Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Hello! My name is Krystal, and I've been a cosplayer for about 6 years now. At first, I just really loved it for craft. Sewing is awesome, dressing up is fun, combine the two and you're in for a good weekend, right? However, the deeper and deeper I got into the community, the more I realized that cosplaying has really shaped the way I carry myself and conduct relationships in all aspects of my life. It's given me a really good sense of humility, because it's hard to judge ANYONE when you dress up as cartoon characters on the weekend! I've found myself complimenting strangers more often because I've made a habit of it at cons, and that really makes my work and school experience much more enjoyable. Cosplaying also taught me the importance of seeking friendships with people who don't have a lot in common with you. I've made wonderful friends out of people who ONLY have cosplay in common with me; we don't watch the same shows, they like to run and I prefer cooking, different political affiliations, etc. It taught me that really, one similarity may be all you need to bond with someone, and all of those differences are opportunities to broaden your own horizons. I know that cosplay often gets a rap as being a form of escapism, but growing up in the cosplay community has really allowed me to grow into a successful adult. On top of the social niceties I've mentioned, there is no better lesson in time management than trying to make armor 5 days before a con! I've learned preparation for any major event is essential, networking is easier than you'd think, and NEVER substitute sleep or hygiene for fun. So really, being a cosplayer has been pretty awesome so far.

What are your next goals?

I dunno. :( I just started law school so that takes up quite a bit of time.

Cosplay Characters

I don't have a fan page, but I have cosplay.com account! http://www.cosplay.com/member/269244/ Some of my favorites have been Frieza, Marika Kato, Jessie from Team Rocket, and the Kotobukiya Freddy Krueger figure.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

It means dressing up in costumes. That's really it. I know a lot of people say that it means community, and being a part of a group that is kind to you, and not worrying about your body type, but really, I think those things should be true no matter what your hobby is. Be good to others, be a good human being PERIOD. Now, has cosplay helped me become a good human being? I'd like to think so. It's taught me the joy of making a stranger smile, the (sometimes scary)power of being in a large community, and the awesome feeling you get when you put a lot of work into a project. I think cosplay like, most hobbies, can teach you very real life lessons.

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

My mom and my Nana. Nana taught me how to sew, and Mom spent goodness knows how many dollars and hours on anime and driving me to cons and meetups. They don't understand anime that much (Mom does know what a jigglypuff is, however), but once they saw it made me happy, they haven't stopped supporting me since.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Chances are, you'll never be a super e-famous cosplay idol, so if fame is all you've got on your mind, you'll get sick of this hobby really quickly. You can't know what costumes will make the entire internet happy, but you can know which ones will make YOU happy. So do those. Be your happy self and go to conventions and make friends. Good friends will be your biggest fans, and will mean so much more to you than numbers on a Facebook page.

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

This is more of a volunteer story, but it's one of the worst convention stories I have. I was green room staff and I cooked for 27 hours STRAIGHT for the green room, and wasn't allowed to speak to the guests in the green room (many of whom I had known for a long time and were trying to speak to me) because I was 'only' a cosplayer. I also didn't get reimbursed for ingredients until Sunday, so I couldn't buy anything or eat. I handled it by never going back. I will never support a convention that treats volunteers, staff, or attendees like garbage because they don't have a job in the anime industry. It's absolutely disgusting.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Thanks for making the survey! It was fun!