Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

My name is Arianna a.k.a Thalia and I have been cosplaying for about 2 years now! However, I have been creating and wearing costumes since I was a child. My Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma are the ones who began creating epic Halloween costumes for me and I have now taken that costume tradition from Halloween to a year-round venture. When I went to my first con in the Portland Convention center, I instantly fell in love with cosplaying! The community is what really inspired me to take my costumes to the next level. There is nothing quite like someone coming up to you and appreciating the work you have put into your costume!

What are your next goals?

To be the best there ever was! I kid, but I do want to only get better from here. My next costume is really going to challenge me on levels I have never tried before, and I am so excited! I also want to work with a variety of photographers and other cosplayers! Let's do some collaborations, shall we?

Cosplay Characters

I will try to put this in chronological order from oldest to current: Misa from Death Note, a Kloketeer from Deathklok, the original Attic Bride from the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland, a Persocom from Chobits (several different variations of this one), Juliet Starling from Lollipop Chainsaw, a casual Harley Quinn and a Burlesque Harley Quinn (a personalized design), Terra from Teen Titans, Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie, Eevee gijinka, and I am currently working on a special costume for Rose City Comic Con!

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay means that I can be whatever I want to be! Before I learned what cosplay was, I would feel a bit weird dressing up for events and always thinking "I hope I'm not the only one dressing up..." (not that it would stop me, hehe). However, now I can go to events and cons and know that there will be an amazing community who is all in it with me! I love the freedom of being an "adult" and dressing up as well...costumes aren't just for kids!

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

My family has been my biggest inspiration for my cosplays. Whenever I get stuck, feel discouraged, or just simply out of ideas my mom is always there to give me a new look at things. When I was young my Mom and Great-Grandma sewed all of my Halloween costumes from scratch and my Grandma and Grandpa would help paint and create props for me! Their love and support is what has kept me going for this long. In addition, I really admire current cosplayers who have taken cosplay to the next level. The usual artists like Yaya Han and Jessica Nigri are obvious inspirations but I am also lucky to be around a ton of local amazing cosplayers like Miss Sinister, Danielle a Seattle Area Cosplayer, Jina D, and Mel Dee Cosplay. (Haven't heard of them? Look them up!)

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Sometimes it is easy to see all of the wonderful cosplays at conventions and get discouraged, but I have learned that you must keep making your ideas reality! There is always someone who will appreciate what you have made and that feeling is the best in the world! Also, make a costume that will make you happy, not just because it is something that you think will get attention. When you put your heart into a cosplay that you love, it shows! (and it makes it easier to get motivated to work on it!)

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

I would say walking around cons and people being inconsiderate when smashing into your costume. Yes, cons can get really crowded easily, but everyone is trying to get somewhere so please respect a cosplayer's space! Sometimes collisions are not avoidable, at least apologize if one occurs! In addition, I am not a fan of people sneaking pictures of my cosplay...please just ask!

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Do what you love! :D Shout out to all the awesome people pursuing their goals...sometimes it gets hard, but persevere and it will be worth it!