Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

It's like being a normal person with a very strange skillset? Hey I'm Courtney. I'm 24, have a full time job, two cats and a lot of video games and manga. Well....a good amount. I like learning how to do random things and RPG's of all types. Strategy games are fun too, as can be FPS. Straight FPS war games aren't my cup of tea though.

What are your next goals?

My big goal is to create a motorized and lit up version of Meru's Dragoon form from Legend of Dragoon. We're doing a group at Animazement 2015. I've been planning out the design for three years now, finally feel like I could do it justice. Short term, I'm creating the Glowcloud from WTNV, Learning to embroider for my sunflower fairy and just having fun. Overall my goal is to learn, have fun and be happy.

Cosplay Characters

Oh dear. Let's see. Two versions of Rikku from FFX-2, Kano for Kagerou, 3 versions of Zapdos, Charizard, Trainer May, 2 versions of Pidgeot, Punk Flareon, Apop Tinkerbell, Sailor Cinderella, Sasha from AoT, Haruko from FLCL, Sakizou Terra, Excel from Excel Saga, Veronica from Fallout NV, Party version of a Weeping Angel, Pin Up Scout from TF2, Peppermint Maid from Adventure Time and I've done steampunk characters, a deer, elves and lots of things involving sunflowers. Probably missed some as well.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

It means a way I can challenge myself to create something tangible in the theme of something I love. Making characters or original designs is just fun. I remember being little and wanting to be like Lara Croft or Celes from FFVI(FFIII snes). When I learned there were people doing this for fun, I slowly hopped in. Doing it with friends is even better. Yes I've seen this hobby tear up friendships, which is quite silly, but I've made such great friends through it as well. The best thing is when you're dressed up and you find someone who loves something as much as you. Whether it's pokemon or sunflowers. It's such an easy way to spread some joy and have fun doing so!

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

Honestly if it wasn't for Dramacon(the manga) I doubt I would've found out about conventions till I was in college. I actually learned about cosplay from True Life: I'm a Cosplayer. No kidding! There was a gal who did Rikku from FFX and I fell in love instantly. Mentor-wise there are a few gals I'm friends with that I hit up when I'm stumped. Like Shiny Cupcake for princessly things, Genefive De Estelle for historically accurate materials and designs, and there are a few other folks as well. Role Models, man It's Raining Neon, Kamui Cosplay, Korin Cosplay, Chubear and Stella, Yaya-han. I love seeing the magic they create and the tips they give.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Err....really everyone is still an upcoming cosplayer. You're always learning, even outside of cosplay. Remember, with enough time and research you can make even the impossible happen. Seriously it's not worth stressing yourself because you want to make a costume in a week. Plan it out. You'll save money too doing that. Really once you push yourself to make something that will last or to learn something new, you'll improve. Once I started working on a costume over more than just a week my quality increased and I found I really enjoy sewing. It used to be "I want to be this character, argh why do I have to spend all this time on making it" to "I really want to bring this character to life, what's the best way to do so and how long do I have?". If I don't have enough time, I put it to the side. Work on it later. Also don't be a part of the problem. Respect folks and they'll respect you right back. If they don't, they're not worth your time.

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

What's interesting is my negative experiences tend to not be directly involved with what I'm wearing but more so conventions. I like to volunteer at conventions. It's a lot like my actual job so I know how to handle stressful event management. Breath, separate yourself and think logically. However some folks don't do well with stress and they lash out. That's a quick way to go downhill mentally. Just remember, there are a lot of folks who are hurting out there especially in the fandoms. It makes sense considering it's easy to escape a bad situation through a game or comics. There is a lot of hope in the pages of book. So when someone is insulting you or being an ass just know this might be one of the ways they cope. Doesn't make it right, but it helps to try to understand.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Have fun and eat more tacos. Pet a cat and go for a walk. Always have safety pins hidden in your costume, someone will need one. Bandaids are great to have on hand. Go team!