Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Hi, I'm Quite Frankly Builds and I run a propmaking business! Because of that, the part I love the most about cosplays are the awesome props I see that others have made, and love to help bring other's cosplay to life. I got into cosplay because I wanted to make some weapons from a video game when I found out there are people who do this at huge conventions! I wanted to be a part of it, and afterwards I started getting requests to make other people's props. It's been almost 3 years since I started making anything, and I love every minute of it.

What are your next goals?

My next goals for my business would be to become more proficient in different types of props, and casting props in plastic. I've actually got a pretty big project coming up next year after a few other orders which will push me to learn and I'll have gained a ton of experience if I can pull it off successfully. I'm also still trying to figure out a logo, and lose some weight for my costumes.

Cosplay Characters

Kingdom Hearts is what got me into cosplay and propmaking, so naturally I cosplay as Sora. More specifically master form sora while I dual-wielding keyblades. I'm trying to lose weight and get lean, so I can look more like him and other characters. In the future, I plan to cosplay as characters with many props to build up my skills such as Mystogan from Fairy tail, first season Ryuho from Saint Seiya, and execution mode Death the Kid from Soul Eater.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay is a bunch of people getting together to have fun as their favorite character. It's not about being perfect, but it doesn't hurt to try your best. I have the most fun in a group of cosplayers in cosplay chess or a masquerade, though I'm sure I'm not the only one who still gets a bit nervous. Everyone is usually having a good time at panels and watching movie screenings that it's hard not to have fun.

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

I've learned a lot from looking through forums and watching people like volpin props or fevereon (on deviantart) work their magic, and it makes me both jealous and motivated to work harder so that I can one day be as good as they are. I try to help everyone else as much as I can because if no one had ever answered my questions when I first started out, I would be so much farther behind. It just feels right to give tips, blueprints, and tutorials when you can. I would also like to thank my dad, who taught me pretty much everything I know about tools. He was able to do pretty much anything he set his mind to: plumbing, electrician, musician, carpenter. He inspired me to make things with my hands, and critiqued my work so I could improve. Many of you may know how hard it is to find a good criticizer. My dad was that for me, he passed at the beginning of last year, so I've since become my own criticizer which can be hard to live with sometimes. Just remember to be confident in your work and your steps to creating something, and it will seem easier and enjoyable. If you're proud of your work, other people will be, too.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

I know it's probably been said quite a lot, but research is a huge step in becoming a great cosplayer. Find in-game models, concept art, sketches, go frame by frame in anime, look at toys (like PlayArts) based on your character. Just getting the right shape and proportion in a prop will improve it, and that starts with templates. For those who use wood for props, hand sanding is your friend, Bondo is your best friend. Don't leave a prop bumpy because I know I regret it on my first props. Don't be discouraged by others cosplaying the same character or making the same prop you are. Even if you are anyway, use it as motivation to improve it, or remake it again if it'll make you feel better. You'll get there and beyond with practice.

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

The only negative experience I've had wasn't even really related to another copslayer. I was walking with a group of cosplayers I met and someone came up to one of them and gave them a card to call him because the props she made for her group were really good. It was a shame he didn't know I wasn't a part of their group and I guess the other person got credit for it. It's not such a big deal. I would've spoken up, but I didn't want to seem like an attention-seeker.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

I'd like to give a shout out to my friend SoulessStranger on deviantart because he makes good props and doesn't think he's good enough to charge for them. Also, to my friend Taryn at Rose Curel Cosplay, and Evan at East Dude Evan Cosplay.