Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

I go by the name 'UsagiNoSenshi' on the interwebs and in the cosplay community. I've been cosplaying since 2001 and I attended my first convention (Otakon) in 2003. I've been hitting up cons and churning out a ridiculous number of costumes ever since. Being a cosplayer is a magical thing, but it's also a lot of work (for me at least). I take a lot of pride in making my own costumes. I came into this hobby with no sewing experience. I worked hard and learned as much as I could, taking the better part of a decade to be able to sew properly with any amount of talent. I'm very proud of what I've accomplished and now I have a skill I can use in life!

What are your next goals?

My next (lofty) goal is to try to make a suit of armor from the anime/game Walkure Romanze. I'm sure I can do it if I take my time XD

Cosplay Characters

At current date I've made just over a hundred costumes in my years doing this. I started with Miaka from Fushigi Yuugi and Kagome from Inuyasha. Currently I'm most known for cosplaying Sheryl Nome from Macross Frontier and various Mass Effect characters. My next upcoming cosplays are Riela Marcellis from Valkyria Chronicles 3 and Irisviel von Einzbern from Fate ZERO.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

To me cosplay is my escape from the stress of real life. Sometimes I just go to the fabric store and browse around for material for an upcoming project, look at patterns to see if any will work for me, research techniques online, or take the time to sit down and sew. I find all this very fun and a stress reliever. Wearing costumes and taking photos is an added bonus for me! And going to conventions are little mini vacations for me. It's all about having fun!

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

Bill Doran of Punished Props has been someone I've looked up to for a while. He does amazing work and more importantly gives a lot back to the community and is a great guy in general. The Polish cosplayer Shappi is also someone who's work I admire. She makes such beautiful and intricate armor!

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Don't be afraid of not being perfect, especially on the first try. You will learn and get better but it is going to take practice and lots of hard work. All those fabulous people you see on the internet? They didn't start out that way. Just keep trying! You learn more from your failure than you do from your success, so don't be afraid to make mistakes!

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

For a few years I had some people that liked to pick on me online, especially on a certain website. But really the only thing they could say about me was that I was overweight. Could I stand to lose a few pounds? Absolutely! Does it bother me when people point it out? Yeah, a little. But I'm healthy and happy with who I am. I do what I do for myself and my own happiness. If someone has a problem with that, that's their loss.