Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Hello! My name is Luke, and I'm currently twenty years old. I'm a cosplayer in Oklahoma, and I've been cosplaying for about 3 years now. Being a cosplayer is one of the most rewarding experiences I can think of. Not only do I get to make something with my own two hands, but I get to showcase it the world and get the feedback of people who love the character as much as I do. I get to share my hobbies with others at conventions, and it also helps me greatly with my social anxieties. Stepping into a costume allows me to talk to people much easier, and it has helped me make huge improvements in my life. Being a cosplayer, in a word, is awesome.

What are your next goals?

My upcoming cosplays are Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy and Ganondorf from Hyrule Warriors. I'm also hoping to strengthen my standing in the cosplay community and become better known.

Cosplay Characters

Marshall Lee - Adventure Time Big Mac - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Tuxedo Mask - Sailor Moon Jack Frost - Rise of the Guardians Thorin Oakenshield - The Hobbit Wikipedia - The Interwebs Series Bigby Wolf - The Wolf Among Us

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay is a way to show the absolute most support and love for a character or series that you possibly can. What better way to show how much you love a character than to literally become the character? It's also an awesome way to think creatively and put multiple talents to use. One costume can include up to a hundred different skill sets, and it's fun to learn skills and put them to action.

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

Yaya Han is obviously a big role model of mine. She's been an amazing help with the community and has really pushed the cosplay hobby into a positive light. I also really look up to Jessica Merizan and Holly Conrad form Crabcat Industries. They are not only cosplay inspirations, but also huge inspirations for the business I one day hope to run. Mango Sirene and Courtoon are two women I really look up to. I think these two influence my cosplay more than anyone above, as they both focus on having fun with their cosplay. When I get stressed with my costume, I watch their videos and read their blogs (http://mangosirene.tumblr.com/ and http://ohyeahcourtoon.tumblr.com/) and remember that this is first and foremost a hobby, and I shouldn't be worried about it. They are also two wonderful people, and I enjoy knowing that people like them are what fills up this cosplay community.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Start simple! Don't spend $700 on your first cosplay, only to discover that you don't really like it. Understand that people will criticize you, but the only, ONLY opinion that matters is yours. It is your costume, and you are wearing it. No one else matters. Also, try out photography. You might absolutely love cosplay, but not the tedious creative process. Photography is an awesome way to be a part of the community while not having to drive yourself mental making a costume.

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

Shortly after I debuted Thorin Oakenshield at A-Kon 25, an episode of Heroes of Cosplay aired where someone also made a Thorin Oakenshield costume. I received a few comments telling me that his was much better, that my costume was basically ruined now, that I was a poser and was following Heroes of Cosplay. I didn't really mind though. Part of being a cosplayer is having thick skin. There will always be people who attack you, whether they have reason to or not. I could literally have shape-shifted into Richard Armitage, worn the official Thorin Oakenshield costume, and still have been told some nasty things. My advice? Forget about it. Don't let people get you down. Five minutes after they write those nasty comments, they literally forget about you and go attack someone else. Why wasted hours upon hours thinking about the one thing they said? Don't even worry about it.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to do this interview!