First name and last initial: West B.

Where are you from originally or reside currently: Windsor, Ontario, Canada… Border to Detroit, Michigan

How long you have been cosplaying: Not nearly enough but we’ll call it 2 years

Other Characters cosplayed: Star-lord Variations, Steampunk Original Designs, Steampunk Spiderman

Website or facebook fan page: Starlord the Legendary Outlaw (Facebook) and Starlord the Legendary Outlaw (Instagram)

 

1. Who or what inspired you to cosplay?

Well I basically found cosplay on my travels to destroy this ring I found… lol kidding… I actually have always been a nerdy individual but in recent years I decided to go to an actual convention. Fan Expo Toronto was the first time I dressed up and it was so amazing to see others sharing characters that way. That’s the amazing part about cosplay, you are sharing your love for the character! There is not right way or wrong way to do it, it’s your love to share.

2. What do you do when you aren’t cosplaying?  

When not cosplaying I am pretty sure we are all working on cosplays, duh. Outside of that that I am commander and chief of a small roofing business. The fact I make my own hours is nice as it really lets me take the time to check out the amazing conventions across North America. I also am owner/driver of a dirt racing team that occasionally wins but always has fun. BUT the thing I am most proud of to bring up is the fact I have fostered many rescue dogs, I have also been known to become a foster failure! (I keep some)

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

Because my costuming is focused primarily on a single character (Star-Lord) I take pride in getting things as accurate as I can. I would say the biggest challenge is just the research involved in doing so. I assumed the character would be easy at first to re-create but Marvel has done a great job of doing these costumes from scratch with materials never seen before. He also has a lot of layers and lots of props… It’s really time-consuming figuring out how they built it. It’s amazingly rewarding however when someone comes up to you for a photo or to talk. You share the bond that you and they have for the character/movie. Sometimes I have a smile so large inside my mask and that’s a great feeling. I love sharing the character with everyone and it’s my goal to make people smile as much as I do.

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

Don’t do it for anyone else. It really is a hobby YOU have to enjoy first. Pick a character you love and share it with the world. There isn’t a right size, shape, way to share your love… Just do it, COSPLAY! …Also I would suggest to anyone starting to read this article, that is a must!

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

I have not seen too many “dealings”… bad things or stories related to cosplay myself… might be the fact in Canada we say “sorry” a lot. Eh… But I would like to say the number one priority should be communication. Communicate that you would like a photo, communicate you are not comfortable with someone touching you. Speak up and don’t be silent… also the worst kind of silence is when you see something happening and don’t speak up or when you hear someone talking poorly of someone and don’t speak up. Voice yourselves not only for your defense but for others as well.