Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Hi, my name is Emmeline and I've just started making my own cosplays. It's been incredibly fun and rewarding and I've met a lot of amazing people! I'm 22 years old and go to UCSD for general biology.

What are your next goals?

Make more cosplays! Im thinking another eeveelution next, perhaps glaceon or flareon. I also want to learn to make armor and improve my pattern making skills. Look for me in the future!

Cosplay Characters

I've cosplayed as Lenalee Lee and SNSD ahri before, but both of those were purchased. My first self made cosplay is my Sylveon gijinka which I'm very proud of!

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplaying is a form of self expression and is a really fun and interesting art! To me, it's a way to step into the shoes of my favorite character for a few days and meet all kinds of awesome people i would normally never have spoken with. I can show off a product that I'm proud of making and it's a great icebreaker as a plus! Also, you gain some really useful skills!

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

Missyeru, Nana Doomdrops, Pizoobie, Danielle Beaulieu, Yaya Han,

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Well I'm an upcoming cosplayer myself, haha! But for people just starting out, I would just tell them not to be intimidated by the seemingly high learning curve that comes with sewing and pattern drafting and armor making. Just take it one step at a time and use lots of YouTube videos! Also, don't get discouraged if you make a mistake! Just remember the three foot rule : if it looks good from three feet away, it's done! And here's a big one : DON'T PROCRASTINATE!

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

Hmm... Well to be honest I haven't dealt with any so called "haters" since I'm so new to the cosplay world. However, for those who are dealing with this like that, I say just focus on what your vision is for your cosplay and don't let anyone deter you from that. You'll get criticism no matter what you do and you can't make everyone happy.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

Thanks for the invite to fill out this interview! I'd like to give a shoutout to my best friend Natalie for inspiring my love for conventions and my boyfriend Kevin for being my pack mule during them. Cosplay is love!!!