Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Hello! My name's Harry and I've been cosplaying for just over a year. It's been an incredible journey. I used to be very embarrassed about it because a lot of my friends didn't really understand it, but as time went on and my Facebook started to fill with cosplay friends, it became habbit to post cosplay-related happenings. Eventually my friends from university started asking about it and they really encouraged me to go for it and be more open. That created my Facebook cosplay page and it's been amazing. A pure confidence boost. Something that I used to be ashamed of is now my biggest source of happiness and fuels me with creativity for my university course.

What are your next goals?

I want to start competing with my cosplays. I'd love to be able to prove to myself that I've found something I'm good at and that people recognise it.

Cosplay Characters

Piers Nivans from Resident Evil 6 Erwin Smith from Attack On Titan Steve Burnside from Resident Evil Code Veronica William Birkin from Resident Evil 2 Shizuo Heiwajia from Durarara! Makoto Tachibana from Free! Kristoff from Frozen Joffrey Baratheon from Game of Thrones Vergil from Devil May Cry 3

What does Cosplay mean to you?

It's a creative hobby that allows me to embody the characters I love, gaining new skills with each one.

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

I started cosplaying on my own, so I don't have many influences. Two cosplayers that I admire greatly are Miggy Jagger and Carl Martin, they're so talented and I wish to be on their level some day.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

As long as you feel cool, do it! Some people cosplay characters that mean a lot to them, some do characters that have outfits they admire, some do it (notoriously) to show of their body. These are all valid reasons. There's no right or wrong reason to cosplay. It's no ones place to tell you that you shouldn't do a cosplay because it's too revealing, or that the character isn't well known. Do what makes you happy! Also, groups are a great way to start. I've had amazing fun in group cosplays, I recommend getting a few friends together and doing a group!

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

I cosplayed Steve Burnside from Resident Evil Code Veronica, and it required me to wear a wig. The wig was low quality and didn't suit my head shape at all, so it looked quite silly. It was for a photoshoot in this haunted mansion for an events company and we had so much fun, a cosplay that I don't regard as that good but one I remember for having a great day in. The official Resident Evil Facebook page shared a picture of me as Steve (a picture that included my friend too). The page has over 6 million likes so I didn't know what to expect. It was largely negative. As with anything on the internet, everyone felt the need to attack me and my friend, saying we looked awful, it was the worst cosplay they'd ever seen. We had friends commenting saying that people should grow up, and a lot of people liked the photo too, but I kept reminding myself that I had such fun in the costume, I shouldn't let a few random people I don't know spoil it.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Thanks to everyone that has supported me so far!