Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

It is very exciting and very fun. I started cosplaying mainly because I like making my own costumes. I didn't know that it was called cosplay until I participated in my first contest back in 09. I've kept on doing it because I enjoy the response I get from people who recognize my character and also I like to compete. To be on stage and give people a good performance is a lot of fun and a possibility for me to showcase all the hard work I put into my cosplay.

What are your next goals?

My coming goal is to participate once more in the Swedish Cosplay Championship. I participated in that competition this winter, but I'm not at all happy with how I performed - both with costume and performance. Apart from that I'm going to figure out what my next cosplay will be except Satsuki from Kill La Kill. Considering Death Prophet from Dota2 or maybe Saint Celestine from Warhammer 40k.

Cosplay Characters

I've cosplayed the following; Night Elf (regular purple "bikini"-thing), Blood Elf (based on the concept art that was on the loadingscreen for Eastern Kingdoms a time), Ysera aspect of Dreams (also from WoW), Tyrande Whisperwind (WoW), Inuyasha (Inuyasha), Black Gold Saw (from the Black Rock Shooter OVA), Riftwalker (Heroes of Newerth), Elise (League of Legends) and Slan (Berserk anime/manga). For the time being I'm working on Satsuki from Kill La Kill.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay for me is to envelop myself in a characer. To act as them and live myself into the role. Also for me it has a lot to do with the crafting. I love to work with different materials and techniques, and it's often more fun to work on the costume than wearing it. I enjoy the attention I get when I wear my cosplays and I guess for me cosplay overall means to "take a break from reality" and just go in as someone else for a little while. Other than that I have a lot of fun with my friends, but I often cosplay alone.

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

I don't really have any other cosplayers that I follow or so, since I started by myself without knowing the proper name of what I was doing. Of course I've seen some very awesome cosplayers over the years, but I don't have someone in particular that have influenced me into doing what I do.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Do the characters you love or that you would like to do because they are just so cool. Don't ever listen to anyone who says that your cosplay isn't good or that your body-type is wrong. You are doing this for yourself. You're the one who's going to enjoy it. If something ever seems too hard, take a break, reflect, and come back to it. Have fun with what you do at all times. If it's not fun anymore, maybe it's time to give it a little rest.

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

I've actually not really had any negative experiences when I've cosplayed. There was once when some guys were taking photos on a bus and we (me, my friend and the busdriver had to call in police) but that didn't really have to do with conventions or cosplay in that sense. I guess mainly because I know very well what I get myself into when I cosplay the characters that I do (most of them are very revealing/half-naked) and I don't take shit from anyone. Perhaps that's an attitude that I radiate and people know not to mess with me.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Hmm... Some last words to add I guess is that as long as you enjoy what you do, you can reach any goals you might have. If you're a beginner things may seem hard but keep working and the experience will slowly add up to wonderful new cosplays.