Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

I've been a cosplayer for two years now. My friend got me into cosplay and conventions back when I was still in high school and the subject was completely foreign. Now, it's my favorite hobby. To be a cosplayer is to be a creative person that really loves whatever it is they're blowing their bank account trying to recreate. It's an enjoyable hobby that shouldn't be taken too seriously. In the end, it really is all for fun.

What are your next goals?

Merida from Brave, Big Sister from Bioshock 2, Mad Moxxi from Borderlands 2 with my boyfriend in tow as Handsome Jack, Princess Fiona from Shrek, Celty from Durarara, Princess Anna's coronation day dress from Frozen, and Freddie Mercury,

Cosplay Characters

My first cosplay was Harper Alexander from 2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams. Since then, I've also cosplayed two variations of a genderbent Joker from Batman, Alex Vause from Orange is the New Black, Honey from Ouran High School Host Club, Black Widow from Marvel, genderbent Scar from Lion King, Elizabeth from Bioshock Burial at Sea, Louise Belcher from Bob's Burgers, Sookie Stackhouse from True Blood, the Impala from Supernatural, Bunny Splicer from Bioshock, and Amber Sweet from Repo! The Genetic Opera.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay is a fun and creative hobby that makes me feel like I'm doing something productive in creating things in my spare time.

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

Probably my friend Lenee of The Men Who Stare At Suits. She's the one that encouraged me to start cosplaying, and continues to encourage me to keep practicing and improving.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Be patient. Your first cosplay probably won't be amazing. No one starts off as a pro. Thrift stores are your new best friend. And when thrift stores aren't an option, be prepared to spend some serious money. It's not a cheap hobby.

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

I honestly haven't had any really negative experiences yet aside from having some creep shots taken of my ass. Basically, I'm not wearing pants. I do open myself up to it. If I absolutely didn't want it to happen, I'd wear pants.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Gotta shout-out to Lenee for getting me into cosplay and Katy, for being my cosplay partner despite knowng how much I procrastinated and don't get stuff done.