Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Hey, I'm Talia, and I guess this is the first time I've really considered myself to be a cosplayer. I have only been really cosplaying for a year now, and I've only been to one convention so far, my second one is coming up in a week. Before, I would just make very elaborate Halloween costumes based on my favorite video game characters, until someone asked me to cosplay as Sonya Blade with their group of friends dressed up as the Mortal Kombat crew. Since then I've been hooked. Being a cosplayer is awesome because I feel like I live a double life. I am also a beach volleyball player, and I work and go to university. Because of my busy schedule, I rarely get to express my creativity. Cosplay allows me those few hours a week to escape just live in another world. When I plan an outfit, I usually do lots of research like looking at pictures, reading character bios, and of course playing the video games. Also, finally getting to dress up and only be Sonya (or whoever) and not Talia is just the best feeling. I get to finally take on the role of someone who has only existed in my imagination. My favorite part about making a costume is finally making or finding the piece that bring the whole outfit together. Having that satisfaction of yes, I finally look like exactly who I have in mind is just so gratifying.

What are your next goals?

My next goal is to make an entire costume from scratch. I have wanted to do a gender reverse Kratos for a long time now, but never had the money to time to put into it. I plan on saving up next year and really focusing on finally creating her to wear at Montreal Comicon 2015.

Cosplay Characters

I have only accurately played 4, 2 at Halloween and 1 at Montreal Comicon in 2013. They were: -Lara Croft, Halloween 2011 -Harley Quinn Arkham City, Halloween 2012 -Sonya Blade (MK9 alternate version), Montreal Comicon 2013 -Harley Quinn Joker's Revenge, coming soon at Montreal Comicon 2014!

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay means mainly honouring my female heroes. I have been reading comics and watching super hero shows since I was a kid. The female heroes were always my favourite because the exuded such confidence and independence. I was very shy as a kid and teenager, and was bullied a lot. These female heroes showed me that girls can kick ass no matter what, and cosplaying as them is my homage to their strength.

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

Other than female super heroes as i explained above, my biggest role model and influence has been my mom. Ever since she dressed me up in a pink bunny costume for my first Halloween, I haven't been able to go back. I credit her for all of my creative ability and enthusiasm in making costumes, because she always helped me make mine as a kid. We never had much money, so buying costumes was out of the question. Instead we would go to second hand stores to find clothes to turn into costumes. Thanks to her, I am able to imagine so many different way to create the kind of costume I would like.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

If you're a beginner, keep it basic, and do something you love. Start simple, so you aren't too overwhelmed by taking on a big project for the first time. Also, if your project is a character you absolutely love, you'll have that much more drive to achieve your goal.

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

Creepy guys following me around and taking pictures. I understand that it's normal at a convention, but after half an hour of catcalls and photos it's time to alert security.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Thank you for asking me to do this interview/survey, it really pumped me up for the Montreal Comicon on September 13th! You guys should come check it out! People get really into it, and it'll be a blast. Shout out to my MK9 homies and my mom!!