Are you our 2019 Cosplay Ambassador?

March 19, 2019

Are you our next Cosplay Ambassador?

Cosplay is a powerful and passionate hobby shared by thousands of Supanova attendees every year. Supa-Fans at recent Supanova events may have noticed TJ Cosplay and ANDYCAMcosplay, two well-known Australian cosplayers who had taken up the mantle of “Cosplay Ambassador” in order to share their knowledge, support others and drive positivity in the cosplay community.

Supanova is thrilled to announce the continuation of the Cosplay Ambassador program, which will provide a new opportunity for cosplayers to share their enthusiasm for their pastime with a wider audience at future events.

Applications for the Ambassadorship are open to all and the successful Ambassadors will travel with Supanova for a full year’s worth of events. They will have the chance to visit each host city, connect with local cosplay communities, deliver workshops and judge cosplay competitions.

Applications for the 2019-20 intake will close at 5pm AEST on Thursday, 18 April 2019.

What’s the purpose of the Cosplay Ambassadors?

We see the role of the Ambassadors as two-fold. Firstly, they support the cosplay community wherever they can, including the delivery of workshops to share skills, providing advice at Cosplay HQ and assisting with events such as the cosplay competitions. Secondly, Ambassadors act as a liaison between Supanova and the cosplay community. This includes passing on feedback from the community to Supanova to inform changes and help Supanova achieve a culture of constant improvement.

What are you looking for in an Ambassador?

In short, a passion for the hobby and a strong sense of community spirit.

Is there an age limit/requirement to be an Ambassador?

As you would need to be able to travel independently, Ambassadors must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit on becoming an Ambassador.

Will being an Ambassador cost me anything?

Supanova will cover the cost of airfares, accommodation and entry to the event as well as an appearance fee. Any additional costs (for example, the production of prints to sell) would be at the expense of the cosplayer.

I don’t have a whole lot of likes on Facebook…would I even stand a chance?

One of the big differences between Cosplay Guests and Cosplay Ambassadors is that Ambassadors are not expected to “draw” an audience. In other words, so long as you’re willing to connect with the community, share your skills and chat to other cosplayers, strong online popularity isn’t a necessity.

Do I need to have guested at events before?

Previous experience speaking in front of groups is a big plus, but not a necessity. Similarly it’s not a requirement to have guested at events previously. We see the Ambassadorship as an opportunity for cosplayers to expand their audience and grow as mentors.

What would I have to do at events?

As an Ambassador your duties would include the delivery of at least one workshop/panel per event, the judging of at least one cosplay competition and an ongoing presence at Cosplay HQ to support other cosplayers. Other commitments may depend on the event, but can include appearances at opening night, media interviews, and parades!

Am I able to sell my own prints/merchandise at the event?

Of course! You will be provided with table space at Cosplay HQ where you can keep displays, sell prints and chat to attendees. Remember that you will need to step away from the table to meet other commitments at times (e.g. judging), so take this into account when making plans.

Will I have free time during the events?

Yes. The most essential part of the Ambassador role is connecting with (and listening to!) your fellow cosplayers. It’s hard to do that if you’re run off your feet! You will have plenty of time to sell prints, chat to attendees or explore the rest of the event.

I noticed that this year you had one male and one female Ambassador. Will this always be the case?

Not at all. We like to take such things as approachability and representation into account, but sticking to the 1:1 rule is pretty limiting… especially when not everyone fits one label or the other!