Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Hi, I'm Sarah, or Sarahkitty. I've been making costumes since I was about 13 years old, but I only recently got serious about cosplay in February!

What are your next goals?

My next cosplay goals are Kayle from League of Legends and Sylvanas Windrunner from World of Warcraft. I have a lot more planned, but those are my next immediate projects!

Cosplay Characters

My costuming obsession originated from making simple costumes to wear to book and movie releases. I started by putting together simple thrift store costumes of Harry Potter characters, gradually making more and more pieces of the costumes. Over the years I've made Hermione, Ginny, Luna & Xenophilius Lovegood, and even a Dobby costume! The first cosplay I made completely was a set of elven armor that I made for the first Hobbit premiere. Since then, I've cosplayed several League of Legends characters (Jinx, Kitty Cat Katarina, and Heartseeker Ashe) as well as Neferpitou from Hunter x Hunter.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

To me, cosplay is one of the purest forms of self expression. I've been shy my entire life, and when I put on a costume, I feel like an entirely different person. Attention and conversations suddenly become fun! I'm incredibly passionate about the time I spend on making my cosplays, and showing off my hard work is exhilarating. There's really nothing like the cosplay community, honestly. Everyone is so open and welcoming.

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

I was a cosplay fan for quite awhile before I started cosplaying seriously myself. Some of my favorite cosplay ladies out there are Monika Lee, Danielle Beaulieau, Jessica Nigri, and Ely Renae. Oh, also Ashari Cosplay! I honestly have so many. Like I said, the community is very welcoming and willing to help. I draw inspiration from many places.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

My biggest advice to you is RESEARCH!! My cosplays are probably 70% research and 30% actually making stuff. Research tutorials, materials, do sketches, make a list of every single bit of fabric and material you'll need. Look at reference photos, even find other cosplayers and ask them for advice! Usually, they'll be more than willing to offer a few tips or ideas. Also, don't be afraid to fail. Sometimes you've just got to start over, and every mess-up is a learning experience. Lots of cosplayers give advice like "start simple, don't do things above your skill level, because you'll only be disappointed in the end." While closet cosplays are fun and easy, sometimes the only way to learn is to dive right in! I built a giant Fishbones rocket launcher for my first real cosplay, and sure, I know now that I could do it much better. But I was incredibly proud of it and I learned a LOT working on it, including skills that I still use on cosplays now! Moral: Cosplay WHATEVER you want, because if you really want to do it, you can accomplish it.

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

Quite honestly, I have yet to experience any real negatives in my cosplay so far. If I had to pick something, I would say the fact that not everyone is going to appreciate your cosplays, and sometimes they'll let you know (not so nicely.) In those cases, you just really have to ignore the criticism and move on with your life. As long as I'M happy with my cosplays, that's all that matters! I think we're all in this for the fun, not for the approval of others. Do you!

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Thank you guys so much for speaking with me! I hope some new cosplayers find at least something I said useful, haha. Good luck in your cosplay shenanigans!