Meet the incredibly talented Kai! (@kai.esh_black)

What city are you based in? 
I live in Austin, TX. but I’m from Dallas, TX. 

How did you get into cosplay initially?
My boss at the time told me about a Wizard World Comic Convention that just so happened to be Halloween weekend. I dressed up in what was my Halloween costume at the time (Superwoman; after my favorite superhero Superman). I received so much love and appreciation; children to adults coming over asking to take pictures. I saw so many other people dressed up as all the characters I love too. I realized for them; it exceeded the yearly tradition of dressing up for Halloween. It was on this day I learned what cosplaying was and I fell in love with it. A hobby turned passion, to say the least. 

Do you have a cosplay piece that you are most proud of?
I’m proud of all my cosplays but if I had to choose, I would say Cap Knight [Misty Knight, Sam Wilson Captain America Collaboration] cosplay and my new Black Panther [Marvel’s Black Panther and Black Panther Party Collaboration] cosplay. Both where concept cosplays that I designed myself. 

What do you hope to achieve through cosplay? 
I hope to continue to grow my craft while growing my following. I hope to inspire, create, and open doors for other creators. I hope to one day get invited to participate in one of the many cons I attend. 

Is there a cosplayer that you look up to or inspires you?
I find inspiration from so many cosplayers so I could never just name one. Any cosplayers passionate, creative, and confident enough to showcase their artistry to the world are an inspiration to me. 

If you could give any piece of advice to new cosplayers, what would it be? 
“Be you, stay true to one’s self. Everyone’s not going to appreciate your artistry, but as long as the positives outweigh the negatives keep going, keep growing, keep creating.”

What would you say is the hardest part of cosplaying?
For me, not overspending (LOL). Traveling and or commuting to and from conventions can always be a struggle. Going through TSA security with props, trying to fit everything you want, and or, need in the bags allotted on the plane--but it’s so worth it.