Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

I have been a cosplayer for 2 years now, and it has grown to be my passion. I started watching anime and playing games when I was very young so cosplay is like a dream come true to me. I consider my cosplays to be a sort of Fan Art since I put my body and my designs into a character.

What are your next goals?

I am currently working on a Arcade Sona from League of Legends and I will be wearing it at Pax South in January. In the future I want to make a Nami and Ashe from League, Inori from Guilty Crown, and I also want to make an Ariel cosplay.

Cosplay Characters

I have cosplayed as Lightning from FFXIII, Elsie from The World God Only Knows, a Red Mage from the Final Fantasy Series, and Tinkerbell from Peter Pan.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay is self expression and a creative outlet for me. It means I can be a perfectionist about the smallest details and a leader of my own project. Cosplay is just like playing dress up and when I finally put it all on after I put in hours of work it feels like I become the character I love.

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

Facebook is key to me. I have access to a whole community of cosplayers from all over the world and they are so kind and helpful. A few of my many role models are Johnny Junkers, Missyeru, Courtoon, Traci Hines, and Yashafluff. They are all wonderful cosplayers who make amazing cosplays and props. They are also very open to answering questions and talking to followers.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Budget, plan, finish your cosplays early, and please wear makeup because you are all beautiful but everyone looks washed out on camera if they don't. Also remember to shower at cons.

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

I wouldn't say anything I have experienced was all that bad. A friend of mine had a really terrible experience while she was at a con she was fat shamed and called "fed Ahri" and she didn't want to cosplay ever again. To her and anyone else who feels that they shouldn't cosplay because of size, race, or gender I say it doesn't matter what anyone thinks or says. You can be whoever you want to be as long as you try your best to make a costume that you love. Sometimes you just have to tune everyone else out and surround yourself with friends.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

I just wanted to say thank you to my friend Crunchy Ramen Productions for getting me Into going to conventions and talking most of my pictures.