Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

OHai, my name is Leigha. I don't fully call myself a cosplayer. I feel that most cosplayers continue their work and do more often than I seem to. I'm mother of a 7 year old daughter and I dropped out of high school to raise her. A lot of ups and downs but I have always loved cosplay, so I've made about 3 different outfits but money/time/attentionspan I haven't worked on anything else. I haven't been to many cons for that reason. So I do cosplay, I just don't do it as much as I would like to. With that out of the way, cosplay has ups and downs. I find myself to be a creative person at times and cosplay is one of the hobbies that inspires me. It's hard work though, my first cosplay I had a friend's mother make it because at the time, I didn't ever really sew other than patchwork. Since my first cosplay/con I've been making my own costumes. Thank god for youtube and and google, it makes things easier to have a guide to what you want to make. I love/hate cons, the community can be amazing! Welcoming, loving, similar hobbies/interests/views! But at the same time, with all the greatness there can be drama and hate. A con in cosplay is completely different from a con not in cosplay. I love being in cos for a con, One, people stop and talk with you, get pictures, complement you and your work. But the negative, depending on what you are wearing, wardrobe malfunctions, trying to go to events, sitting, standing, taking pictures of other people can be extremely difficult. A great thing about cosplay is that you can be anything or anyone. From video games, anime, tv shows, movies, cartoons. Endless possibilities. I personally like to pick characters that are my favorite from a series and if I can fit the body type. I want to look as much like the character as possible. (Honestly, I'm not sure with all that I'm writing if I actually touched the actual question. XD) Anywaysss, what's it like, if I did it more often I feel I could have more of say, but since I've only been to a handful of cons and only have a few cosplays I feel I have less input. But I love it, I wish I could afford to do it more often. I just moved to San Fran and I'd love to check out what they have in cali for cons. It's a lot of work, but well worth it. The people you meet in the cos community are amazing and fun. To be something that isn't you, but you at the same time is out of this world. I encourage anyone and everyone who is interested to try it! Thanks for asking!

What are your next goals?

To be more creative! I've fallen into a funk that I would like to get out of. Cosplay goals, to make an ifrit cosplay from ffx and blitzcrank from league of legends. I would like to make it to PAX and Comic con in the next year or so. But that all depends on life.

Cosplay Characters

I have done 3 cosplays : Valentine from the game Skullgirls, Lulu from the game Final Fantasy X and Jiraiya from the anime Naruto I'd like to do more genderbend cosplays, it's a ton of fun. Currently have 2 ideas for my next cosplays, if I ever get the money saved up. One is I'd like to make a cos of an Ifrit from ffx and genderbend Blitzcrank from League of Legends.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay means to be yourself but also not yourself! Be anything you want to be!

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

Hmmmm, in life, my father, daughter and foster sister. In cosplay, everyone, everyone I see at cons, even the little things. It's a chain reaction, you create something that someone/something inspired you to make and in turn you can inspire someone else the same way.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

If you want to do it, then do it! Nothing is stopping you! Youtube/google it. (Always check other places for fabric, don't just look in one store or site, you can always find sales! Also don't be afraid of thrift stores!)

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

Lol, costumes falling apart at cons. That is my fault for trying to do things the lazy way. Bring a hot glue gun and safety pins. Honestly, the worst thing is when people aren't being nice or picking on someone. It's never happened to me, but people that I am friends with. A lot of drama can happen and I'm not sure why, we are all their for the same reason. How did I handle it, I tried speaking up to the people, but honestly I have learned to just stay away the negative people and vibes. Haters gonna hate.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Thanks for reaching out to me, hope I could help!