Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Hi there! My name is Kyahri and im a cosplayer from Scotland! I LOVE cosplay so much! Its amazing! Everyone loves to dress up, and cosplay gives us a reason to dress up whenever we like, as characters from our favourite shows or games. Being a cosplayer really boosts you confidence wise and you learn a bunch of new skills in sewing techniques and hand crafting. I also have met so many amazing friends through cosplay, my life wouldnt be the same without them. Ive been cosplaying for a few years now and i have a few followers on facebook, but its nice just to know some people appreciate what i do and i love to follow other cosplayers and get inpspiration from them and cosplay with my friends in groups! Cosplay is pure fun!

What are your next goals?

I want to start making more complex costumes, im still pretty amateur in my crafting and sewing skills so im going to be working on a new Ahri cosplay from LoL and a few original designs as well!

Cosplay Characters

I have cosplayed from many anime such as Asuna Yuuki from Sword Art Online and Stocking from Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt. Ive also cosplayed Poison Ivy from Batman and CC from Code Geass plus a bunch more but my favourite thing to cosplay from is League of Legends (game). I have cosplayed Ahri, Soraka and Jinx from LoL and im currently making more and creating my own fan art and designing cosplays based on them!

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay means expressing yourself through what you love. Being creative, having fun and making friends.

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

Im influenced greatly by a lot of cosplayers who cosplay from League of Legends such as Ely Renae, Kinpatsu Cosplay, Missyeru and Jinglebooboo Cosplay. Im also very inspired by my friends and many cosplayers from England and Scotland such as Khaos Kosplay and Aranel Cosplay.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Cosplay who you love, not who someone else wants you to be! You will have more fun doing something you actually enjoy! Also if you plan on hand making your costume, start small and work your way up to complex designs unless you are already an experienced crafter!

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

Ive been pretty lucky in terms of cosplay and experiences, the most negative thing ive probably had is a couple of random comments here and there about one of my costumes and a few creepy people approaching me at conventions but on the most part ive had positive feedback! Ive seen however a lot of cosplay shaming and negative comments on peoples photos and i think the best advice would be to ignore, delete and block the users! You dont need people bringing you down, i mean cosplay is supposed to be fun and supportive! Keep doing what your doing and do what makes you happy!

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Shout out to all my friends and photographers i wouldnt be where i am without them!