Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Hello you lovely, lovely people. My name is Crissy! I am 23 years old, currently enrolled for my Master's in Social Work and a certificate program in costume design, Korean-American, and 4'11". I am Kamala Khan in the Arizona Avengers and I LOVE IT! Being a cosplayer is exciting, stimulating, busy, stressful, therapy, art, a race against time, fabulous, challenging, SO BADASS, making friends, inspiring yourself/others, and makes-you-want-to-hulk-out-in-all-the-good-and-bad ways. Mostly, it's FUN FUN FUN.

What are your next goals?

My goals are to make another set of armor of props that's even BETTER and more planned than my Hikaru. Also, I would like to continue to develop my sewing skills through my classes (and buy a new sewing machine XD) I hope I can bust out at least 3 more costumes this upcoming year! I'm challenging myself to do this while I have an internship, three jobs, and going to Master's level classes full time.... Wish me luck. I'll be needing all the support from my fans and friends to do it. :) THANK YOU ALL.

Cosplay Characters

Hello Kitty, 2008 Pikachu, 2008 Prince from Beautiful Katamari, 2010 Wasp from Marvel Universe, 2011 Neliel from Bleach, 2013 Fem Mario, 2013 Beth Tezuka from Bravest Warrios, 2013 Mega Ampharos from Pokemon, 2014 Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan), 2014 Hikaru from Magic Knight Rayearth, 2014 Of course, excluding all the Halloween costumes from when I was a wee little laddy.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay means putting your passion right on your sleeves... If it involves any! ;) It's a culture that brings people together where you can fanatically freak over a beloved character someone created AND it's socially acceptable.. Encouraged, even! It's showcasing your art and representing to others what you're proud of. It's a hobby, a career, an opportunity, a phenomenon, a fad (but one I can get behind!), and... It also means empty wallets!! But it's 100000% worth it!!!!

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

Kamui Cosplay was the first real cosplayer I fangirled over. I watched her adorable, German tutorials and was flabbergasted at how creative and amazing she was in her prop making. You have to consider, there were no tutorials at that time. There wasn't as many people cosplaying. She made it all on her own and her work is incredible. To this day she continues to improve and amaze me. Vampy Bit Me and Yaya Han are also a couple of my favorites. Their sewing skill is spectacular and they're EXTREMELY talented seamstress/prop makers. They continue to challenge themselves which is something I LOVE about all three of these women. I'd love to spend time with them and make something with them someday.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

JUST DO IT! The tutorials are online (deviantart is one of the best places imo) and you can do it for a reasonable price! Don't limit yourself and don't compare yourself. Become someone/something you love and give yourself that incredible opportunity to see a lens through the character's eyes. PLUS. You'll look awesome doing it. Never be afraid to ask questions and never care about what others think of you. You're a beast and if you ever need a confidence boost, I'm always here to support you! :)

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

The first time I cosplayed at Phoenix Comicon, someone full on, grabbed my butt cheek without my consent. Unfortunately, I could not find the culprit but I felt extremely violated as a human being. That is a serious offense and someone could be charged with sexual assault if they're not careful. When it occurred, I told my friend immediately, and we tried our best to avoid big crowds like that one. It's sad, but reality. I have learned to become very aware of my surroundings at large, crowded places/cons.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

I want to say THANKS for getting my word out and supporting the little people. You folks are important as well as the many friends and fans I have out there. YOU'RE ALL BEASTS. Keep at it! :)