Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

My name is Tabitha, I am from Bellingham, Washington. I got started cosplaying when I was about 14 years old and was very into Sailor Moon. As I became more and more into the geek scene, I got heavy into Marvel and continued cosplaying and going to conventions. Being a cosplayer is a neat way to show off both your hobby and your interest in a very unique way. It's an icebreaker to other geeks and always a conversation starter. I love being able to see my work transform.

What are your next goals?

I am working on a Templar Alistair and a Liliana from Dragonage as my next project.

Cosplay Characters

Jean Grey/ The Phoenix, Jill Valentine, Polaris, Cardcaptor Sakura, Umi from Magic Knights Rayearth, Jimmy MacElroy from Blades of Glory

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay is a creative hobby for me and a way to bond with others that share my same interests. It's not only a fun, innovative way to create a new identity, but it really takes a lot of pressure off of the social aspect of conventions. It's a lot easier for another, maybe shy, geek fan person to come talk to Jean Grey, whom they recognize from the comics, than to talk to a random stranger. It is a very unique way to meet very cool people and learn new skills.

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

My mother used to sew my Halloween costumes when I was young and she nurtured my inner geek and my love of dress up. She taught me to sew and to use thrift stores for everything.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

You don't need to jump in to the crazy expensive and intricate materials that advanced cosplayers often use. I made a Cyclops costume from Goodwill clothes and duct tape and some people still say that it was my best costume. You can make something from anything with the right mindset.

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

Fat shaming. There is some sort of odd stigma in the geek world that thinks that it's okay to tell someone that they are too fat to play a character. I just tell them that the other 1000 people taking your photo think you look amazing and a lot of times they are only saying something because you make them feel bad for not being brave enough to do what you do.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Shout Out to my husband who allows me to dress him in costumes!