Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Hello! My name is Katie. Being a cosplayer is unlike any other hobby. Not only do I have the opportunity to express myself and pay homage to my favorite games and fandoms, but I can also wear these works of art at conventions for others to appreciate. It is a hobby that not everyone understands, but the cosplay community is tight-knit and accepting. I love meeting others who cosplay and discussing our methods for creating our costumes, as well as working together for photoshoots. I have had plenty of problems with sexual harassment to cosplayers including myself at conventions which is hard. Despite these problems, I have continued to attend conventions (14 so far!) and I still love attending. I have also had the opportunity to meet famous cosplayers (some of my idols) like Yaya Han and Missyeru, which truly makes cosplaying worth it. It is an art unlike any other.

What are your next goals?

My next goal is to make a really elaborate League of Legends cosplay. It is my favorite game and is one of the most influential things in my life, and I would love to pay it homage (again.)

Cosplay Characters

I have cosplayed: Yuki Cross from Vampire Knight, Ayumi Takahara from The World God Only Knows, Yoko Littner from Gurren Lagann, Chell from Portal, Princess Zelda from LoZ, Legolas from Lord of the Rings, Daenerys from Game of Thrones, Ahri from League of Legends, Teemo from League of Legends, Ashe from League of Legends, the Baron Nashor from League of Legends, Vayne from League of Legends, Katarina (Red Card and regular) from League of Legends, the Wizard from Diablo III, and X-23 from Marvel

What does Cosplay mean to you?

It is an opportunity to express myself and pay homage to my favorite characters in video games and television shows. I love being able to come out of my shell and be someone else for a day. It's a magical transformation, and it's a lot of fun.

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

I look up to Alexandria the Red because of her attention to detail. I love Missyeru because I've had the chance to meet her several times and she's always very sweet. She also does a lot of League of Legends cosplays, which I love. I love Jessica Nigri's crazy and down to earth personality. I look up to Yaya Han's experience and professionalism, and I love Katrinafox's fun attitude towards cosplaying. (Her Jinx is amazing.)

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

If it is your first time cosplaying, you probably won't get everything to look perfect. But that's okay. Experience is the #1 way to get better at cosplay. Trial and error will do more for you than any online tutorial ever could.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Thank you for this opportunity! Shoutout to Vontography for his amazing work.