Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

I'm Kimberley! A 23 years old Canadian artist and cosplayer, who actually started cosplaying more seriously just one year ago! Being a cosplayer for me is just simply transforming myself for a moment into a character that I truly love (in a movie, tvserie, comic or videogame). I do it simply for fun and that's what everybody should actually do! Being a cosplayer is simply showing your love for a character! :)

What are your next goals?

My next goals... well. I work in a comicstore right now, so it's kind of a dream job for me because I get to work in convention while cosplaying! That's the dream haha! On a serious note, I'm going back to University soon, so that is my main goal. On an 'cosplay' note, I just want to push my limits and try something new and fun!

Cosplay Characters

I'm a big big big fan of the Bioshock series and cosplayed Booker Dewitt, a Bunny Splicer and Elizabeth from Bioshock Infinite and the Burial at Sea DLC. My first cosplay ever was Freddy Krueger and it was a terrible store-bought costume, but still, it was fun haha! I also made a Jack Frost costume (genderbend version) and, finally, cosplayed the 10th Doctor from the Doomsday episode of Doctor Who (with his 3D glasses) Right now, I'm working on a Harley Quinn and Joker Genderbend costume as well as Kinsey Locke and Dodge (Dark Lady Version) from Locke and Key and Dr. Manhattan genderbend from Watchmen for Ottawa Pop Expo in two months!

What does Cosplay mean to you?

The definition of cosplay itself is actually what cosplay means for me (the word 'cosplay' is a mixed of the words "Costume" and "Play" to define people who dress up). For me, it's just another way to express myself and be as much artistic as I can possibly be. It's just incredibly fun to pretend to be someone else for a day or two! I love every form of cosplay from homemade costume to store-bought ones and I'm not against sexy cosplays either. The only important thing is to do something that you LOVE and not just for some kind of fame.

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

I don't really have any roll models. I was a big geek growing up because of my dad. I used to spend hours watching him play video games when I was little (he's a big fan of the Zelda Franchise) so, in a sense, I owe my love for video games and comics to him. Although, I follow a lot of cosplayers on Facebook and Instagram like Lyz Brickley, Gotham Public Works and many more!

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Just be yourself. Don't try to Impress other people. And most importantly: HAVE FUN! It doesn't matter if you made your costume yourself or not.

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

The only sad thing in the cosplay world is that I remember when people used to make fun of me (even some of my friends) when cosplaying was not THAT popular. A lot of people used to think that cosplaying was 'weird and childish'. Now, a lot of people thinks that It has everything to do with being a top model in a geeky costume. It saddens me a lot.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

If you want to follow me on instagram: www.instagram.com/kimberleydarko :) x