Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Charlee- Well, I will start off by saying my name is Charlee! I'm a cosplayer(new) located in Montreal, Canada. To me, cosplay is a bit of a whirlwind experience! A lot of time and devotion goes into making the pieces that we wear. It is an amazing creative outlet that has almost limitless possibilities. Not too mention it is an amazing community where even the most experienced person can stand to learn something and be inspired by a first timer. Miyah- My name is Miyah Blackwater of Blackwater Cosplay and although I've just started cosplaying, it does start to consume you. For me, cosplaying is a chance to live in the shoes of your superheros. It's also a chance to be creative and grow as a person, Cosplaying is much more than just dressing up for fun like on halloween. You're not just dressing up, your becoming you're own or someone else's favorite character. You're not only dressing up for yourself, but for the people within the community you love. I love when people come up to me and say 'thank you for doing this character!' it makes me feel good knowing that someone else loves what I've done and all the blood sweat and tears become totally worth it. In other words, it's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

What are your next goals?

Charlee - Hmmm.. To date, my goals are to remain as involved as a student who works full time possibly can. We are planning on making it out to Ottawa Pop Expo at the end of November. Look for us there! Miyah - I have got a whole bunch of stuff happening right now, pop expo is one, which will be really fun! I've got a list of characters I want to do which are going to be in the works this winter. Lots of goals and life changing events on my side, but I'm hoping to meet awesome people at pop expo!! Look for us! We'll be the dorks.

Cosplay Characters

Miyah - We've only just started and I was able to test my skills on creating Ms.Marvel and my own version of Harley Quinn. I love them both, but I can't wait to use what I learned on my list of cosplay! Charlee - Being fairly new to the community I only really have two characters under my belt! I cosplayed as Black Widow, and as Scarlet Witch at this last Montreal Comic Con. I do, however, have two characters currently under construction and a whole list of upcoming projects. Big things are coming from us at Blackwater Cosplay!!

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Miyah - Cosplay for me isn't just a creative outlet, it's a chance to get to know people and grow as a person. Cosplay for me means being who you are and loving that person. I grew up as the quiet kid in the corner of the room who everyone didn't care about or made fun of. I think a lot of people can relate to that, but cosplay has really helped me express myself and be accepted and loved by the people closest to me. Cosplay has brought me closer to the friends and family I have now and cosplay for me has really been a life experiance and a life lesson. Not to mention, it's fun! Charlee - I don't think that Miyah could have said it any better. I've always had a hard time being confident and comfortable with myself, but then again so have most people I have ever known. It is all just about how you deal with it and portray yourself. For me, cosplay was the thing that really helped me get a grasp on what it felt like to be confident in something. I'm very awkward in social situations, and I have a hard time meeting new people because of that awkwardness. The cosplay community opened up a whole new world for me and I'm being introduced to AMAZING people who all love the same things as I do. To make it all that much more satisfying I get to embark on this adventure with one of my oldest and best friends.

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

Charlee - I can't say that I have any specific roll models in the cosplay community. There are the obvious names like Yaya Han and Jessica Nigri who have done absolutely gorgeous work. I also find myself very inspired by anyone who is willing to create a cosplay and attend a con. Anyone who is willing to momentarily step into the spotlight and put their work out there is a hero to me because it takes guts, and it takes passion for what you are doing. Miyah - I think it's pretty obvious that it would be the creators and characters of the comics, video games, movies and books we read. And I fully agree with Charlee, even I don't think I could have done it without her (I know I tried), but if we are talking about actual role model cosplayers I'd have to say Yaya Han and Crabcat Industries (Jessica and Holly) as the two I really look up to. They are really in cosplay for the love of cosplay and not for attention. Yes, attention comes with cosplay, but those who get attention from cosplay (which builds confidence) as opposed to people who do cosplay for only the attention (fame) is very different. That is why Crab Cat and Yaya Han are my role models for cosplay.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Charlee - DO IT! Don't worry about people will think. Don't worry about how people will judge you. Just do it. If it makes you happy, and if you are really in love with what you are doing then just do it. You are responsible for your own happiness. What everyone else thinks is just white noise. Everyone is the cosplay community is more than welcoming. Also, super glue is your best friend. Miyah - Reasearch and lots and lots and lots of coffee. Don't be afraid of being afraid to do it. It does take a lot of time, but it is sooo worth it when you put it all together. Also, don't be afraid to message or blog or talk in a forum about cosplay! You can make new friends and find new techniques and be the person you are, not the person people or society expects you to be.

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

Miyah - Timing. Time is the hardest thing to deal with, my first con was the worst experience because I just didn't have time. With some help, some safety pins, super glue, body tape and a really good, reliable Charlee, I was able to do it all, but I don't regret having such a bad time because it was an experience I needed to grow and learn. Charlee - *cough*scarletwitchheadpiece*cough* Nah, I don't think I've had any negative experiences yet. At least not with the community. The last minute stress of "Oh my god will I finish this costume in time?!?!" is a bit of a killer, but in the end it is so very very worth it!

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Miyah - I can talk for days so this question is dangerous, but thank you Charlee for being there for me not just though cosplay, but for everything and thank you to every single cosplaying addict out there. You made the cosplay community and cosplay itself come alive. I hope you all live long and prosper with the force and may the odds ever be in your favor. Charlee - I'd just like to thank Miyah one more time for being my rock through this. Also, mucho appreciation to everyone who shows us support throughout our journey ! So say we all.