Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

My name is Chris. I am a 29 years old and I live in NYC. I love attending conventions of all types and I love cosplay. I have been cosplaying on and off since I was in high school. At first it was mostly just as halloween costumes so I didn't really think of it as cosplay, but it certainly was. 6 years ago I started dating a girl who shared a similar passion for dressing up at cons and we have done it since. I have gone from cosplaying simple stuff like, The Great Saiyaman to Alphonse Elric. When I first started out I was consistantly intimidated by the amount of crafting and sewing skills needed to cosplay. Thing is I didn't have any of that, so I worked on the unique quality of my costumes to stand out. I am clearly not going to be the best Link at the con so I go with more niche things like Gitaroo Man. People are excited to see Gitaroo Man at all, so the quality of my costume becomes secondary. But truthfully I don't cosplay to be the best I cosplay to make people happy. I love become part of the con and being that cosplayer that people go "oh cool, that's totally Gitaroo Man, CRAZY!" Even if I only get that from one guy it makes it all worth it. Being a cosplayer can be summed in by spending months stressing over a costume to have that glorious moment where someone thinks you are the coolest thing they have ever seen, that makes it all worth it.

What are your next goals?

While I enjoyed my giant Alphonse armor I learned that I don't really want to move into the realm of massive bulky costumes. I am a con goer first and a cosplayer second. My Alphonse armor was so popular I basically just stood around all day and had my picture taken. Now I am not complaining, just saying I don't think I want that. So I am moving more towards fun and mobile costumes. Recently I have become obsessed with the idea of concept cosplays cause they allow me to really be adventurous. By that I mean mashups or cross over cosplays.

Cosplay Characters

Kliff -Guilty Gear, The Great Saiyaman -DBZ, Ember Island Player's Toph -Avatar: The last Airbender, Revan -Star Wars, Gitaroo Man -Gitaroo Man, Joe -Viewtiful Joe, Miroku -Inuyaha, Shadow Link -Legend of Zelda, Pokemonster Hunter -My own concept.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay is something that allows me to lose myself in the fandom. I am not simply attending a con I am part of it. The crafting, getting to show it off, getting to see people react. That is why I cosplay.

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

I have always aspired to be on the level of one of those intense professional cosplayers. Kamui, Jessica Nigri, Yaya Han, but they all do it for a living and it is simply a hobby for me, but lucky they are all super helpful. I will say that Kamui cosplay is my biggest mentor. I have watched her advance in skill over the years and it is really something to behold

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Don't let a lack of skill discourage you. Not everyone can be Kamui, cosplay isn't about that. This isn't a competition. Get creative, I was a good 5 cosplays in before I learned out to sew a hem. Just work with what you have, pick costumes that match your skill level. Pick something obscure, some of the coolest cosplays I have seen were made out of cardboard, it's all about being creative. If you make people think or catch them by surprise with your ideas they will love it. Then as you continue to cosplay the skills will come. Heck I never thought I could make a full suit of armor, but it happened!

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

Honestly I have never really dealt with much. You will always get the random comment "hey look it's fat (character" or fans that will nitpick your color choices and such. But just like trolls on the internet it's best to ignore them, those people can't enjoy anything in life, don't let them ruin your day. Just smile and nod and move along, there are thousands of people that think you are awesome.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Just to follow your dreams when it comes to cosplay, and well everything for that matter! Also a shout-out to my partner in crime Milly! She is my other half for all my cosplays.