β¦ I kept the minimum of decorations in this post to make the reading cleaner, I hope I can be of help with this topic that so many Cosplayer friends don't know about and need to develop with more security! β¦
Β‘Hola a todos! π Γste es un compendio de informaciΓ³n que escribΓ a solicitud de muchos amigos Cosplayers que tenΓan dudas acerca de cΓ³mo tratar o quΓ© hacer cuando reciben "invitaciones" de eventos y/o organizaciones.
Hello everyone! π This is a compendium of information I wrote at the request of many Cosplayer friends who had questions about how to deal with or what to do when they receive "invitations" from events and/or organizations.
Β« The topic is quite extensive, but I did my best to compress as much as possible what I consider most basic and vital about this topic Β»
En un futuro podrΓa hacer un documento mΓ‘s extenso y detallado, pero por ahora esta es una herramienta que quiero compartir de forma gratuita y de fΓ‘cil acceso para todos, con la esperanza de que tengan los conocimientos necesarios para cuidarse a sΓ mismos, tomar decisiones equilibradas, y saber tambiΓ©n cΓ³mo responder adecuadamente a quienes se comuniquen con ustedes.
In the future I could make a more extensive and detailed document, but for now this is a tool that I want to share for free and easily accessible to all, in the hope that you will have the necessary knowledge to take care of yourself, make balanced decisions, and also know how to respond appropriately to those who communicate with you.
Ten presente mientras lees que esto es mΓ‘s que todo una serie de recomendaciones, y que es totalmente adaptable a lo que funcione para ti, no tiene que ser "obligado" que adoptes esto como la ΓΊnica y estricta manera de tratar las invitaciones que te hagan.
As you read, keep in mind that this is mostly a series of recommendations, and that you can adapt them to what suits you best. This does not have to be the only and strict way you react to invitations.
Β« Pautas BΓ‘sicas para Invitaciones a Cosplayers Β»
Β« Basic Invitation Guidelines for Cosplayers Β»
- ΒΏQuΓ© es una InvitaciΓ³n Cosplayer?
- ΒΏQuΓ© hago si recibo una "InvitaciΓ³n"?
- ΒΏQuΓ© hago si quiero aceptar una invitaciΓ³n, pero no sΓ© quΓ© puedo o no pedir?
- ΒΏY quΓ© puedo ofrecer como Cosplayer?
- ΒΏPuedo tener mi propio Contrato Cosplayer?
- Ejemplo de Contrato Cosplayer bΓ‘sico.
- Recomendaciones y Notas Finales.
- What is a Cosplayer Invitation?
- What do I do if I receive an "Invitation"?
- What do I do if I want to accept an invitation, but I don't know what I can or can't ask for?
- What can I offer as a Cosplayer?
- Can I have my own Cosplayer Contract?
- Example of a basic Cosplayer Contract
- Recommendations and Final Notes.
"ΒΏQuΓ© es una InvitaciΓ³n Cosplayer?"
"What is a Cosplayer Invitation?"
Antes de empezar, es importante que entendamos que en este contexto una "invitaciΓ³n" es una contrataciΓ³n, una relaciΓ³n laboral en la que el tiempo, trajes y preparaciΓ³n del Cosplayer tiene un valor que serΓ‘ remunerado.
Dicha remuneraciΓ³n varΓa segΓΊn la valoraciΓ³n que cada quien le dΓ© a su arte y tiempo, y en caso de que el Cosplayer opte por no indicar una cuota por contrataciΓ³n (que es opcional, y una decisiΓ³n muy personal), hay elementos que no son negociables (viΓ‘ticos), puesto que no tiene sentido que una "invitaciΓ³n" implique la inversiΓ³n de recursos personales (dinero) para laborar en un proyecto ajeno.
Es menester lograr un equilibrio entre las partes para que el beneficio sea equitativo: Para que las organizaciones que quieren trabajar con nosotros alcancen satisfactoriamente sus objetivos, y para que nosotros como Cosplayers podamos sustentar en el tiempo nuestros proyectos.
