-1 awards won
- Journeyman: 1-3 awards won
- Master: 4+ awards won
Craftsmanship Judging
In order to be judged on the craftsmanship of your costume, at least 60% of the costume must be made by the person entering. If you are unsure about your costume, please speak with the 2D Con Staff before Saturday of the con.
In order to fairly judge the craftsmanship, participants will be asked the following questions:
- Is at least 60% of the costume hand-crafted?
- Did you create the costume yourself?
- Were the props & accessories hand-crafted by you?
- Did you have assistance in making the costume?
- Did you create the patterns used for your costume? Were they purchased?
Modifications or altered items on the costume are allowed, but the overall costume must meet the 60% requirement. Any disability aids will not be counted against entrants.
Entrants entering in Journeyman/ Master are highly encouraged to bring reference material showing the construction of the costume to share with the judges.
If you don’t meet the criteria to enter for craftsmanship judging, or want to participate in a non-competitive manner, you are welcome to enter as an Exhibition participant.