Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Being a cosplayer is both fun and stressful at the same time. But that's what makes it so great! I'm not the most skilled at sewing and i'm still developing my skills in weapon making, so i'm always concerned about how the audience that see my images are going to respond. I also enjoy putting my own spin on things, i'm in the middle of making a Miss Fortune from LoL, but as I don't feel confident showing my midriff, i'm throwing a vintage corset into the mix!

What are your next goals?

I aim to attend more cons and get noticed a bit more, i'm not as active on social media with my cosplays as i'd like to be!

Cosplay Characters

I have done Daenarys Targaryen, Margaery Tyrell, Amy Pond, Clara Oswald, Clary Fray, Katniss Everdeen, Peggy Carter and Lilith from Borderlands. I am currently making Miss Fortune from LoL, and a genderbent Starlord

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay is a sort of freedom for me. When I was little, I loved dressing up, to the point where Halloween was (and still is) my favourite holiday. But I will always remember the year when my freinds started laughing at me when i said i still get dressed up for Halloween. As an aspiring actress, being dressed in something i wouldn't usually wear helps me connect to a character and releases me from the stresses of everyday life.

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

I began to cosplay after being inspired by Jessica Nigri and i've never looked back. I love how she always puts a unique spin on her costumes. There is far too much hate going around the internet about her not being a "true" cosplayer because all her costumes invove her breasts being accentuated in some way. I was very self concious about my boobs until I saw this hate aimed towards Nigri and how she dealt with it. If you've got something, FLAUNT IT! Besides helping me feel more body confident, Jessica Nigri taught me that not every cosplay has to be perfect and it's perfectly okay to create your own spin on something!

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Just go for it, you will make shitty cosplays, and that's fine, everyone has to start somewhere! Also DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP! Even if 5 people work on your costume, that's completely fine! As long as you credit people!

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

I haven't had any terrible experiences apart from sneery remarks on reddit and the odd turned up nose at comic con. You just gotta let it go. If you like what you're wearing that's all that matters, I'm cosplaying for myself first and foremost, but it's good when I get positive responses too.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Shout out to Jessica Nigri, without her, i'd lack a hell of a lot of the confidence i need to do this!