AsΓ, una InvitaciΓ³n Cosplayer es una prestaciΓ³n de servicio donde a cambio de la presencia fΓsica del Cosplayer durante una convenciΓ³n y ocupando una variedad de actividades que forman parte de la experiencia positiva del pΓΊblico asistente, la organizaciΓ³n que te ha contactado corresponde con el cumplimiento de determinados requerimientos necesarios para tu desenvolvimiento.
Before we begin, it is important to understand that in this context an "invitation" is a contract, an employment relationship in which the Cosplayer's time, costumes and preparation has a value that will be remunerated.
Such remuneration varies according to the value that each person gives to their art and time, and in case the Cosplayer chooses not to indicate a hiring fee (which is optional, and a very personal decision), there are elements that are not negotiable (per diem), since it makes no sense that an "invitation" implies the investment of personal resources (money) to work in someone else's project.
It is necessary to achieve a balance between the parties so that the benefit is equitable: So that the organizations that want to work with us achieve their objectives satisfactorily, and so that we as Cosplayers can sustain our projects over time.
Thus, a Cosplayer Invitation is a service provision where in exchange for the physical presence of the Cosplayer during a convention and occupying a variety of activities that are part of the positive experience of the attending public, the organization that has contacted you corresponds with the fulfillment of certain necessary requirements for your development.
"ΒΏQuΓ© hago si recibo una Β΄InvitaciΓ³nΒ΄?"
"What do I do if I receive an 'Invitation'?"
Pregunta a la persona que te contacta que especifique con detalle quΓ© es lo que la organizaciΓ³n quiere que hagas.
Si las solicitudes de la org. coindicen con los servicios que ofreces, tienes dos opciones: Indica cuΓ‘les son tus requerimientos para asistir, o pregunta quΓ© ofrecen a sus invitados.
Si las solicitudes de la org. no coindicen con los servicios que ofreces, declina gentilmente; es importante no exponerse a situaciones para las que no estamos preparados, o contextos donde no nos sintamos cΓ³modos.
Ask the person who contacts you to specify in detail what the organization wants you to do.
If the organization's requests match the services you offer, you have two options: State what your requirements are to attend, or ask what they offer to their guests.
If the organization's requests do not match the services you offer, decline gently; it is important not to expose yourself to situations for which you are not prepared, or contexts where you are not comfortable.
IMPORTANTE: Antes de aceptar o declinar una invitaciΓ³n, investiga los antecedentes de la organizaciΓ³n, verifica con cuidado sus redes sociales, los nombres y rostros de los organizadores. Ponte en contacto con proveedores de servicios, tiendas, artistas (ej: bandas) o cosplayers invitados de otras ediciones y pregΓΊntales sobre su experiencia. El tema de las invitaciones es un asunto delicado donde tu integridad y la de tus proyectos pueden verse en peligro si la organizaciΓ³n no es responsable en su gestiΓ³n/logΓstica, es muy importante que tengas cuidado a quΓ© te expones y con quien te relacionarΓ‘s.
IMPORTANT: Before accepting or declining an invitation, investigate the background of the organization, carefully check their social networks, the names and faces of the organizers. Contact service providers, stores, artists (bands, for example) or guest cosplayers from past editions and ask them about their experience. The issue of invitations is a delicate matter where your integrity and that of your projects can be in danger if the organization is not responsible in its management/logistics, it is very important that you are careful about what you expose yourself to and with whom you will relate.
π Por estas y muchas mΓ‘s razones, la comunicaciΓ³n entre Cosplayers es vital / For these and many more reasons, communication between cosplayers is vital π
"ΒΏQuΓ© hago si quiero aceptar una invitaciΓ³n, pero no se quΓ© puedo o no pedir?"
"What do I do if I want to accept an invitation, but I don't know what I can or cannot ask for?"
