Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Cosplay is the best thing I have ever done for myself. It's by far the most expensive thing, but also the best. I fell into it by accident, one Halloween costume that I took too seriously then spread into a career and a way of life. I found out about cons about three years ago and realized what I had been missing. Here is a place where everyone cares as much as you do about things you love, and literally wears their interest on the outside looking for someone to come talk to them about it. Cosplay friends are the best people you will ever meet. No judgement, hard working, carefree friends. Non-cosplayers think you are nuts, until you give them a cookie from the darkside.

What are your next goals?

One day I will do Ariel right. I will have resin shells, and a silicone tail and my inner child will squeal. When that happens all will be right in the world.

Cosplay Characters

I cosplay mostly Disney characters, but anything is up for grabs in my mind. I do mostly Disney so that I can use them more often for things like parties or making special visits to kids in need. Thanks to great groups like "Random Acts of Christmas" or "Princesses with a Purpose" cosplayers have been able to give back in a way only they can. So far I've done : Pocahontas( the one who started it all) , Rapunzel, Cinderella, Snow White, Brier Rose, Merida, Anna, Elsa, Vanellope von Schweetz, Giselle, Belle, Jasmine, Ariel, Avatar Korra, Kaylee Frye, Mrs.Freeze, and JL8's Diana.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay is love in material form. It is love of a character, show, movie, or a story. Sports fans wear uniforms or face pant to support their favorite players or teams. So do cosplayers, only our uniforms and face pants are so much more fun. Cosplay is living your dreams with others living theirs.

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

Fellow cosplayers. None specifically, but all as a whole. Its the people who busts their butts to make a costume happen. People who care about the details. Can I also give a shout out to those who stay in character. I always do, because you never know if there is a little pair of eyes watching Anna buy a chocolate ice cream.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Suggestions...Just do it. I know you are thinking about a costume you don't think you can do. Just do it. Forget Nike, that should be our slogan. Also ebay and you tube are you best friends. Seriously, I should name my first born Ebay. Learn to search it like a champ.

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

I am a plus sized cosplayer. I like to think I carry it well, but there will always be those out there that point out whats wrong with you vs. your costume. Now I haven't had anyone say anything to my face, but I've overheard others. A larger Elsa was taking pictures with a little girl who was on cloud nine, and two guys walked by and said "Wow, Elsa really let herself go." Please never do this. If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.