Cosplayer Spotlight #13: Awkward Cosplay Girl

By Rizwan Merchant


Introductions

taiga
Aisaka Taiga from Toradora

Tell us a little about yourself.
No….. Ohkay
I am from and live in Lafayette, LA. I was once a stage actor, but have since stopped. This is what sparked my interest for cosplay.

Cosplaying:

When did you start Cosplaying?
2012, Apparently. I had to look this up.

What got you into cosplaying?
Well, I used to be a stage actress…and since I stopped that cosplaying was the next closest thing to my interests

What is your favorite cosplay that you’ve made (or worn)?
It’s a tie between Daphne Blake (Scooby-Doo), Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit) , and Maka Albarn (Soul Eater).

How do you determine what characters you Cosplay?
I often cosplay characters I have the personality of or just characters I fall in love with from any media

Why do you enjoy cosplaying?
I love seeing the sparkle in peoples’ eyes when they see some of their favorite characters come to life.

Do you have any dream costumes you want to make or wear?
Ruby Rose from Monty Oum’s RWBY. I’m actually working on this costume now.

 

Maka Albarn from Soul Eater
Maka Albarn from Soul Eater

Out of all of your costumes, which was the hardest to fabricate?
Ehhhhh…..I’m going to say Daphne Blake because just trying to find the right colors for that costume.

What are some cosplays you are currently working on?
Ruby Rose from Monty Oum’s RWBY
CreeperGirl from Mob Talker Mod for Minecraft
Akemi Homura from Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Which costume are you most looking forward to wearing in the future?
Ruby Rose

Do you think you will ever retire from Cosplaying?
Yes. Once I have my first child I’m going to retire for little while. I just want to focus on my future family until I’m ready to introduce them into the cosplay/convention world.

Have you ever considered wearing costumes outside of conventions, for your day-to-day life?
Eh, I’ve done it. Recently, I’ll do it for special occasions or if someone asks me to do so, but other than that…Not really anymore.

Do you tend to fabricate/make your own costumes or buy them?
I’m starting to make my own costumes. So honestly, it’s a mix of the three right now.

In the World of Cosplaying:

rainbow dash
Rainbow Dash from My Little Pony

How do your personal views (religious, political, lifestyle) affect your cosplays?
It doesn’t.

What kind of reactions do you receive for any alterations and reinventions of character designs and attire?
None

How do you react to the attention your cosplays generate?
I tend to appreciate the attention. I say thank you, blush, and try to make more conversation.

Have you ever felt uncomfortable in cosplay?
I did, but after wearing the costume a bit more, I got over it.

What are some of your favorite moments while cosplaying?
When I make someone’s day by cosplaying their favorite character come to life


Do you participate or have you participated in any cosplay contests (Convention, online, etc)?
I have, I plan to do more in the future also.

Have you won any awards for your cosplay? If so, what kind and/or where did you win them?
I won Best in Show at the MechaCon Cosplay Contest 2013 (With Quest for Lonely Mountain) and Judge’s Award for Louisianime Cosplay Contest 2013 (with Alaska’s Cosplay Corner)

black rock shooter
Black Rock Shooter

What was the first event/convention you went to?
Mechacon 2011 I believe

What is your stance on handmade vs store-bought cosplay?
I, personally, love seeing the craftsmanship of handmade cosplays, but cosplay is cosplay. As long as a person is having fun… We can’t complain, right?

How do you feel about those who get into character while cosplaying? Do you get into character as well?
I find it fun as long as you know when to break character and not to be too disrespectful while in cosplay. While I’m in Rainbow Dash ( from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic), I get into character for the kids. It makes them so happy.

Is there anyone you’ve always wanted to meet and have a photoshoot with?
Yes. There are TOO many people on this list to make a proper one. It makes me cry thinking of trying to limit the list.

 

Personal Experiences:

vanellope von schweets wreck it ralph
Vanellope von Schweetz with Black Tie Cosplay as Wreck it Ralph Photograph by Ryan Bourque Photography

What would you say are the positives and negatives of Cosplaying?
Pros:
It’s fun
You get to be a character you love for as long as you want
You get to meet cool people
You get to travel to conventions

Cons:
Cosplay can get expensive. (Some give and takes with this one)
Sometimes you encounter not so cool people
Conventions and travel get expensive.

How do you deal with negative and positive feedback on your costumes?
I thank the positive feedback. If the negative is constructive, I thank those people as well, but if it’s just plain negative I end up going talk to my friends or doing anything that makes me happy so I can forget about the negativity.

Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring Cosplayers?
Remember, this is a hobby that you are doing for FUN, if you find yourself not having fun anymore I recommend taking a break and coming back. Sometimes we all need a break from the things we love to remember why we loved it in the first place.

Outside of Cosplaying:

Pokemon Trainer X with Meagan as Pokemon Trainer White
Pokemon Trainer X with Meagan as Pokemon Trainer White

Do you have any hobbies other than cosplaying?
Playing Videogames; Surfing the internet; watching Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll; Hanging out with friends

Do you have any helpers (pets) that often assist you?
My new Propmaker helps, my cosplay partners also help quite a bit, my mum does too. My mum was actually the one who taught me to sew.

Is there anything you do outside of Cosplaying that gives you ideas of what to do for a costume?Ehhh….I guess? I haz da interwebz…Watching animes, playing video games? Maybe?

 

Final Words to the Readers:

Ehhhhhh….. Bye? I hope to meet/talk/interact with all of you?

 

Please list your website(s), facebook page(s), twitter account(s), or other means of contact here:

KK~
My Contact List:
Email: awkwardcosplaygirl@gmail.com
Cosplay tumblr: awkwardcosplaygirl.tumblr.com
Personal tumblr: diyaizumi.tumblr.com
deviantART: awkward-cosplay-girl.deviantart.com
Twitter: @nikkicraz
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dominique.dubois.org