Can you tell us about your first cosplay?

My first all out cosplay I made parts of and wore to a con was Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad. I saw the trailer and immediately started working on the cosplay. Before that I previously made all of my Halloween costumes months in advance. So when I found out about cosplay I was entranced.

Do you have a cosplay piece that you are most proud of?

I’m the most proud of my Red Sonja cosplay. I hand made the entire scale bikini top and skirt. It took about 3000 scales, which I hand painted to get the color and look I wanted. The I hand dyed the linen I used to make the cape. Sewed it, burned the edges, added holes, and just generally distressed it. The coyote pelt came from an estate sale and I commissioned all the leather work. I absolutely adore Red Sonja and feel like she’s such a powerful female character.

What do you hope to achieve through cosplay?

I honestly cosplay for fun! I’d love to eventually be invited to be a guest at cons, but even if I never reach that level I’ll keep cosplaying.

Is there a local cosplayer that you look up to or inspires you?

There are a few! Harley Frances (@Gothamgalcosplay) is probably my best friend and she’s such a kind and compassionate person. She’s amazing with makeup and perfectly steps into the attitude of any character I’ve seen her dress up as. Frank Castillo (@franks_cosplay) is an absolutely amazing foamsmith and a super kind person. Watching the process of how he takes a piece of plain foam and turns it into a helmet or armor that looks like it’s actually made of metal.

If you could give any piece of advice to new cosplayers, what would it be?

Just do the cosplay. We all worry about not doing it justice or looking just like the character but it’s ok! There’s no shame in buying a cosplay or thrifting pieces. Do cosplay for you, don’t do it for eventual fame or someone else. Cosplay any character you want!

Do you have any “Cosplans” for 2021?

I have several in the works. I’ve got a Vampirella, Emma Frost, Lady Death, and a few others I’m working on.