By David Doub
What got you into cosplay? Initially, it started with discovering "Disney Bounding" outfits on a web site called Polyvore. I began building my own nerdy-inspired outfits on the now defunct web site. From there, I started making Halloween costumes for myself and my little one and we eventually attended our first convention. From there, my love for cosplay grew into the hobby it is today. What is some of your favorite Cosplays so far? I really enjoyed putting together a Pin-Up style Wolverine. I repurposed a gorgeous yellow dress with some stripes, a blue belt and blue vintage heels. I wore my hair in victory rolls. I'd say my second favorite was Ms. Bellum from Power Puff Girls. I use the name Sarah Bellum cosplay as a nod to PPG (one of my favorite shows growing up) and because it was a nickname my now husband bestowed upon me when we first started dating. What are the Pros and Cons of Cosplay as whole? The friendships I've made through cosplay and the wonderful messages I get from other plus sized women telling me how I've given them the confidence to pursue cosplay far outweighs any type of con I could tell you of. With the crossover of Cosplay and Modeling with the increased focus of Body Positivity, who do view how Cosplay has dealt with this subject? I feel like some people have become more open minded, but there will always be trolls in their mother's basement who hide behind their keyboards and try to tear you down. As I've mentioned before, I've received several messages from other plus sized women about how my confidence has encouraged them to do something they were hesitant to try. I've definitely noticed an increase of plus sized women in the community and that makes makes my heart swell with pride. However, I still haven't seen a ton of plus sized cosplayers gain international fame or guest spots at conventions. I'd really like to see that change. What is your favorite con story? Oh gosh, there are so many! I'll go with San Antonio, 2016 I believe. I rarely pay for photo-ops. With such an expensive hobby, it's hard to justify the expense of a photo-op. However, at this particular convention, David Tennant and John Barrowman were offering a joint photo-op. I had the whole family with me (husband and both kiddos, I had just had my son, Coulson the previous year) and as I approached Tennant and Barrowman, I insisted they sandwiched me in a hug and they happily obliged. As I was walking away, I tripped over Tennant's foot and he caught me. *SWOON* What are some of your favorite events? I love supporting the smaller, local conventions! I always have the most fun at Dallas Comic Show. Mark Walters is such a great guy and he presented me with my first guest opportunity. I've also helped put together the Cosplay Contest for this convention and participated in my first panels here. I will always be forever in debt to Mark for these memories and opportunities! He puts his heart and soul into these conventions and it really shows. Naturally, one of my other favorite events is the Cosplay Prom. I organized the very first Cosplay Prom in 2017 and I was absolutely blown away by the turn-out. This year will be the 4th year and it continues to grow each year. Who are some of your favorite local cosplayers? What are other local cosplayers doing that you really appreciate and/or admire? Oh there are SO MANY! Taffetta Darling- Taff has been on the scene for YEARS and honestly, I was a fan-girl of hers from afar when I first began cosplaying. I was fortunate enough to meet her through Geek Girl Brunch a few years ago and we've had a beautiful friendship blossom through the years. She is incredibly talented and is one half of the Fan Girls of Dallas. She is one of my biggest hype-(wo)men and has helped me grow Cosplay Prom with her support an advice. Krystle Starr- GO TEAM UNICORN! Krystle has the MOST captivating smile and positive attitude. She's definitely one of the sweetest people I've met since I've been cosplaying and I'm blessed to be able to include her among my friends. She's been one of my Day One Cosplay Prom supporters and hasn't missed one yet! She has so much love in her heart for special causes! Amie DD- Amie has as much brain as she does beauty. Amie is the other half of Team Unicorn from Legomasters with Krystle! As a mother with a young daughter, it's so important to me for her to see strong, female role-models. Amie definitely ticks all the boxes with all the cool, creative stuff she dabbles with. Galaxy Gear//Amber Johnson- Amber is the badass boss babe behind Galaxy Gear Boutique. She creates unique, one of a kind nerdy inspired clothing and accessories AND she cosplays while she's peddlin' her goods at conventions near and far. Cosplay Jenamie//Jenni Collins- Even though she moved off to Colorado, Jenni still has a huge piece of my heart. Jenni, Amber and I have forged a beautiful bond over the past few years due to our mutual love of nerdy stuff and cosplay. Her talent amazes me and I love to see what she comes up with. I think her Mardi Gras inspired Harley is my favorite! Red Stone Dreamery/Debbie Redfern- She is SUCH an incredibly creative and talented seamstress Isley Cosplay//Megan Proska- Just a beautiful person inside in out, Megan always impresses me with her attention to detail and positive, encouraging attitude. DFW Wonderwoman//Terri Bailey- Terri is the epitome of a Wonder Woman. Her tributes to Diana Prince are mesmerizing and I love to see what she's going to do next! I want to be Terri when I grow up! Gosh, there are SO many more that I could include here, but it's so hard because it would be less of an interview and more of a short essay on the folks I love in the Cosplay Community. If you could cosplay anything or anyone regardless of money, time and effort, what would it be? I would honestly just turn everything into a pin-up inspired cosplay! Haha. I love pin-up inspired fashion and if I could, I'd sell everything in my closet and replace it with sensible vintage dresses. If there was one thing you could say about Cosplay for all to hear, what would that one thing be? Cosplay is for EVERYONE! Regardless of shape, size, race, religion, sex-- If you want to cosplay it, DO IT! |
AuthorNorth Texas Nerd is a site for news, reviews, interviews, and opinions about all pop culture and geeky things happening and being made in North Texas. Archives
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