Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

I'm still pretty new to cosplay, I started cosplaying last August at Fan Expo in Toronto. I normally cosplay with my Cosplay Group The Geekettes. My best friend Ashe Rogue got me into it and helped me with many of my first cosplays, I'm trying to do more on my own and commission a few. I'm first and foremost a comic book nerd who is getting into anime and video games. I'm NOT good at video games but I love them, and I'm slowly becoming deeply obsessed with anime! :) Being a cosplayer is fun if thats what you want it to be. Just go out in cosplay, take some pictures and enjoy the con. If you want to make it more than that then promote yourself, do events outside cons and special photoshoots. But making it what you want it to be. I want it to be a hobby, and I like the recognition, my friend wants it to be her career so her and I have different approaches to the the art. Start out small, do what you love and enjoy. You can make your decision from there.

What are your next goals?

I am commissioning my two final cosplays this year and then buying a sewing machine so I can start making more of my costume myself !! :)

Cosplay Characters

Harley Quinn mostly Power Girl from DC Comics Velma from Scooby Doo Videl from DBZ M'gann from DC Comics Raven from DC Comics Gaige from Borderlands Pyramid Head from Silent Hill Lobo from DC Comics Black Cat from Marvel Joker from DC Comics etc!

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay to me is a way to enjoy the fandoms I like, express them in a fun way, and have halloween all year round! :) I've always loved dressing up and Drama class, so now I get to make it my hobby! :)

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

Enji Night is an amazing cosplayer that I followed before I even realized what I was following. Elise Archer/Clowny Princess has also influenced me. And most recently I went to a panel with my friend to see Yaya Han and was deeply inspired and want to do even better.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Always pick a character you love! If you don't love them then the time and effort you put into it and then to wear it will be worthless. This is first and foremost a hobby and art. If you don't like it, don't do it! I started with Harley Quinn because she is my favourite character and I love to be cooky and crazy and fully escape the realities of adult life. Cosplay is like my trip to Mexico is relax on the beach.

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

Sometimes men can be rude while you are in cosplay, but just because you are in costume doesn't mean that you are not a person. I just remind them that what they are attempting to do is sexual harassment and if they don't take the warning I will call security. I don't find it's often a problem but when it is I take it very seriously.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

All my professional photography is done by Angela Lau Most costumes are made by myself, my partner or Ashe Rogue unless otherwise mentioned Cosplay is for fun, keep is that way! :)