Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

So far I haven't gotten too deep into cosplay because I'm just starting out. Last year, I went to a con in Montreal called Otakuthon, and from then on I was inspired to create something myself. It took me forever to figure out what I wanted to cosplay, but when I did figure it out, I was set. It took me a while to actually create the costumes from scratch but I think I did an okay job! At the con this year, I was super happy whenever someone would ask to take a picture of or with me. It's all new to me, but I don't ever want to get used to it!

What are your next goals?

I really want to cosplay more champions from League of Legends, and some characters from anime. So far I have my eye on Dark Candy Fiddlesticks from LoL and Sinon from Sword Art Online II.

Cosplay Characters

So far, I've only done Badger Teemo from League of Legends and Gasai Yuno from Future Diary/Mirai Nikki

What does Cosplay mean to you?

It means showing what I am capable of, letting people know that I tried as hard as I could to put a costume together and was really proud of it.

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

I first started to see Jessica Nigri cosplaying in Kassem G's old "California On Comic-Con" videos, and from then on I was really into looking for more cosplayers. Yet my number one senpai is definately Ashe Lang (Ashari Cosplay)! She's from Montreal like me, and when I found out she was going to Otakuthon, I set my mind to getting a picture with her. She's super sweet and her costumes are amazing. I really look up to her now, how I see all the effort she puts into her work and what she goes through (being injured by her own costumes).

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Be creative! Of course you can look to other cosplayers who have done the same costume as you for inspiration, but in the end, it's you who's going to be wearing the costume, so make it to your standards!

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

I really didn't know to wear a wig properly, so with my Yuno cosplay, it kept sliding off. Also, I was wearing contacts for the first time and they really bugged my eyes. I ended up taking them out after 2 hours.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

I'd just like to say that if you're into the whole cosplay idea, then go for it! Who cares what other people think? They most likely won't recognize you in costume anyways! Cosplay takes time and effort, and isn't something that can be done overnight. I'd like to shout-out again to Ashari for being my main inspiration, and to the owner of this site, Drecarus, for contacting me on Reddit and complimenting my cosplays!