First name and last initial: Deja K.

Where are you from originally, or where do you currently reside? Originally from Oklahoma City; currently in Los Angeles

How long have you been cosplaying? 5 years.

Which characters have you cosplayed? Catwoman, She-Hulk, Symmetra, Domino, Kratos, Hinata Hyuuga, Raven, Gamora, Valkyrie, Princess Allura, Isabela (Dragon Age 2), and Storm.

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Who or what inspired you to cosplay? I really liked Halloween when I was a kid so finding out in high school that people go to comic conventions dressed up year round was amazing to me. I was really inspired by the community as a whole. I looked up cosplay and found a wonderful group of people and that really got me into the scene.

What do you do when you aren’t cosplaying? I’m a full-time college student studying theater so that takes up most of my time. In my free time besides cosplay, I play video games, browse on Tumblr, and cook.

What costumes have provided the biggest challenge and rewards so far and why? My hardest costume so far is hands down has been Symmetra from Overwatch. Not only was her outfit something I had to pattern myself but her gun was no easy task to make either. It was my first complex foam prop. Before then, I had only made axes and armor but noting with so many pieces like that. Lots of her items were trial and error so the experience was a test of my patience too. Finally finishing the cosplay was one of the most satisfying feelings I’ve ever had! Of course, now, I know there are lots of upgrades that can be made but I’ll save that for another day.

On a different note, my oldest costume She-Hulk has been the most rewarding since she’s my favorite comic character. She was the first costume I planned. After 5 years, I’ve finally gotten my She-Hulk cosplay to the level I want it to be. It’s great knowing how much one can improve this craft over time.

What is the best advice you would give someone new to cosplaying? Choose characters you like! People sometimes get caught up in what will be popular, who they look like, or what’s overdone. Everyone’s a critic so just do what you want. Cosplay who YOU want.

What is one thing the cosplaying community can do better when it comes to dealing with each other? I believe that the cosplay community can be more accepting of cosplayers from all types of backgrounds. Of course, not every cosplayer will have tons of fans or follows. However, cosplayers who work hard but don’t fit a certain standard or overlooked or actively put down and that is not okay. We need to make the community more inclusive!