π ViΓ‘ticos - Los viΓ‘ticos son todas las cosas indispensables para asegurar tu asistencia: Transporte, pasajes, alojamiento y comidas.
Esto es lo primero y bΓ‘sico que toda organizaciΓ³n seria ofrecerΓ‘ a cambio de tu asistencia a su actividad.
π Trajes - La organizaciΓ³n contratante puede solicitar una lista de tu repertorio Cosplay disponible e indicar cuΓ‘l o cuΓ‘les les gustarΓa utilizaras durante la convenciΓ³n.
π Publicidad - La organizaciΓ³n contratante debe indicar el tipo y cantidad de publicidad que solicitarΓ‘ al Cosplayer, y el Cosplayer debe indicar el tipo y cantidad de publicidad que espera de parte de la organizaciΓ³n.
π AcompaΓ±ante - Solicitar acompaΓ±ante es un tema delicado que debe estar muy bien fundamentado. Un acompaΓ±ante es una persona previamente entrenada para manipular Cosplays de gran volumen o complejidad que de otra manera el Cosplayer no podrΓa colocarse o mantener por sΓ solo. A lo largo de los aΓ±os han ocurrido casos donde muchos Cosplayers han tenido conductas abusivas usando la "carta del acompaΓ±ante" para por ejemplo, llevar a sus familiares o parejas de viaje "gratis", es por eso que las organizaciones ven con recelo esta figura y muchos se negarΓ‘n (pues tienen toda la razΓ³n en ser prudentes con sus recursos).
π Paid per diem - Per diem is all the must-haves to ensure your attendance: transportation, tickets, lodging and meals.
This is the first and foremost thing that any serious organization will offer in exchange for your attendance at their activity.
π Costumes - The hiring organization may request a list of your available Cosplay repertoire and indicate which one(s) they would like you to wear during the convention.
π Advertising - The hiring organization should indicate the type and amount of advertising they will request from the Cosplayer, and the Cosplayer should indicate the type and amount of advertising they expect from the organization.
π Co-Chaperone - Requesting a chaperone is a sensitive issue that must be very well founded. A chaperone is a person previously trained to manipulate Cosplays of great volume or complexity that otherwise the Cosplayer could not manage on their own. Over the years there have been cases where many Cosplayers have had an abusive behavior using the "chaperone card" to, for example, take their family members or partners on a trip "for free", which is why organizations view this figure with suspicion and many will refuse (as they have every reason to be prudent with their resources).
Los Cosplayers debemos ser comprensivos y sobre todo justos, y solicitar este recurso solamente cuando es absolutamente indispensable para nuestra asistencia.
Cosplayers should be understanding and above all fair, and only request this resource when it is absolutely indispensable for our assistance.
"ΒΏY quΓ© puedo ofrecer como Cosplayer?"
"And what can I offer as a Cosplayer?"
Lo que puedes ofrecer dependerΓ‘ de tus conocimientos y destrezas. Ante todo, debes ser sincero contigo mismo y evitar sugerir actividades que no domines o para las que no tienes preparaciΓ³n todavΓa.
What you can offer will depend on your knowledge and skills. Above all, you must be honest with yourself and avoid suggesting activities that you have not mastered or for which you are not yet prepared.
β Performances - Talleres - Foros - Conversatorios - PresentaciΓ³n de Concursos - AtenciΓ³n al PΓΊblico y Medios - Asesoramiento β
β Performances - Workshops - Forums - Conversations - Presentation of Competitions β Attention to the Public and Media - Counseling β
Debes ofrecer elementos de valor para la comunidad, y formar parte positiva de la experiencia del evento junto a todos los demΓ‘s artistas, actividades y stands; tambiΓ©n puedes ofrecer la opciΓ³n de ser jurado, pero esto implica un compromiso que debe ser asumido con responsabilidad, seriedad y entereza, entendiendo que lo mΓ‘s valioso son los participantes, donde el ΓΊnico y principal objetivo es la valoraciΓ³n del trabajo de tus compaΓ±eros, y llegar a un resultado justo siempre en armonΓa con los objetivos de la organizaciΓ³n mΓ‘s el valioso consenso entre todos los elementos del panel.
