Helene W. Aka Queen Helene Cosplay

Where are you from originally or reside currently: From Boston, New York and Baltimore. I actually spend my time in all three because of my job!

How long you have been cosplaying: This is my 4th year cosplaying, but my second seriously diving into it.

Other Characters cosplayed: Right now I’ve done Wonder Woman exclusively and have been getting recognized for my handmade metal armor work. This coming year I plan to branch out a bit and am excited to try some new designs, techniques, and materials!

Website or facebook fan page: Queen Helene Cosplay

Instagram: Helene1844

1. Who or what inspired you to cosplay?

It was my love of Wonder Woman that inspired me to cosplay! A friend of mine 4 years ago knew I wanted to be Wonder Woman for Halloween, so he told me if I made it 2 weeks early he would love to have me co-host his web show at NYCC (for free) as her. I had no Idea what I was getting myself into and said oooooook…and now am addicted!

2.      What do you do when you aren’t cosplaying?  (hobbies, community service, or work):

Well, I went to school for musical theatre performance so doing/seeing shows will always be a big part of my life. My other identity is a flight attendant. So yes, Wonder Woman really flies. I’m usually all over the United States and the Caribbean areas when I’m not slaving away on new designs.

3. What costumes have provided the biggest challenge and rewards so far and why?

The designs I would say was the biggest challenge/rewards thus far would have to be my Earth 2 and Gal Gadot Wonder Woman design. Earth 2 was a huge task with all the metal. It takes 24hrs for each piece to glue into place so it took me about a year to complete.  The Gal Gadot was super hard to work off of only one design picture and to make it enough like it that people would recognize it. It was also challenging because of all the different materials used! I used fabric, vinyl, metal, foam, and different painting techniques. But it is probably my favorite cosplay I’ve made thus far.

4.      What is the best advice you would give someone new to cosplaying?

Just have fun with it!!! If you plan on making it yourself there are tons of videos and tutorials out there to learn ways of making your costume! And I’d you buy one, there’s no shame in that! Most of my first costume was bought and altered, but I’ve learned and worked up to being able to make everything on me from scratch (except the soles of the shoes)! Just have fun!

5.      What is one thing the cosplaying community can do better when it comes to dealing with each other?

I think some need to respect others more for their work and come together against all the hateful comments. We all do this because of our love to create and for our passion for the characters, if only everyone could just respect one another for the hard work they put into it.