Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Hi, I'm Glen, also know as Brakilla while online. I'm new to being a cosplayer but it takes a lot of time and work making a good cosplay, but in the end its all worth it when you get to go and show your creation to the world. At PAX 2014 I felt like a celebrity with everyone taking pictures and complementing I have never experienced anything like it, it was truly amazing.

What are your next goals?

Figuring out what cosplay to make next, I am being rather indecisive at the moment.

Cosplay Characters

Gender Bent Leona, from League of Legends.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

I just did my first cosplay for PAX 2014. I never really thought I would be a cosplayer, although I never had anything against it. It just seemed kind of weird and I didn't feel like leaving my comfort zone. Then I met a friend who had just started cosplaying and went to PAX 2012 with her, seeing all the cosplayers there really changed my perspective, it didn't seem weird anymore all these people where just having a blast showing off all their hard work and they all seemed so comfortable with each other. I've always liked crafting and creating things so when my friend proposed that I also cosplay I enthusiastically accepted. Two years later at PAX 2014 I show up with my very first cosplay, it turned out really good and I couldn't wait to show it off, all the support and praise I revived was just amazing it really felt like I had found a great community where I could make and wear anything I wanted and no one would judge me, but rather support me, and that is why I will cosplay again, see you then!

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

My friend Sassy(Ruru) who got me into cosplay and gave me some good tips. My Dad for supplying tools and helping me get started on the props. And Missyeru, even though my cosplay turned out fairly different then hers, I often looked at her version of Leona to help guide mine.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Look into and try out as many different options or techniques as you can before settling on what you want to use. I changed how many of my pieces where made part way through and even now a few of my pieces could be improved if I had made them differently.

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

Luckily I have not had a major negative experience yet. At PAX a few people walked into my shield knocking a spike off the top of it.(None of them even apologized!) But luckily PAX had the "Cospotality Lounge" where I would go each time this happened and glue it back together.