MEET THE WINNERS OF THE DENVER COSPLAY CRAFTSMANSHIP CUP
Where are you located?
I'm based in Denver, CO.
Tell us about yourself!
I currently run my own business selling fine art as my day job, and cosplay on the side when I have time. I learned to sew from my mom and grandmother teaching me to quilt when I was young, and I love getting to use those skills on my costumes. Everything else I've learned about cosplay has been gleaned from the internet and trial and error!
How did you get into Cosplay?
I've been cosplaying for about 8 years now; I went with a friend to Denver Comic Con in 2013, and I've never stopped going! Getting to dress up as my favorite characters around other people who are as passionate as I am is so fun and rewarding.
Do you have a favorite Cosplay piece?
It's hard to pick just one! I think the piece I'm proudest of would be Frostmoune, the sword I made for the Lich King. I had to learn a ton of new techniques, and I spent weeks sanding and sculpting to get it just right.
Congratulations on winning! Can you tell us about your Cosplays?
Thank you! All the World of Warcraft characters were my husband's pick for our large group Cosplay this year, since he's played the game for years. He chose characters for each of us, and I was able to do the research on all the little details that would bring the costumes to life. It took me about two years to build the armor and weapons for Sylvanas and the Lich King, and Abby and I created Garona in the three months before the convention.
What was it like to win Best in Show?
I originally entered the Journeyman category, but the judges bumped us up to Masters - which was already hugely flattering. Winning Best in Show was such an honor, and it really validated all the hours I spent working on tiny details!