Well, definitely going to conventions in high school sparked my interest. I was always fascinated by the elaborate work people did to create their cosplays. Then as I got older I saw that a few of my friends were into cosplaying and having so much fun with. I wanted to be part of that community with them. So, I can that my friends were my inspiration. They definitely were the push I needed to start this hobby. That year when I decided to start, I made a cosplay for Poison Ivy and it was a big hit!

I am a graphic designer, about to graduate with me degree. So I do a lot of freelance work in that field. I also do some photography on the side, but it is nothing serious. I enjoy going out with my camera to new places.

I always refer back to my Poison Ivy because it was my first legit cosplay that I made and went out in public in. I’m a thicker female so I haven’t always been comfortable in my skin, but the day I wore that at a con and saw people’s reactions, it shot my confidence way up! It definitely helped me be more comfortable with myself.

The most challenging one, and my favorite, that I’ve done so far was Princess Yue. Her accessories and wig were a big a challenge but me and a friend of mine worked together to accomplish it. It was my first time working with new materials as well. I loved how everything turned out with the whole cosplay and the feedback I got. What I love the most about it is that I truly felt like I brought a favorite character to life.

Do NOT worry about other people’s opinions on you. Seriously, screw what anyone else says and rock whoever you want to cosplay as. Don’t let skin be a factor in who you decide to play. I would say let the flack that people give you motivate you. I’ve had comments about me and all it did was make me want to shut them up with a bomb ass cosplay. People are always going to hate so it is best not to take anything any haters have to say to heart. Also, remember you’re doing this all for fun. Never forget to have fun!

LISTEN. People need to listen more and understand. Especially when it comes to things that people find offensive. Everyone is so quick to get on the defensive and get malicious before even stepping back and trying to understand from the other person’s view point. In the last year, I find that the cosplay community took a downward turn with how people react when people are trying to explain why something they’re doing is offensive. It gets old and tiresome and its sad to see some people turn away from the hobby because of the people. If people would just listen more and understand each better, I think the community as a whole would be doing a whole lot better than it is now.