Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

I'm not technically a cosplayer, but a seamstress who makes creations for cosplayers to wear. I've made dozens of costumes that have won awards and been internationally appreciated. I've have Kotaku features and the like. I've worked with cosplayers great and small and love them all the same. Working with Jessica Nigri has definitely been the most exposure I've gotten and some of the best costumes I've made! I like working with everyone though. The cosplay world has given me a creative outlet that has flourished into a business I love very much. Even in times of stress when my back is screaming at me and I'm so tired, I want to pass out, I love what I do. Seeing the excitement on a cosplayer's face when I finish their costume is priceless as is the reaction all my fans and theirs have to what I've created. It's the most amazing job I could have ever asked for.

What are your next goals?

I plan to keep making awesome things. I'm sure I'll work with Jessica Nigri some more, she's fun to work with. And I'm going to be working on a big project with an artist for Phoenix Comic Con next year. I wish I could say more, but it's super secret at the moment. I really want to make NoFlutter's Victorian Sailor Scouts eventually They're gorgeous. I'm also going to be making some .pdf books for sale that will be tutorials on how to do some of the things that I do. :) I'm looking forward to those!

Cosplay Characters

I haven't personally done any, but I've made dozens. To list a few... Arkham Knight Harley Quinn (for both Itty Bitty Geek and Jessica Nigri...easily one of my most famous), Camo Jacket and Pants for Arkham Knight, Arkham City Harley Quinn (Itty Bitty Geek...my most publicized with a Kotaku feature and others), Alka (from Blade and Soul with Jessica Nigri), Fem Arno Dorian (Assassin's Creed crossplay with Jessica Nigri), Pirate Harley Quinn, Ursula & Queen of Hearts Designer Doll Dresses, Injustice Harley Quinn, Sailor Scout Loki, Huntress (JLA version), Dark Grace (from Soulfire comic, made at the request of Aspen comics), Ms. Marvel, Several different Poison Ivy's, Dazzler, Fem Aquaman, Fem Booster Gold, Fem Blue Beetle, Superboy, Wolfsbane, Squirrel Girl, Dr. Strange, Gamora (comic version), Black Canary, Orlana Death Princess and way more. LOL

What does Cosplay mean to you?

It means people who dress up as their favorite characters and get the chance to embody that character. I don't care about body types and the like...I just want to see effort in the costume. I'm not a fan of costume shop bagged costumes. I think people have every right to wear it, I'm just not a fan.

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

There are so many who give me inspiration to better my craft. From Kamui Cosplay, to Ryoko Demon (seriously...drool, she's amazing!), Yaya Han, Punished Props, and so many more.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

KEEP TRYING! Your first and even fifth attempt might be no good, but keep trying and keep honing your craft. If you CAN'T or don't want to make things yourself, find someone like me who can put the time and effort into making you something that's fit perfectly and constructed for your body. Even online stuff you give your measurements to can fit strangely because every body is different. Two people with the same measurements will have things fit different because their bodies aren't laid out exactly the same. Biggest advice though...don't be an elitist. Just have fun and don't judge others!!! Someone might not have had the money to put together something amazing, but it doesn't mean you're any better than they are. Cosplay needs a good kick of community spirit.

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

Unfortunately, I had someone saying that the work I did was their own. I ended up doing a panel at a local con and everyone was surprised to find out I was the one behind the costumes. I didn't really do much because I'm not a fan of drama, but everyone local definitely knows that I'm the one who made them. And I have been slowly sharing my old words on Facebook's Throwback Thursday...so more and more people are seeing the costumes and realizing they're mine. It was sad and unfortunate and there's not much to do about it if people don't credit me. I do, however, put way more work in progress pictures up and make it a point that people know exactly what I'm working on. I also put my own label in my creations now as well. That doesn't help on the outside, so I still have to rely a lot on cosplayer honesty!

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Always shout outs to my girls, Itty Bitty Geek, Cassie, and Empire Kat Cosplay. They're the reason I kept doing this after the whole debacle with someone taking credit for my work. I almost quit and that just would have been terrible, looking back on it. Also huge shout out to Jessica Nigri who is doing amazing things getting my work out there and known more. I appreciate and adore her more than I can put into words!!