First Name and Last Initial: Nikki F.

Where are you from originally, or where do you reside currently? Rhode Island

How long have you been cosplaying? I have been cosplaying since 2014, but actively making costumes since 2015.

What characters have you cosplayed? Pokemon: Eevee, Vaporeon, Flareon, Jolteon, Espeon, Umbreon, Sylveon, Leafeon, Glaceon, Vulpix, Jesse
League of Legends: Foxfire Ahri, Volibear, Eternum Nocturne
Legend of Zelda: Link, Fierce Deity Link
Bloodborne: Eileen the Crow
Dark Souls: Solaire
Disney: Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
Berserk: Berserker armor Guts

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What inspired you to start cosplaying? One halloween I went to buy a costume of just a simple fox, but when I realized it was incredibly expensive and not at all what I wanted I decided that maybe I should try to make my own costume. It was simple and cute and my first time sewing something like a tail and ears, but I really enjoyed it! The following year I decided to step it up a bit and try out cosplaying. I went thrift store shopping to find stuff to make a Link cosplay of my own, made the shield out of cardboard and borrowed my friend’s wooden master sword. From that point on, I was hooked. I couldn’t stop looking at characters and saying to myself “I want to cosplay that.”

What costumes have provided the biggest challenge and rewards so far and why? By far the most challenging costume without a doubt is my Berserker armor.  At the moment, it is still a work in progress but I have already spent countless hours and months on it. Seeing it all come together, however, has made me so proud of how far I’ve come and what I am able to accomplish.

What is the best advice you would give someone new to cosplaying? Don’t be afraid to try something. I have heard too many people say that they’re afraid to cosplay because they aren’t the right body type or that they’re not attractive enough. Break out of that mind set and give it a shot! There will always be those people that will try and break you down and make you feel terrible, but they are always outweighed by the praise and kindness that you will receive.

What is one thing the cosplaying community can do better when it comes to dealing with each other? Spread the word! I cannot stress this enough. As many cosplayers know, Facebook has a terrible page system when it comes to reaching out to your fans. You could have thousands of fans, but your posts will only reach a fraction of them unless you pay. So if you see a cosplayer you like, share it! Spread the word and help them get their name out there and stand out!