Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

I'm Auzzie, and it's been a real adventure being a cosplayer since I started a year ago! Being a cosplayer isn't a cheap hobby; my wallet's tried to off itself from the costs of materials to the costs of travelling to new places. It's not an easy hobby by any means, making a costume requires you to test your patience as well as extend them to limits you never knew existed. But is the pain and sacrifice worth it? Definitely. Getting to wear something your own hands have spent hours into making, meeting lots of awesome people to share a passion with, getting pictures taken, or even just plain monkeying around in costume is MORE than worth it all.

What are your next goals?

I hope that I can make my cosplays as accurate as I can and have as much fun into making and wearing them as possible. The moment I stop having fun with it, it's not a hobby anymore.

Cosplay Characters

Until now, I've cosplayed Connor Kenway (Assassin's Creed III), Edward Kenway (Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag), Arno Dorian (Assassin's Creed Unity), L (Death Note), Gio Volpe (Vine), and Bertolt Hoover (Attack on Titan).

What does Cosplay mean to you?

To me, cosplay means a few things. For one, it means that I can be who I want to be without anyone having to tell me otherwise. Just the simple act of wearing a costume expresses my interests and what I love to do. Another thing it means to me is getting share my passion for the non-ordain with others who feel the same way. Going to different conventions, there's always someone who's into the same things you might be interested in and oftentimes I've made new connections with people in a way that puts myself out there, rather than retreat into being an introvert.

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

One of my role models are Leon Chiro, whose cosplays have completely blown me away by his authenticity and extreme attention to the smallest details. I've strived to get to that level of detail in my costumes. I'd like to get a picture and a handshake from him one day.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

God, if there's anything I have to say... I'd say that there is no correct way of cosplaying. That being, we all come from different skill levels and no two cosplayers are ever going to have the same take or interpretation of a character. So what if there's minor details missing, you've tried, so at least be proud of the things you've done and not be bogged down by the things you've yet to do. In the end, cosplay is about looking at yourself in a way. Are you happy with your creation? All the hours of labour, where they worth it? The moment you can tell yourself, "Yes," you're done.

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

The worst thing that's happened to me is basically some over-zealous fanboy came up to me and critiqued my body type, ethnicity, and costume color schemes to the actual character I was cosplaying. It was pretty bad, but I didn't really stay anything rude back. I just responded nicely, which disarmed him completely as he just walked off. I've yet to run into anything EXTREME yet.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

I'd like to say that everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, has the ability to create something great. Creativity knows no gender, race, sexuality, religion, or age. Just as long as you're happy with your creation, no one else's opinion should bring that down. We're all one big community, and we need to keep it safe and welcoming for everyone.