What city are you based in?

I’m based in the good old tourist capital, Orlando!

Can you tell us about your first cosplay?

My first cosplay/convention is permanently etched into my brain. In 2007, I decided to go to my first convention, Anime Boston with a couple high school friends. I took the train into the city in full cosplay, dressed as the homunculus “Lust” from Full Metal Alchemist. Before Instagram, it was difficult to find a community of people with similar passions. I was so timid but I wanted to push myself to join a community where I felt accepted, so when I did it was so unifying. Everyone had these passions just like me and no one was judged for it.

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

Big builds are time-consuming but are so satisfying. My first foam-crafted project was the armor for my Zelda from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. I made a few mistakes along the way, burned a lot of fingers with hot glue, but in the end I made something I was proud of. That satisfaction makes me want to tackle even bigger builds.

What do you hope to achieve through cosplay?

A creative outlet is all I am truly looking for. Although I’ve been cosplaying since 2007, I only recently started posting to social media for it which is also when I was furloughed from my job due to COVID. I really desired an outlet where I felt like I was growing and cosplay has become my anti-depressant. I’ve found one of the most satisfying things for me is the support I’ve found in other cosplayers. I feel empowered when the friends I’ve made like my projects. It also brings me joy to see and comment on their work.

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

There are so many talented, inspiring creators. From armor crafting skills (@cowbuttcrunchies), makeup (@flawless_by_tenisha), photography (@jeffzoevisuals), edits (@gyarmati_sandor) to construction and sewing (@le_atlass), there is an endless display of artistry and ingenuity in cosplay.

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

Pick something that you love because this is all for fun! Be patient and kind with yourself if it doesn’t turn out perfect. Also, be wary of your mental space and comparing your work to others. Cosplay can sometimes feel like a contest but that is only okay if you are physically entering yourself into an actual cosplay contest. Otherwise, you are an artist and should express yourself freely. Don’t let social media or even your own inner voice make you feel "less than." We are all worthy creators.

What would you say is the hardest part of cosplaying?

I chose the handle SuperSailorVirgo for a reason: I am a true Virgo in the worst ways. A lot of times my biggest challenge is myself. I tend to expect perfection, even if it’s a technique or project I’ve never done before. So it’s important to remind myself to pause and look at the progress versus the result. Thankfully, my other Virgo qualities are being creative, patient, and hard-working.

Is there a cosplay piece you’re currently working on? 

I’d like to welcome you to imagine my cosplay closet where there are currently 1.5 million half-finished, abandoned, or just recently developing ideas. For example, there is an automail arm that I’m working on from one of my favorite anime, as well as a big cartoon dragon build that I am modifying from a previous owner. I’m also making a giant sword for an awesome android, and I’m in the middle of acquiring the perfect wig for a bubbly orange alien.