Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Well I honestly am not sure, I mostly cosplay for cons. I really enjoy dressing up in a costume for several reasons, the first being the feeling like it's okay to be free to be more eccentric than is accepted normally. For me cosplay in is about getting to dress as a character you love and feeling empowered through it. I love when people stop me to ask for pictures because it makes me feel like I really do look like the character and 9 times out of 10 I feel more beautiful than I could be in my every day life.

What are your next goals?

To actually make my costumes myself. It's a lofty goal but with a sister who is amazing with needle and thread I am confident I can handle it.

Cosplay Characters

I have been Saria from Ocarina of time, Velma, and Yuna from FFX, Bell from Beauty and the Beast, Laura Croft from Tomb Raider

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Freedom and courage.

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

Mostly my friends, because of their help making the costumes and their encouragement along the way.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Pick a cosplay you feel comfortable with, not one you feel you have to do.

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

So far I haven't had to deal with any negativity but my own, and then all it takes is willpower to force my way past it.