Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Hi my name is Ari and I've been cosplaying for about 10 years. I've been cosplaying more seriously for the last 2 years. I've loved dressing up ever since I was a kid, but have only recently gotten the funds, time, and support to work on cosplaying. It can be frustrating at times, working on the costume the week before the con while realizing that you don't actually know how to do anything and you hate sewing and oh god why am I doing this again? But it's always worth it when you put it all on and go to the con. It's worth it when people are happy to see you and appreciate all the hard work you put into things. It's fun to find people who share your favorite characters and shows.

What are your next goals?

My next cosplay goals are to upgrade my Faerie costume, do a proper Washu Hakubi either from the OVAs or from the new Ai Tenchi Muyo! where she has shorter hair, Uta from Tokyo Ghoul, and a Team Rocket Grunt.

Cosplay Characters

My first (terrible) cosplays that I don't really have pictures of would be my original Ed cosplay, my Kairi from the first Kingdom Hearts, my Raven from Teen Titans (the animated series), and my Jareth from Labyrinth (which was truly terrible). After that I've improved and my recent cosplays have been Kaylee from Firefly, Amy Pond from Doctor Who, a Firebender from Avatar the Last Airbender, my original Faerie character for the Ren Fair - Aridescent the Bubbly, Washu Hakubi from Tenchi Muyo! (hot spring and pajama edition. Nothing with the full wig yet.), Toot Toot from the Dresden Files, My new and improved Ed from Cowboy Beebop, Unohana from BLEACH (Yachiru edition from the Manga), and most recently and popularly Sailor Mercury from Sailor Moon Crystal.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

It means complaining about how much I hate sewing. It means breaking down, but pushing through anyway. It means learning new things. It means meeting new people and being more social than I could ever be when I'm not in costume. It means Halloween lasts all year. Most of all it means happiness, happiness you bring to other people and the happiness that brings to me.

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

My biggest influences are my friends. They support me and push me through even when I don't think I can do the project anymore. As for costumers, I can't say that I have a mentor - but I'm a big fan of Twig the Fairy. (Does she count?)

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Your first costumes are going to be terrible, but do it anyway because that's how you improve. Thrift stores are your best friends. Don't buy cheap wigs. People love props and little details.

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

Honestly my most negative experiences have mostly been while working on the costumes. I have a habit of hating what I'm making while I'm making and convincing myself that everything is terrible and I can't do this. At cons, though, everyone has been super nice to me! The most negative thing to happen a con would likely be people just not knowing who I am.