Hey everyone! You asked what it's truly like to work as a cosplayer at an event like Riftbound, and let me tell you, it's an experience! My day usually kicks off way before the doors even open. I'm talking before 7 AM! Why so early? Well, getting into character takes time. For me, it’s often more than an hour just for the costume and any specific makeup. I'll admit, I'm not a makeup artist – drawing those perfect triangles for certain League of Legends characters can be a real challenge sometimes! But luckily, the venue for Riftbound was super close, which saved a lot of travel stress. Once I'm ready, it's straight to the entrance. Our main role is to welcome attendees as they arrive, chat with them, and of course, take tons of pictures! It's such a joy to see everyone's excitement. One of my favorite parts this year was being able to give out some special goodies. My friend Trevor actually designed these adorable Poro keychains specifically for me, and I got them 3D printed. Handing them out and seeing people’s faces light up was incredibly rewarding. It adds such a personal touch to the whole interaction. Throughout the day, it’s a mix of official duties and spontaneous fun. I often work with the production team, helping them get specific shots or interviews they need. It’s cool to see the behind-the-scenes of how the event is captured. But it’s not all 'work'! I also get to roam around the venue, interact with even more people, and sometimes even give out free packs of the trading card game – which is always a hit! And yes, sometimes we even film some silly little skits, which are always a blast to create. What many people might not realize is that cosplayers also get to enjoy some of the event. It’s not just standing around! I absolutely love participating in side events like Super Nexus Night or the Seal Box Challenge. It’s a great way to unwind a bit, engage with the community on a different level, and just have some fun. It really balances out the day. The hours can vary. Fridays, being the opening day, usually run the latest, sometimes until 11 PM. But on other days, we’re typically wrapped up by 6 or 7 PM, which gives me enough time to wind down and prepare for the next day. Overall, it’s an intense but incredibly fulfilling experience. Every interaction, every photo, every bit of laughter makes it all worthwhile. If you're passionate about cosplay and love connecting with fellow fans, it's an amazing gig!