Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

I like making costumes. That's the short story. I've always been artistic and costume creation on a budget presents challenges that I have to use my brain to overcome. I'm unquestionably a nerd. I've got an advanced science degree and spend every Saturday night playing a pen and paper RPG with friends I first met at a SciFi convention. I'm an avid gamer and devour manga. Cosplaying allows me to show reverence for characters who enriched my life while stimulating my brain.

What are your next goals?

I'm working on a Steampunk Mrs. Foster (Killing Floor), Professor Plum (Clue) and Frank Castle crossplay (Punisher). As far as goals, I just want to have fun and get some kudos for my work.

Cosplay Characters

Elle Driver (Kill Bill), Haruko (FLCL), Mad Moxxi (Borderlands), Lilith (Borderlands), Captain Scarlett (Borderlands 2), Samara (the Ring), the Major/Motoko Kusanagi - military and combat uniforms (Ghost in the Shell), Asula Soryu Langely - yellow dress and plug suit (Evangalion), Mrs. Foster (Killing Floor), Terran Republic Infiltrator (Planetside 2), Barbarella, Lust (FMA), Samus - zero suit (Metroid), Gadget (Rescue Rangers), Seras Victoria (Hellsing), Faye Valentine (Cowboy Bebop), Jill Valentine (Resident Evil), Lupo (Resident Evil, ORC) Hokage Tsunade (Naruto), Matsumoto (Bleach), Rojuro (Bleach), Jayne Cobb (Serenity), Princess Leia - iron bikini (Star Wars), Stormtrooper (Star Wars), Zombie Amy Winehouse, the Baroness (GI Joe), Pandy (Dead Leaves).

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay is borrowing the celebrity of someone I admire or someone who enriched me for as long as I wear their likeness.

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

The characters themselves. I really go with what I already know as far as cosplay goes. For example, the shoulder pieces on my Asuka Soryu Langely plugsuit were made from a Pinnacle vodka bottle. I started with a soda bottle, but it just wasn't rigid enough.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Work with what you've got and have fun.

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

I have been really lucky not to have had any real negative experiences. Complaining about being recognized as the wrong character pales in comparison to what some cosplayers experience.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Kudos to all the cosplayers who started making their own costumes and ended up going pro. I'm totally jealous.