You must offer elements of value to the community, and be a positive part of the event experience along with all the other artists, activities and booths; you can also offer the option of being a juror, but this implies a commitment that must be assumed with responsibility, seriousness and integrity, understanding that the most valuable are the participants, where the only and main objective is the valuation of the work of your peers, and to reach a fair result always in harmony with the objectives of the organization plus the valuable consensus among all the elements of the panel.
β Ser jurado implica preparaciΓ³n, investigaciΓ³n y estudio, pero por sobre todo respeto y amor por la comunidad β
β Jury service involves preparation, research and study, but above all respect and love for the community β
Si una organizaciΓ³n solicita que seas jurado, es justo declinar si no te sientes preparado (bajo ningΓΊn motivo debes sentirte avergonzado por eso, todo lo contrario, serΓa lo mΓ‘s responsable de tu parte).
If an organization asks you to serve as a jury, it is fair to decline if you do not feel ready (under no circumstances should you feel embarrassed about this, on the contrary, it would be the responsible thing to do).
Tengan presente que, en este nuevo inicio, y con tantas org. nuevas, estas personas (organizadores, productores, directores) NO estΓ‘n precisamente informadas sobre el mundo del Cosplay, y hasta pueden tener nociones errΓ³neas, alejadas o nulas sobre lo que es o no un Concurso de Cosplay, y por ende quΓ© es o no una elecciΓ³n correcta de panel de jueces.
Keep in mind that, in this new beginning, and with so many new organizations, these people (organizers, producers, directors) are NOT exactly informed about the world of Cosplay, and may even have wrong, distant or null notions about what a Cosplay Contest is or is not, and therefore what is or is not a correct choice of judging panel.
Es decir, el "que te llamen", no quiere decir que "estes listo"; es saludable reflexionar sobre este tema, porque una elecciΓ³n tomada desde el ego (ganas de figurar) puede conducir a una terrible experiencia donde los concursantes serΓ‘n los principales afectados.
In other words, "being called" does not mean that "you are ready"; it is healthy to reflect on this issue, because a choice made from the ego (desire to be seen) can lead to a terrible experience where the contestants will be the main ones affected.
"ΒΏPuedo tener mi propio Contrato Cosplayer?"
"Can I have my own Cosplayer Contract?"
Todos deberΓan tener uno y mientras mΓ‘s similares en contenido sean, mejor, porque todos estaremos en sintonΓa, y asΓ las nuevas organizaciones podrΓ‘n tener un punto de partida, educΓ‘ndose con el ejemplo: Sabiendo quΓ© esperar, quΓ© ofrecer y quΓ© obtendrΓ‘n a cambio.
Everyone should have one, and the more similar in content the better, because we will all be on the same page, so new organizations can have a starting point, educating themselves by example: Knowing what to expect, what to offer and what they will get in return.
La palabra contrato puede sonar rΓgida para algunos, asΓ que para hacerlo mΓ‘s amigable pueden utilizar el tΓ©rmino "requerimientos" a partir de ahora.
The word contract may sound rigid to some, so to make it friendlier you can use the term "requirements" from now on.
π’ Ejemplo de Contrato Cosplayer BΓ‘sico:
"Requerimientos para Invitaciones Cosplayer"
Solicitar breve explicaciΓ³n de la misiΓ³n, visiΓ³n y objetivos de la organizaciΓ³n.
Solicitar que indiquen quΓ© actividades desean que el Cosplayer ocupe.
La organizaciΓ³n debe cubrir los siguientes viΓ‘ticos: Transporte, boleterΓa, alojamiento, comidas (desayuno, almuerzo, cena e hidrataciΓ³n).
