Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be going to "nerd conventions" and dressing up as anime/fictional characters, I would have called you insane: I tried to hide my geeky side at all costs. Yet, here I am! Cosplaying has opened so many doors for me and led me to some of the best friends I've ever had. It's the perfect hobby for those of us that are passionate about our fandoms, craftsmanship, and overall geekery - not to mention it's a way to escape reality for awhile. My first time cosplaying was at Dragon*con; I managed to throw together my costume on the drive over to Atlanta (Kukaku Shiba), and at that point, I had no idea what I was in for. Though my costume was honestly really terrible, the community showed me nothing but support, and Catwoman even helped sew a part of my costume when I ripped it. I've never felt so much love from a group, and I instantly felt at home among my fellow cosplayers. Cosplaying has brought nothing but good things into my life, and I don't plan on stopping any time soon!

What are your next goals?

Since I finished my Attack on Titan uniform, I'm not entirely positive what I'll do next. I'm thinking I'll try to create an original Tron costume, but only time will tell.

Cosplay Characters

Lucy - Elfen Lied Kukaku Shiba - Bleach Yuno Gasai - Future Diary Jean Kirschstein - Attack on Titan Ymir - Attack on Titan Leia - Star Wars Persocom - Chobits Neliel - Bleach Misa Amane - Death Note

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay means family. I can always rely on the community for love and support, regardless of who I am (or what I'm wearing!).

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

Honestly, cosplay is a self-taught thing for me. However, the cons that I have been to have never ceased to inspire and amaze me. The hard work people put into their costumes really shows, and it's always great learning from them.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Don't be afraid of your costume not being "good enough" or super accurate. We're all here just to have fun, so be confident and flaunt your stuff!

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

Though I'm not as good as I want to be at it, I really enjoy crossplaying (cosplaying as the opposite gender). Some of my favorite characters are male, and I love portraying them and walking in their shoes for a day. As I was getting lunch at a con, I heard someone whisper profanities at me along with the word "transvestite" mixed in. I was so taken aback that I couldn't appropriately respond, so I simply smiled, grabbed my sword (I was cosplaying Ichigo from Bleach at this point), and asked him to repeat what he had said because I couldn't hear him. It probably wasn't the most mature response, but the look on his face was awfully satisfying.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Thanks for the consideration :)