Cosplayer Spotlight #03: Kio

Introductions

Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Brittney Cutrer, most people call me Kio. I am 21 years old and I live in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I am a graphic design student at University of Southern Mississippi.

Cosplaying

When did you start Cosplaying?
I started cosplaying when I was very young. My first cosplay I made by myself was when I was 10 years old.

What got you into Cosplaying?
I fell into cosplay on total accident. My mother and I always made my Halloween costumes from anime and manga I enjoyed. I never knew it was called cosplay until I started researching different techniques online.

What is your favorite cosplay you’ve made(or that you’ve done)?
I have to say my Twilight Princess Link cosplay. It holds so many memories and also was a giant leap forward into the cosplayer I am today.

How do you determine what to Cosplay as in characters?
I usually pick a character based on level of difficulty. I enjoy a challenge and learning new ways to make things. I pick a character just a little above my skill level so I will be forced to try new and different things.

Do you enjoy cosplaying?
Sometimes I think I maybe a little obsessed with it! haha!

Do you have any Dream Costumes you want to make or do?
I have two actually. Belle’s yellow ball grown from Beauty and the Beast and the Original Harley Quinn jester outfit.

Out of all your costumes, which was the hardest to Fabricate?
Alexstrasza from World of Warcraft. That was the biggest challenge I’ve had yet, however it was all worth it in the end.

What are some cosplays you are currently working on?

Genderbend Malfurion from World of Warcraft Synchronicity Miku from Vocaloids Ami from Hi Hi Puffy Ami Yumi

Which costume are you looking forward to wearing in the future the most?
Malfurion most definitely.

Do you think you will ever retire from Cosplaying?
I really can’t say, but I feel like it will be highly unlikely.

Have you ever considered wearing costumes outside of conventions for daily wear?
I’m very particular with my cosplays. I almost never wear them outside conventions, but I will wear pieces of cosplay if they go with my outfit for the day.

Do you fabricate/make your own costumes or buy them?
I make my own cosplays from scratch.

In the World of Cosplaying:

Do you or have you participate in any contests? (Convention, online, etc)
I’ve participated in contest involving costumes/cosplays for 15 years, with 7 years experience in the convention contests.

Have you won any awards if so what or which?
I maybe missing some but these are the ones I can think off the top of my head. 1 Best in Show 2 Best Craftsmanships 1 Best in Show Runner Up 1 Best in Show 3rd Place 3 First Places 2 Second Places 2 Judges Awards

What was the first event/convention you went to?
MechaCon 3

What is your standing on Handmade vs Store bought cosplay?
Cosplay is all for fun, but I find it more rewarding when you make a cosplay and you receive a compliment on your hard work.

How do you feel about those who Cosplay getting into character? Do you get in Character as well?
I personally leave the acting for stage, photos and for the kids who enjoy the character I cosplay.

Is there anyone you always wanted to meet and have a photoshoot with?
Pikmin Link!

Personal Experiences:

Can you share a few tips for beginners from your experience?
1. Don’t compare yourself to others, however learn from their techniques and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
2. Give yourself plenty of time to complete your cosplay.
3. Have fun!

What are the positives and negatives of Cosplaying in your opinion?
There are several positives including plenty of social interactions for those who are shy, creative stimuli and overall relaxing enjoyment. Negatives are some cosplays can be very painful to wear!

How do you deal with negative and positive feedback on your costumes?
I’m an art student so negative and positive feedback is just part of my everyday life. With anything, you can’t take what is said as a personal attack because it’s used to improve yourself as an artist/cosplayer. Take negative and positive as just one giant positive to improve yourself and prove to everyone you can do it.

Any words of wisdom for aspiring Cosplayers?
Remember that cosplay is all for fun, don’t stress out!

Outside of Cosplaying:

Do you have any hobbies other then Cosplaying?
I play 6 different instruments and parts of the Pride of Mississippi Marching Band. I enjoy stage performing as well as street performance as well. In my down time, I enjoy playing both video games and table top games.

Do you have any helpers (pets) that often ‘help’?
My family owns a petshop, so I have an infinite amount of helpers! The main ones that “help” me while making cosplays are Pepper (Boston Terrier), Rita (Chocolate Point Siamese), Solid Snake (Black Siamese) Meow-Meow (other black Siamese), Oogly (Calico), Scooter (other chocolate point siamese) and Kera (Husky)

Is there anything you do outside of Cosplaying that give you ideas of what to do for a costume?
I enjoy doing sculpture in spare time. Doing such has given so many ideas on how to construct pieces of cosplay.

Final Words to the Readers:

The final word I’ll say is my cosplay group’s motto: “All in the name of cosplay!”

For more information on Kio, check out her fanpage.