1. What city are you based in?

St. Catharines, ON

2. Tell us a bit about yourself!

Hi, I'm Lisa Mancini! I'm a cosplayer that can sometimes be recognized as a squirrel whisperer, mermaid or reality TV contestant. Up until the pandemic, the last five years of my life were spent working full time for the City of St. Catharines as a Graphic Designer with cosplay being a side hobby. When the pandemic hit, I was fully able to turn my cosplay passion into a full blown career and I couldn't be happier.

3. What fandoms are you into?

When it comes to fandoms, I'm a little into everything. I really like both Marvel/DC Comics, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Disney, Mortal Kombat, Nintendo, and classic anime like Pokémon, Sailor Moon, Digimon and Inuyasha. 

4. Tell us how you got into being a cosplayer.

I was always fascinated by cosplay but never knew how to break into it. In 2017 I attempted to make my own Halloween costume. I made an armoured Bowser look that was well received when I wore it out. A year later I wore that cosplay to FAN EXPO Canada (my first ever convention) in 2018 and instantly became hooked. Seeing other people with the same nerdy interests and dressed up for the first time really got me hooked! Years later, my cosplay turned from just a hobby to a full time profession.

5. Tell us about something that you created that you're most proud of!

I create a lot of mash up cosplays with my favourite characters. I'm very happy with how my Sailor Moon / Wonder Woman mash up turned out. This cosplay was an original design by me and required all my skillsets of cosplay crafting to complete. Constructing this cosplay took designing, foam smithing, 3D printing, thermoplastics, sewing, resin casting, airbrushing and more. I'm always proud to look back at what I have grown to be able to do versus when I first started.

6. What do you hope to achieve?

I want to continue to grow my skills in all areas of cosplay crafting so the possibilities are endless. One day, I'd love to travel to cons all over the world and show my best work!

7. If you could give advice to new cosplayers, what would it be?

Do not compare yourself to anyone else. We all start somewhere. My first cosplays admittedly weren't great but you learn and improve so much the more you keep doing it. Pick characters you love and don't just follow trends. You're far more likely to complete something you care about. Don't be shy to seek out crafting help from other cosplayers (we all love to gush about this hobby once we're involved!). DO NOT FORCE YOURSELF TO CON CRUNCH!

Follow Lisa on social to stay connected: 

Instagram