Interview with Snax Return

So I got to meet Trent (AKA Snax Return) at Otakon. Tony introduced me to Trent and you know how when you become cool with someone then 9 times out of 10 you become cool with their homies (I like to call this the homie effect, the homie effect is great stuff). Trent is a funny and chill dude that is very passionate about making props as well as cosplaying. Big thanks to Trent for doing this interview! Also find out more about Trent and follow him in his journey of prop making and cosplaying.

Snax Return: Yo! Thanks for having me interviewed bro; I'm already excited just thinking about props and cosplay lol! So let's get this thing rollin'.

Taiwan: Trent can you tell the people a bit about yourself.


Snax Return: I am Trenton (Trent) LeRoy Butler! Born and raised in Southfield/Livonia Michigan. I moved here in Maryland about 4 years ago. I'm 17 and plan on going to art school and becoming either a prop maker or an engineer. I AM AN OTAKU FOR LIFE, and I simply love creating things with my hands.

 
















Taiwan: When did you start cosplaying and making props?

Snax Return: I started cosplaying and making props during the beginning of my junior year in high school. Tsukiyama Shuu from the anime series Tokyo Ghoul was my very first cosplay, along with the mask and kagune that I created.

Taiwan: Why did you want to start cosplaying and making props?

Snax Return: Well I was always into anime and building things, so when my friend Tony Chen (who was already into prop making and cosplay) introduced me to anime conventions and what not, I instantly became a fan of prop making and cosplays.

Taiwan: Do you make your own cosplay or do you prefer to buy cosplay?

Snax Return: I DEFINITELY prefer to make my own cosplays. I love doing it! Even if it's very complicated and intricate work I'm always willing to push myself beyond my limits and hone my prop/cosplay making skills. Plus, it's usually a lot cheaper to just buy materials and make it from scratch rather than buying it online. It may not look that good at first but keep trying! Especially if you have a passion for prop/cosplay making, it's certainly worth it in the very end.

Taiwan: How do you go about making your props and cosplay? Or where do you buy your cosplay from?

Snax Return: I buy my materials from Michaels or AC Moore (AC Moore is cheaper). Now the processes for making props vary of course but for most of my creations (swords, shields, footgear, masks, etc.) I use material called EVA foam. It's great for multi-purpose projects and is quite flexible and fairly durable. Craft knifes, worbla, masking tape, hot glue, a heat gun, and a dremel tool are vital tools that I use but there are many others. If you want to know how I made a certain prop in detail don't hesitate to ask! It's kind of hard to answer how I generally make props since they're all so different X3.

Taiwan: Does your family and friends know that you cosplay/make props?

Snax Return: Yes. Both my family and friends know about my BURNING PASSION!

Taiwan: How do they feel about you making props and cosplaying?

Snax Return: My mom is skeptical about me becoming a prop maker because she doesn't think they make a good living lol which is true in many cases nowadays but it's possible to be very profitable in the industry, so I'm playing it by ear right now. Everyone else thinks what I'm doing is pretty cool.


Taiwan: What do you like to do when you're not working on your props and cosplays?

Snax Return: Ah, I love to meditate and astral project in my spare time. But my general hobbies include hanging out with friends, drawing, playing the saxophone, walking in nature, eating, sleeping, exercising, and watching anime.

Taiwan: Are there any cosplayers and prop makers that you look up too?

Snax Return: I look up to Yayahan, Bill Doran, Layton Props, and my good friend Tony.

Taiwan: Do you have any goals that are cosplay and prop making related?

Snax Return: Good gravy I want to make Riven's Redeemed sword and Dragonblade sword from League of Legends >x<. In essence though, I just want to become better at what I do. One step at a time folks!

Taiwan: Is there anything that you would like to tell the people that are reading this?

Snax Return: I LOVE YOU ALL! Follow your dreams wherever they may take you, and be yourselves 100%!!!

Taiwan: Where can people find you at (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) to keep up with you and to find out what anime conventions that you're going to?

Snax Return: I have a Facebook account as Snax Return but I don't really use it much. My Instagram account is under the same name but I use it much more frequently. I hope to go to Anime USA this year, and I'm not sure what else after that.