Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

My names Sheri Lewis. I am a new cosplayer from Vancouver Canada. Cosplay was something I decided to do because I have always been a huge fan of dressing up. Ever since I was a kid. Ive also got a lot of time on my hands so I am always doing crafts and artwork. I figured why not create something I have never imagined of being able to do? Cosplay. I tried doing it a few years back and for the most part I enjoyed the whole creative and mathematical side of figuring out how the heck Im going to make this and have it stay together?! Of course I had no idea and got so frustrated I scraped the whole thing. I shouldnt have chose Sylvanas as my first ever cosplay but I do like a challenge. A few years later now in 2014 I decided you know what? Im going to try and cosplay again. I picked up the hobby and did hours and hours of research. I didnt want to give up like last time. I wanted to be able to learn everything I could. And I did for the most part. It was still stressful but I managed to get by and make MOST of it fun. My first cosplay was made from simple craft foam. I just wanted to get a feel for it. And I did! I made a blood elf rogue and tried my best to avaoid the headaches and tantrums so I made my own armour set. It allowed me to get the basic techniques down and not worry about my shoulders or breastplate not looking the way I had wished. I also worked on small props or accessories. After my first cosplay I looked for more durable materials. I picked up worbla and said "that's it! I'm making something amazing!" And I did. I suppose my first ever official cosplay was Unmasked Kayle from League of legends. Most parts were easy, others I worked on for days thinking "what have I done..." In the end It turned out beautiful. I went to my first huge convention this year. I was so nervous but excited at the same time. Nothing feels more assuring then having people swarm around you asking to take photos. Knowing who you are, shouting your characters name out. It feels so amazing. Having people compliment your hard work really does feel great. And thats why I do it.

What are your next goals?

To always get better. Venture into unknown territory. And I should probably learn how to sew. I dont think my gluegun if going to get me too far :P Female Draven, League of Legends. Female Illidan, World of Warcraft. Mafia Jinx, League of Legends. Slaybelle Katarina, League of Legends. Snow storm OR Bandit Sivir, League of Legends. I always have so many random Ideas "IM GOING TO DO THAT" So hopefully I will.

Cosplay Characters

Lilah, Jonah Hex. Ezio, Assassins Creed. Katarina, League of Legends. ( MAKEUP ONLY ) Dryad Soraka, League of Legends. ( MAKEUP ONLY ) Diana, League of Legends. (MAKEUP ONLY ) Ezreal, League of Legends. (MAKEUP ONLY ) Morgana, League of Legends. (MAKEUP ONLY) Mikasa, Attack on Titan. Blood Elf Rogue, World of Warcraft. Ariel, The Little Mermaid. Unmasked Kayle, League of Legends. Pool Party Riven, League of Legends.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Its a physical emotional and artistic way to show off an art form. It takes so much to go through the costume process, Think like your character, do everything to look, feel and present who you are trying to become.

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

Kamui & Lightning Cosplay have shown me so many techniques to be able to make armor possible. I cant sew so theyre a great combination.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Practice. I know it sounds super cliche but the harder you work, the more frequent you work the more you will learn how to make things you want to effectively and efficiently. Have fun, If youre struggling take a few days to think your problems through and come back to it. The more you rush and stress the harder it will be to be able to enjoy what youre doing. Thats obviously the reasons why you decided to do it in the first place, right? :P

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

Working with unmasked kayle I had a huge problem attaching large armour together. At one point I threw a tantrum I was crying I threw pieces all over the place. It was pretty embarassing lol. I thought "Why did I try to do something so hard? Ive wasted so much time and effort." I took a few days to cool off and came back to it. I talked to friends, family, my boyfriend. They managed to tell me that my costume is great and ill be able to think of a way to make it work out. And I did!

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

I want to just thank everyone who tells me how amazing my costumes are. It feels so amazing to have people tell you "Hey, you did a great job." The smallest things are the best. Even if its just a picture. And of course My Boyfriend for helping me out and my Family for always taking me on trips to the craft stores. And most importantly My friends and the people that compliment my work, Thank you :)