Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

My kids introduced my wife and I back into Anime and Manga a few years ago. I had grown up with Speed Racer, and we became hooked hooked quickly. The kids talked us into attending A-Kon 24 in Dallas as a vacation trip. My daughter did a costume for the trip and went as Medusa from Soul Eater. We were so impressed with how friendly and polite everyone was. On the way back from A-Kon we ordered the manga set of FullMetal Alchemist. We enjoyed the story so much we joked about who we could cosplay. My thoughts turned to Alphonse, for the challenge of doing him to scale. I have some composite experience that I obtained in my other hobby of building and flying High Power Rockets, making my choice of materials easy.

What are your next goals?

First and foremost is continue to have fun whether it be cosplay or gaming, enjoying the time with the family. We will be attending A-Kon 26 as well as some of the smaller local cons, and are planning on bringing Alphonse back and hopefully finding other FMA cosplayers for pictures. Currently working on two costumes, Millennium Earl from D. Gray Man, building the mask, hat and Lero. Also started work on Robot Santa from Futurama. Note: use http://1fuzzyrocket.imgur.com for pictures.

Cosplay Characters

My first cosplay was Alphonse from FullMetal Alchemist that I built for me or my son. At the same time I also constructed a 66 costume for the other, and provided some construction and fiberglass help to my daughter who went as Edward. My son wore him at A-Kon 25, my daughter went as Ed, my wife as Izume and me as 66. We were now a cosplay family. Being our first con, we did not want the pressure of competing, and just enjoyed talking to people. My son got a bit claustrophobic at A-Kon and my daughter wanted to wear him, so I modified Alphonse for her. She wore it to a smaller local con, and wanted to enter the competition and ended up taking first prize.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

First: Cosplay allows us to things as a family. We work together in planning, building, and go to cons. Second: Cosplay allows a creative outlet, and a challenge to design and build something, allowing attention to detail. Also nice that finding a con is easier than finding a location to fly high power rockets. Third: Cosplayers are a great group of people, and willing to help and strike up conversations in line. Also finding that local cosplayers are involved in charity work, and we are excited to start helping in that regard.

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

The regular cosplayers we have talked to at cons and talked to the internet. There are some amazing costumes out there put together by regular people that show attention to detail and accuracy.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Talk to people, find local cosplayers and a local group if you can. Ask questions, most if not all, are willing to talk about the work they have done.

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

I have not seen anything first hand. I think it is important for the community to stay ahead of potential issues, like bullying and shaming, to keep the comradery we currently enjoy.