Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

My name is Eric, I'm based out of Ventura County, California. I started cosplaying in 2008 and I love it! For me, it's about the people. I enjoy dressing up and getting to act out my characters personality, but the joy I see from other people is what makes it the most rewarding. It's what makes hecklers tolerable.

What are your next goals?

I'd love to meet more friends through cosplay. I'd also like to attend more conventions throughout the US and hopefully some overseas!

Cosplay Characters

So far it's been Tyranno/MMPR Red Ranger, Mammoth/MMPR Black Ranger, Shinken/Samurai Green Ranger and Spider-Man.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Costume-play? I mean it's much more than that, but without getting into semantics, it's a way to portray the characters I've admired in some way.

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

There's so many! I They're all amazing friends and I hope I don't leave anyone out. These are the ones that immediately come to mind. Callesto Fox, Dekamexican Cosplay, Andycam Cosplay, Tim Hurles, Grrrrrryan Cosplay, AniMia, Tiny Kitten Cosplay, Soni Aralynn, Jake Moore Cosplay, Tony R. Ray and Brulafu Disguises.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Do what you love and cosplay the characters you love. Never let anyone dictate what you do and never feel intimidated when it comes to another cosplayer that's doing the same character. Work it that costume, and own it!

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

It was San Diego Comic Con last year. I was walking back to where I was staying and I saw a group of people sitting outside of a bar and they just decided to heckle and mock me. I'm not a very tall person. I'm a little over 5'7 and at the time was only about 120 lbs. They commented on my size and it fired me up. But I kept my cool and decided to ignore them. Everything that happened at the con made up for that brief moment.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

This was my first interview, so hopefully everyone enjoyed reading it. As for shout outs, I'd like to give a huge one to my Ranger familia(you know who you are! :D). They've helped me through so much and without them I wouldn't be who I am/where I'm at today. Also, my parents and brothers. They've supported this hobby of mine and haven't blown up about the time and money I've spent on it haha. Also to my fans, if there are any as of right now haha, I appreciate the love and support.