Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

I'm May and I am known as Mayhem Cosplay. I am a 20 year old who loves anime, video games, cartoons, and fashion. I am currently going to school for my degree in costume design. My first cosplay was in 2009, but I started cosplaying seriously in 2012. Even though it can be stressful at times, cosplay is what fulfills me. I am able to be confident with who I am and share my passions to the world in this amazing art form.

What are your next goals?

Currently I am working on a few projects that are completely new to me. I am building a fur suit for Tibbers from League of Legends as a commission and I am making full armor and larger, more detailed props for Five from Drakengard 3.

Cosplay Characters

My first cosplay was Princess Tutu from Princess Tutu. It was mostly pieced together as a closet cosplay, but then I had a desire to cosplay more challenging characters and learned how to sew and work with different materials. Now my main characters that I cosplay are Krista Renz (Attack on Titan), Hextech Janna (League of Legends), Ruby Rose (RWBY), Ahiru and Princess Tutu (Princess Tutu), Ryuko Matoi (Kill la Kill), and a few other characters.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay is my outlet and my way of showcasing my creativity and hard work. My entire life is consumed with working to improve my skill. Cosplay means pushing your limits. There have been many instances of self-doubt, anxiety, and lack of motivation but having my friends by my side help me remembering what cosplay is all about. It's about having fun and seeing how far you can go with a project. It's about being with your friends and reaching out to others. Cosplay is more than just dressing in a costume, it's a community that I am honored to be a part of.

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

My biggest motivations and influences are my friends. Most of my cosplays are done with Nutmeg Cosplay and I don't think I would be able to do it with out her. Meg is my voice of reason and my best friend. We did our first cosplays together and now we both work on each other's cosplays. Having a partner in crime inspires me to do the best I can for her and support her like she does for me. We give each other confidence to take that first jump into a new project or that first step out the door in the costume. I'm also inspired by my friends from Bacon-Flavored Cosplay. They are constantly challenging themselves and creating more elaborate costumes. I love seeing their outlook and how they take part in the community.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Always remember that you are your own worst critic, but it's ok to evaluate yourself. No matter how simple or complex a project, there is always something you can learn and gain from it. And no matter what, do what makes YOU happy. Cosplay as whoever you want. No one can tell you you can't do something except yourself.

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

The most negative experience I've gotten was people saying unwanted opinions about my body. Yes, I am aware that these shorts are short. The character wears short shorts. No, I do not care what you think about my thighs or my legs. I do this because it make me happy. Typically, these comments come from people who are not cosplayers, but from the cosplay community I have received an overwhelming amount of support and positive feedback.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

I also have a Tumblr and instagram: MayhemCosplay.tumblr.com http://instagram.com/mayhemcosplay Please check out my partner in crime: https://www.facebook.com/Nutmmmeggg