BoleterΓa (aviΓ³n o transporte terrestre) y alojamiento deben ser confirmados y toda su informaciΓ³n proporcionada 10 dΓas antes de la fecha del evento.
Anuncio en redes mediante publicaciΓ³n para hacer formal la contrataciΓ³n, mΓ‘ximo 30 dΓas antes de la fecha del evento.
SelecciΓ³n y confirmaciΓ³n de los Cosplays que se utilizarΓ‘n para la ocasiΓ³n.
Solicitar cronograma del evento, e indicaciones de a quΓ© hora se debe estar listo en el recinto donde se celebrarΓ‘ el evento, y a quΓ© hora puedes retirarte.
(Solo en el caso que exista) Pago de la cuota de contrataciΓ³n, mΓ‘ximo 30 dΓas antes del evento (indicar monto y medios de recepciΓ³n de la cuota, ejemplo: Binance, Zelle, Paypal, o Bs vΓa transferencia).
SeΓ±alar los motivos de cancelaciΓ³n: "El incumplimiento de alguno o varios de los requerimientos o sus lapsos, implica la cancelaciΓ³n de la asistencia al evento", por ejemplo, no haber asegurado los pasajes, el alojamiento, no haber publicado en redes el anuncio de tu asistencia, o la ausencia del pago de la cuota.
π’ Sample of a Basic Cosplayer Contract:
"Requirements for Cosplayer Invitations"
Request a brief explanation of the mission, vision and objectives of the organization.
Request that they indicate what activities they want the Cosplayer to perform.
The organization must cover the following travel expenses: transportation, tickets, lodging, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and hydration).
Tickets (airplane or ground transportation) and lodging must be confirmed and all information provided 10 days before the date of the event.
Announcement in social media through publication to make the contracting formal, maximum 30 days before the date of the event.
Selection and confirmation of the cosplays to be used for the occasion.
Request the event schedule, and indications of what time to be ready at the venue where the event will be held, and at what time you can leave.
(Only in case there is one) Payment of the contracting fee, maximum 30 days before the event (indicate amount and means of receipt of the fee, example: Binance, Zelle, Paypal, or Bs via transfer).
Indicate the reasons for cancellation: "Failure to comply with one or more of the requirements or their deadlines, implies the cancellation of the attendance to the event", for example, not having secured the tickets, accommodation, not having published in social media the announcement of your attendance, or the absence of the payment fee.
TambiΓ©n si te plantean cambios arbitrarios de alguna o varias de las pautas ya negociadas, es motivo de cancelaciΓ³n. Motivos de salud o fuerza mayor tambiΓ©n, en cuyo caso especΓfico se harΓ‘ reembolso de la totalidad de la cuota de contrataciΓ³n en caso de existir.
Also if you are presented with arbitrary changes to one or more of the guidelines already negotiated, this is a reason for cancellation, including for reasons of health or force majeure, in which specific case the entire contracting fee will be refunded, if any.
π Recomendaciones y Notas Finales π
- Todo lo que concierne a Invitaciones Cosplayer debe quedar por escrito, nada bajo supuesto. Es importante dejar en claro lo que solicitan de ti y lo que tu requieres a cambio para poder aceptar. La formalidad es un recurso positivo y necesario para la salud de las relaciones dentro de estos grandes
proyectos.
- Everything concerning Cosplayer Invitations must be in writing, nothing is assumed. It is important to make clear what they request from you and what you require in return in order to accept. Formality is a positive and necessary resource for the health of relationships within these large
projects.
- Si la organizaciΓ³n que te contacta es de tu misma ciudad o estado, los requerimientos no cambian. Si bien el alojamiento en un hotel es opcional segΓΊn la distancia entre tu domicilio y el recinto donde se celebrarΓ‘ el evento, se mantiene la responsabilidad de cubrir los gastos de transporte, comidas e hidrataciΓ³n durante la jornada.
- If the organization that contacts you is from your own city or state, the requirements do not change. Although hotel accommodation is optional depending on the distance between your home and the event venue, the responsibility to cover the costs of transportation, meals and hydration remains for the duration of the event.
