Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Being a cosplayer is first and foremost fun! I love that in general, the cosplay community is so welcoming and creative. It is very different than any other group I've been around. I'm especially lucky to be part of the 405th! I've made so many new friends over the past few years, both far and near, and it is really wonderful to have a group of friends who share a hobby with you. Also, not going to lie, the attention is pretty fun. It is like being a temporary celebrity without the privacy issues because you're not actually famous. Plus, it is always nice to meet people who appreciate your work!

What are your next goals?

I want to paint myself green! I am very excited to start working on my Gamora cosplay!

Cosplay Characters

When I was younger I cosplayed as Kasumi from Dead or Alive. After taking a few years off I came back as a pink spartan from Halo Reach because my amazing brother, who had been fabricating armor, helped me build my own as a Christmas gift. The Halo Kitty evolved as a joke at first when my cousin slapped a set of paper hello kitty ears onto my helmet. It seemed that everyone loved the character and I embraced it because I love Hello Kitty as well.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay means work, fun, and acceptance. Sure it's hard work, but it is so much fun and I've never met a group so widely accepting of others.

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

Cosplay influences? Definitely my brother (spacemeat the cosplay).

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Don't take yourself too seriously. Have fun. Carry gorilla tape.

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

Whenever I see a photo of myself online, there are inevitably people who have negative comments about the costume. I've seen comments claiming I don't even play Halo because my fingers were spaced incorrectly on my sword (really?! That thing isn't light!). I've even seen comments claiming I was a guy because my thighs were too defined (SQUATS BABY!). Rarely however, do any of these comments come in person. I take these comments just like I would take any internet slander. I ignore it. The only opinions that matter to me are from people I respect. I'm doing something that I enjoy, and there are people out there that appreciate and enjoy my costume as well. That's all I need to keep doing what I am doing.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Shout out to the 405th Pacific Regiment and Spacemeat the cosplay!