First name and last initial: Liana W.

Where are you from originally, or where do you currently reside? Originally from Waldorf, MD.

How long have you been cosplaying? Since February 2016.

Which characters have you cosplayed? I cosplay as a lots of genderbent cosplays like Vegeta, Warwick from League of Legends, Toad from Super Mario, Speed of Sound Sonic from One Punch, and Raiden from Mortal Kombat, and some other ones like a Gijinka Zapdos, Chun-Li, and Bastila Shan from KOTOR.

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What inspired you to start cosplaying? I was definitely inspired by Gladzy Kei, Kinpatsu Jessica Nigri, Kayy Bear, and Evil Ted; these folks are just super talented artists and crafters, and their ideas inspired me to take chances with my creations, especially with my own thought out genderbent cosplays. I really like going on to Instagram too, I look up the hashtag “foamsmith”. I get so captured by all the things people create with foam! 

What do you do when you’re not cosplaying? When I’m not cosplaying, I’m playing with my son, on League of Legends, or working out. I really love Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu. I go to school and am hoping to get into Cyber-security! Oh, and I LOVE KARAOKE and watching anime, but karaoke is life!

Which costumes have provided the biggest challenge and rewards so far, and why? My first cosplay Genderbent Vegeta was one of the most challenging. I’m still thinking about it. It was a MESS in my eyes, the foam turned flat, the velcro was ripping out, the Saiyan armor was going to poke people in the shoulder so much. I had no idea what I was doing. I thought it was a complete mess! Another challenge was my Zapdos cosplay for Katsucon 2017. I made a pair of articulating wings, I had to understand physics and LOVED THEM, but they broke before I got to the con, or actually at the con. All because I decided to open them in the wind (which wasn’t tested when making them). But the actual cosplay looked fantastic too with or without the wings!

What is the best advice you would give someone new to cosplaying? My best advice is that, well… Props break, it happens. You still look awesome and you worked hard; no point of pouting about it! Your work is worth walking about in.

What is one thing the cosplaying community can do better when it comes to dealing with each other? One thing the cosplay community needs to work on is something simple: ENCOURAGE EVERYONE! I’ve met so many people that say, “I wanted to cosplay but…” They’re either too afraid, not creative, too body-conscious, or don’t have the money for something good. I totally understand those emotions, but with so many people in this community from different backgrounds, we are here with open arms! Cosplaying is all about fun, creating something or being someone for a day. No need for such worries!