- Si la organizaciΓ³n que te contacta tiene objetivos o un discurso diferente a lo que tu manejas respecto a sus actividades cosplay, declina educadamente la invitaciΓ³n; no intentes cambiar su manera de pensar, criticarles o etiquetarles. Debemos respetar a las empresas privadas, y su proceso de aprendizaje (hay cosas que solo se aprenden por medio de la experiencia, ensayo y error).
- If the organization that contacts you has objectives or a different discourse to what you manage regarding their cosplay activities, politely decline the invitation; do not try to change their way of thinking, criticize or label them. We must respect private companies, and their learning process (there are things that can only be learned through experience, trial and error).
- Una organizaciΓ³n no puede exigirte la elaboraciΓ³n de nuevos trajes como condiciΓ³n para una contrataciΓ³n, a menos que manifiesten su intenciΓ³n de patrocinar la entereza de los materiales (pago adelantado y completo) con un lapso de tiempo mΓnimo de 6 meses antes de la fecha del evento, y solo si tΓΊ estΓ‘s de acuerdo y a gusto. Si es el caso, es necesario dejar en claro que el traje y toda su indumentaria pertenece al Cosplayer, y que la organizaciΓ³n no posee los derechos o algΓΊn tipo de propiedad o exclusividad sobre el proyecto.
- An organization cannot require you to make new costumes as a condition for a booking, unless they state their intention to sponsor the entirety of the materials (full payment in advance) at least 6 months before the date of the event, and only if you agree and are willing to do so. If this is the case, it is necessary to make clear that the costume and all its apparel belongs to the Cosplayer, and that the organization does not own the rights or any kind of property or exclusivity over the project.
β¦ Notas del archivo original que compartΓ en privado β¦
β¦ Notes from the original file I shared privately β¦
Β‘Hola de nuevo! Hice este documento a razΓ³n de la cantidad de compaΓ±eros y compaΓ±eras cosplayers que me han preguntado quΓ© hacer cuando reciben una "invitaciΓ³n como cosplayers". El tema es extenso, pero procurΓ© condensar lo indispensable para su fΓ‘cil entendimiento.
Hello again! I made this document because of the number of fellow cosplayers who have asked me what to do when they receive an "invitation as cosplayers". The topic is extensive, but I tried to condense what is essential for easy understanding.
Todo lo dicho aquΓ estΓ‘ basado en mi experiencia a travΓ©s de los aΓ±os como ex-organizadora, presentadora, cosplayer, invitada, panelista, concursante y juez; para quienes no me conozcan, soy Mino, y he sido llamada por organizaciones y eventos tanto dentro como fuera del paΓs, lo que quiere decir que las indicaciones compartidas aquΓ no vienen de supuestos u opiniones sino de vivencias de mis amigos y propias a travΓ©s de muchos viajes y eventos desde 2005.
Everything said here is based on my experience over the years as a former organizer, host, cosplayer, guest, panelist, contestant and judge; for those who don't know me, I am Mino, and I have been called by organizations and events both inside and outside the country, which means that the indications shared here do not come from assumptions or opinions but from my friends' and my own experiences through many trips and events since 2005.
Es mi deseo que todos formemos una red de apoyo como comunidad cosplayeril en Venezuela, para aprender y crecer juntos, apoyarnos y cuidarnos.
It is my wish that we all form a support network as a cosplayer community in Venezuela, to learn and grow together, to support and care for each other.
Si compartes o decides reproducir esta informaciΓ³n por favor no omitas la fuente.
If you share or decide to reproduce this information please do not omit the source.
π All texts and images by @Tesmoforia β¦ Translation: Deepl β¨
π¨ Β‘Please do not take, edit or republish my material without my permission! π¨
π ΒΏDo you wish to contact me? Mino.Cosplay@Gmail.com π
π Banner, signature and separators by Keili Lares π
