Masquerade judging

[stephbg]

This won't be as detailed as I was planning, but if I don't do it now it won't happen.

If I were Queen: Steph's assessment techniques for masquerade judging. An off-the-cuff list which in practice would be developed with The Powers That Be and in reference to the actual prize categories for that year.

I'm *very* interested in feedback.


Was the costume:

* Made for this particular masquerade and thus on debut?
I feel quite strongly it should be something new to be awarded a major prize

* Made or at least assembled by the person wearing it?
Hired it? Got it made by a professional? Or your Mum? Not as good as DIY.

* Designed by the person wearing it?
Sometimes a good costume is assembled from ready-made componets, so I allow for this.

* Related to the theme of the masque and/or con?
Well obviously

* Made well or creatively?
Saftey pins are not a crime, but I'd like to see a certain amount of thought or effort go into it.

* Worn or presented well or creatively?
You don't need to be an extrovert, but it helps if it stays in one piece for at least an hour, and you at least try to pose for photos. Less critical.

* Either a good character copy or an interesting original?
I confess to a personal bias towards original creations rather than cosplay-type strict copies, but I am capable of putting that bias aside if necessary

* Imbued with X-, wow-, and/or oooooooh-factor?
'Cause sometimes it's just a gut feeling :-)

And this year? Based purely on low-res views of R&L's photos: My attention kept being drawn to The Weeping Angels from Dr Who: Blink.

However, I didn't get a close look at everyone's, and didn't get the chance to identify all the characters. I would never be a judge unless I got a chance to actually speak to the people.

You may fire.

Comments

[delicious-irony.livejournal.com]

Kinda on purpose.

I didn't like the fact that they didn't have any honourable mentions. I know firsthand that if you get a shout-out you're more than happy to not have a prize. There were a lot of people who put in a helluva lot of effort this year and didn't get any recognition or acknowledgement at all.

I loved the 'Blink' angels, and the steampunk sandwich board man, and the Jack Sparrow. I didn't think the Jedi troupe were really eligible for the judging, and were mainly showcasing themselves to promote the workshop the next day.

Fans love a good try, especially if it succeeds to any extent. Effort should be rewarded.

[stephbg.livejournal.com]

I'm a big big fan of effort and fun, and I think the honourable mentions are *very* important if a costume is outstanding in some way but not enough to win overall. 2007 did it well I thought with mentions for "Best workpersonship", "Best performance" (one Jessica Rabbit IIRC), "Cutest", "Best group" etc.

BTW I really missed getting a good look at your costume (which bit did the glowing?) and some general conversation. I think it's been a couple of years now since we've actually laid eyes on each other.

[delicious-irony.livejournal.com]

Yeah. 'Twas truly unfortunate and sucky that your recent misfortunes meant you weren't able to have a good time at Swancon. I wasn't really there, due to flying out that weekend, but I did manage to catchupchat with a few friends, and attend the Masquerade.

My costume this year was Agatha Clay from Girl Genius, a comic by Phil and Kaja Foglio. The character can be seen here, the one with the glasses.

I had a cartoony-steampunk raygun, with a screw-in cartridge vial full of lightstick fluid. Unfortunately I didn't realise that the fluid is actually quite oily, so I was leaking little glowing droplets all through the hotel....:P The glow faded after about 36 hours, though, and the actual stuff was clear and didn't stain. Which was good. Just itched and stung something fierce on skin.

We should catch up sometime, over appropriate warm beverages. My email is in my userinfo, if you ever want to chat.:)