First Impressions - An Introduction and Tips

Choosing an impression is a very personal experience, but one of the most important things to consider when getting into the hobby. Some impressions are easier (and cheaper) and some impressions are much more difficult (and expensive). My personal recommendation is to start with something simple, and then work your way into what suits your needs and interests. I will (and have) likely touch on this in many other posts, but everything boils down to and is effected by your impression and what you want to do/how you want to look.

So, I've decided to do a series of posts about different impressions starting with civilian all the way through military impressions. But first. . .

Some Tips

• I like to think of impressions as sort of a role playing experience, where I ask myself, "If I were ________ in ________, what would I do/wear/be?" 
• Related to the above, sometimes it helps to do an impression that suits your real life persona. For example, if you're a nurse, then be a nurse! I do photography, so I do a War Correspondent Photographer impression. It makes it that much more real for spectators when you actually know what you're talking about. That's not saying if you aren't really a nurse you can't be one, or that if you ARE really a nurse that you HAVE to be one. It's just a suggestion of a place to start where you will already be on familiar ground. 
• You're not limited to one! Never feel like you have to always do the same thing at every event. That being said. . . 
• Always choose an impression that is right for the event. If the event is in England in 1942, a female Russian military impression isn't going to really gel. 
• Choose something doable. If your budget doesn't allow for purchasing a complete military uniform straight off, then definitely don't pick it as a first impression. 
• Do your research! This becomes more important the more involved the impression is. Civilians were everywhere, so that's why I consider it the simplest. Research things about the year, the country the event is in, whether your unit (if you have one) would have been there. . . everything you can. It's also a good way to really "get in the mood" for the event the week(s) before.
• Choose something you WANT to do. There is no substitute for genuine enthusiasm when it comes to getting into reenacting in general. If you choose an impression because it's convenient or you were told it's what you should do, you'll never really be happy with it, or worse, decide not to reenact at all. Which brings me to the biggest tip. . .
• Have fun! Getting an impression together, especially when done with like-minded friends, can be loads of fun, only to be matched by the fun to be had at an event!