Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Entering the cosplay world has probably been one of the most exciting things I have ever done. I love becoming characters that I grew up with or that I'm passionate about now that I'm older. The first glimpse of a completed costume is so worth all the anxiety I feel putting things together. Thankfully, the cosplay community has been so welcoming, and I love debuting a new costume at conventions or improving on a previous cosplay. I've always dealt with social anxiety, but while in costume it is much less of an issue because I always feeling accepted in character. Cosplay allows me to feel beautiful every day.

What are your next goals?

Holy City Cosplay is planning a Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood group. I chose to be Riza Hawkeye which I am completely pumped about because she is one of the most badass females in anime. I also am planning to do Anastasia, a new not so bloody Elisabeth (Bioshock cosplayers are so much fun I can't imagine not being a part of them), and hopefully one day Sailor Neptune. Overall, my own personal goal is to learn to be better at sewing. I want to be able to help more with sewing, but so far I am not so great at it. I also have been working on developing a new technique for dying wigs to give them different colored streaks, but so far they've all come out too light so I hope to perfect it soon.

Cosplay Characters

Elizabeth - Bioshock Infinite Femme Clopin - Hunch Back of Notre Dame Raava - Avatar The Legend of Korra Chibi Usa - Sailor Moon Pirate Version of Belle - Beauty and the Beast for a Pirate Disney Princess Group

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay means playing pretend as an adult. I've never considered being an actor, but cosplay lets me be anyone I want to be, and it really is a dream come true. If I could be Elizabeth (Bioshock) every day I would be in Heaven, so becoming her at conventions is exciting every time. It also has helped expand my horizons and take on new skills. This year, for Raava, I learned how to solder, so that I could create my lighting elements. I never would have even thought of soldering if it wasn't for cosplay, but now I have a skill which I can teach to my IT boyfriend which feels totally empowering.

Who have been your biggest influences/role models/mentors?

Every great cosplayer! I can just google a character's name and find so many great ideas just through deviantart pages I never knew before. Everyone is so wonderful! More specifically, I do absolutely love the costumes of cosplayer Dustbunny! She is totally adorable. Closer to home, I have always been inspired and driven by a member of Holy City Cosplay, Gabby. She is our seamstress and has taught us all so many skills! I've spent so much time trying to perfect my costumes with her and if it wasn't for her I wouldn't push myself to learn new skills.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Learn more! Don't be afraid to make your own props. I ruined a headpiece so many times, and even in the end it was still a little floppy, but because I worked so hard on it I was still very proud of it. Also and probably most importantly, cosplay who you love. I see in so many threads people posting pictures of themselves asking who they should cosplay, and I can never understand that. There are an endless amount of characters you love, just pick one, and then another, and then another, and you'll be happy I promise.

What is the most negative experience you've dealt with while cosplaying, and how did you handle it?

Thankfully, I have had very few negative experiences. I'd say the hardest part for me has been learning how to correctly wear wigs, which I finally mastered this year at DragonCon. Last year, I was stressing over spirit gum and constantly taking it off and redoing it, but thanks to the wonderful elastic strap in Arda Wigs I succeeded this year without much bother. However, truly I have had very few negative experiences because everyone I have met has been so kind and respectful.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Cosplay is the most fun I could possibly have and I would love to find away to go to more conventions. If you are even curious about it a little, give it a try. Costumes are always fun no matter if they are difficult or simple. The first time someone asks you for your photo, your face will light up. Not only have I experienced that amazing feeling, but I get excited every time I watch it happen to my friends and I know they will continue cosplaying for as long as possible.