Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

It's lots of fun. I'd definitely say it's an emotional roller coaster, though; you go from the giddiness of all the costumes you want to make, to the grim realization of how much you've spent on material, to the stress of finishing your costumes on time, so the excitement of actually wearing the costume, and the sheer amazement when you look back on the photos and see yourself as others saw you.

What are your next goals?

More cosplay! But before that, getting good grades in university. I love cosplay, and it's my #1 hobby, but at the moment, I'm a full time science student and am going to be dedicating all my time to that. When I have free time, though, I'll definitely be working on upcoming projects! Like Tinkerbell (Pokemon version for a group cosplay), Kuroneko, Will/Irma from W.I.T.C.H., and Daenerys.

Cosplay Characters

Oof. I've cosplayed quite a few over the years, but only got into photography a few years back so I don't have many photos up until about 2011. I'm also a poor student so I can't afford to travel or sew as much as I'd like. This year I cosplayed Krieger and Krieger's Girlfriend from Archer, Lycoris and Mao from Dokuhime, and Agatha from Pokemon. My boyfriend cosplayed with me so I got to create his costumes, as well.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

I love creativity. Cosplay lets me create lists of the characters I want to play, step into outfits that make me feel like someone else, and see so many other cosplayers who've done just such an amazing job. I love appreciating people's skills and being in an environment where everyone shares similar interests. Getting photos back from photoshoots is also the biggest present ever x3

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

I think the first cosplayer who I ever actually realized did it as a hobby was Clef. She'd done a Tinkerbell cosplay that was just so realistic, and once I'd clicked on her link, I was hooked. I never knew people dedicated so much time and effort into making such amazing things. I follow dozens upon dozens of cosplayers online, and they're all so great. I'm a huge fan of Clef, Courtoon, and Stella Chuu. Ha, three C's! I hope that one day I'll get to cosplay a lot more and people will actually see my costumes.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

It's true. It takes quite a bit of time, money, and effort. Especially money. But even if you don't have any of those things, you can still make a really successful cosplay! Take it slow and do your research (diy tutorials are life savers!) and check out cosplay forums and blogs for where to buy certain un-makeable items, like wigs or contacts. The cosplay community is really friendly and can give you valuable advice.

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

The only negative thing I've dealt with when cosplaying is my own body image. I've struggled with an eating disorder for many years and am in recovery, but I still find it very difficult to wear skin hugging outfits without feeling very self conscious. I may also abuse the photoshop button a little too much.