Revisiting Violet Evergarden for Comicup 31 after two years—this trip came together on an absolute whim, and I'm only sitting down tonight to edit the vlog. Looking back at Comicup 29 in 2023, that was the very first Comicup Anime convention I attended after moving to Shanghai for university. Due to various circumstances, I hadn't been able to attend since, and I missed Comicup 30 last year because I had to travel back to my hometown. On impulse, I decided to go this time, and it turned out to be immensely rewarding and pure fun.
Stepping into the boots of the exact same character after a two-year hiatus, the most immediate leap was the quality of the cosmetic styling and wig texture. Two years ago, my wig cutting and styling had vast room for improvement, and the makeup felt somewhat unseasoned. Before heading out this time, I dedicated considerable effort to adjusting the wig's layers to ensure a soft, natural, and airy volume. For cosmetics, the eye makeup was completely redesigned: vivid blue contact lenses paired with refined contouring aligned much closer with her canon temperament. I also opted for long-wear base products to withstand a demanding day of bustling through the halls. The pristine finish of the makeup remained unmistakable even in seatbelt-clad car selfies.
As for the attire, the deep Prussian-blue jacket with its metallic zippers, buckles, and gilded sleeve bows layered over a ruffled white blouse felt solidly structured and tactile. The emerald brooch and ruby ribbon at the collar served as the crowning anchors. When prepping props, I inspected the leather suitcase's texture and the articulating metallic gloves to ensure peak visual fidelity on camera. In the outdoor shot turning back with suitcase in hand, the way the light carved across my face left me deeply satisfied.
The convention hall atmosphere was magnificent, reuniting me with so many friends I hadn't seen in ages. We munched on snacks in the car, chatted away, and shared how our lives have changed over the past two years. At Comicup 31, I connected with countless kindred spirits who cherish this series; exchanging photos and warm words was an infectious celebration of ACG passion. Moving from CP29 to CP31 marks not just the passage of time, but a milestone summarizing my personal cosplay growth. From an overwhelmed novice to someone experienced in material sourcing, makeup, and lens presence, everything leveled up. Scouting venue perimeters for clean backgrounds, we picked a balanced, softly lit corner to contrast the deep blue uniform against urban architecture. The stance hoisting the suitcase and glancing back had been rehearsed mentally many times to channel her poised dignity. Meanwhile, car interior snaps captured relaxed, authentic slice-of-life warmth—holding snacks handed over by friends added an endearing touch of everyday life to the photos.
Recalling my clumsy panic at my very first convention, I can now seamlessly plan travel routes, book makeup artists, and coordinate angles with photographers. This growth shows not only in photo quality, but in internal composure. Missing CP30 left lingering regrets, but attending CP31 made amends entirely. Catching up with friends, admiring stunning merch and fellow cosplayers—though the day was a whirlwind sprint, it was completely fulfilling. Tonight I'm organizing the raw files and structuring the vlog cut. I hope this vlog captures the authentic heartbeat of a hurried yet joyful journey.