Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

I have only very recently started getting into Cosplay. I have followed a few prominent cosplayers for a couple years but never made anything really until now. For me, building the costume and it's parts is kinda like a puzzle. You can make each piece and then slowly the whole picture comes into view.

What are your next goals?

I really want to finish my Harley Quinn and take a bunch of cool pictures. Then it is on to the next project and hopefully being able to go to convention to show it off.

Cosplay Characters

Right now I am (very slowly) working on a male version of Harley Quinn. I have only ever seen females do it, and if they can do guy characters, what is stopping me from doing the opposite. Also, a couple years ago in college I made a pretty detailed enderman costume. That is about all I have now but I do have a few ideas for future projects.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay is the ultimate way to express your nerdiness and creativity. Everyone adds their own personal flair to each costume which means that even 10 Batmans will all be unique.

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

My top role models are Jessica Nigri and Lindsay Elyse. They taught me that being nerdy is awesome and you should always be yourself.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

As an upcoming and new cosplayer myself I have been trying to figure this out. I have learn so far that you should not be too ambitious with your first projects. I beat myself up because my hammer wasn't perfect but then I remembered it is my first try and I will improve as I keep at it. Practice makes perfect.

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

It's not super negative but a bit annoying. It can be weird trying to explain what Cosplay is to people who have never heard of it. To me it's just a hobby like playing video games or reading a book.