Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Hello, it'sa me, Box of Props Mario! But seriously, I'm Ross, a Texan cosplayer. I'm studying marine biology and marine fisheries. Despite the science side of me, I had a passion for theater. As a hobby, I was a thespian, play writer, and actor. I'm normally shy, quiet, and introverted, but when I cosplay Mario I come out of my "koopa shell." I am way more extroverted cosplaying than I ever am in college. I really try to get in character when I cosplay. I'll even sneeze in character.

What are your next goals?

Mario Paint is my next cosplay.

Cosplay Characters

Super Mario, Flying Mario, All Stars Mario, Cape Mario, Raccoon Mario, Fire Mario, Ice Mario, Sunshine Mario, Tanooki Mario, Doctor Mario, and THE DOCTOR Mario.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

The play is the most important aspect of "cosplay." From saying lines from the games to perfectly mimic them, to researching the deeper aspects of a character's personality, to learning obscure trivia about a character. To cosplay is to become the character and therefore becoming the life of the "Mario party." It's not about the amount of hours you spent stitching, it's about the amount you put into researching. While having a costume good enough so people can tell who you are is extremely important, how you portray the character means the most to me. I know that my opinion isn't the most popular one, but I'd love to see more people act like their characters.

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

There are a countless amount of cosplayers that I look up to and respect, like Silly Little Missy, Dariel Krause, and Kaityln Sigurasa. There's just too many to list them all. But as for Mario cosplayers, Josh Benavidez, "Willink Gm", and Osbaldo Castillo stand out. Josh loaned me his super star, and with it I won my first Judges' Award at Anime Matsuri. Will gave me advice and was polite and offered advice even while I was first starting out. Osbaldo has always been extremely friendly and classy. As for influences, Masahiro Sakurai, Reggie Fils-Aimé, Shigeru Miyamoto, and Charles Martinet have defined my childhood.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Know people: sometimes commissions are the only way to finish your cosplay, know the people you're rooming with, and volunteer at cons to get to know the people behind the scenes. Finally, use social media to your advantage. As for the con itself: Save your best cosplay for Saturday. Bring Mio or other water enhancers. You can cook ramen in hotel coffee pots. Have a handler to help you with your stuff. Set alarms on your phones for photoshoots and events. Try to find a upcoming photographer to get free quality pictures. If you can use a backpack in your cosplay, do it. It's so much easier lugging my con swag in my box than carrying it. And finally, if you have insomnia, FOR THE LOVE OF HARUHI SUZUMIYA, PACK YOUR SLEEPING PILLS FIRST! And pack them in a place you can find them.

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

There's another group of Mario cosplayers that I've had the worst experiences of my life with. However, I have had good times with them too. In the long run, avoiding them seems to work out for the best.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Remember, cosplay is about the play. So, have fun with it. I'd like to give a shoot-out to anyone who has liked my page. I'm surprised how many people have liked it considering we post so many jokes instead of cosplay stuff. To Jordan, Ryan, and Ben whom have been my Luigis, I truly thank you for putting up with my shenanigans. Niki, Susie, Jeremy, and Alyssa thanks for your help with my cosplays. ^_^ See you next time. Ciao!