The world of cosplay can be described many different ways depending on who you ask. Weird or alluring. Incredible or misguided. The thing is you never really understand it until you do it or ask someone who does. Sadly most people aren't willing to just ask, but today we aim to do that.
To start with could you tell us a little about yourself?
Greetings! My name is Alexis H., I am 22 years old, and I am in the process of graduating with a
B.F.A in sequential art!
How long have you been cosplaying and what inspired you to start?
I started cosplaying last year, around late March. As a young girl I was always fascinated with
costuming, I would constantly look at Halloween costume websites, planning out what I would
wear for Halloween next year. As I started playing more video games, dappling into comics and
watching more anime, I wondered how cool it would be to dress up as my favorite characters. I
didn’t start cosplaying until recently because I was very insecure. I was afraid of getting ridiculed
on the internet for not cosplaying a character accurately or of my skin complexion. 2016 was a
strong breakthrough for cosplayers of color which ultimately inspired me to take up cosplay as a
new hobby.
Was there a moment that made you decide that this wasn’t going to be something done for fun
a few times but a lifelong passion?
The moment I realized that cosplay was more of a passion was around the time I made my first
prop for Dragon Con last year. With little to no sculpting experience, I had made Yoko Ritona’s
(Gurren Lagann) Sniper Rifle out of craft foam and pvc pipes. During the process I discovered
how satisfying it was to make a replica weapon from start to finish. It was a breath of fresh air
from the stress I had felt juggling a job and art school at the time, and from this I realized that I
can use cosplay as an outlet from most negativity in my life.The fact that I am a novice in
sculpting and making costumes drives me to learn new techniques and sewing skills in order to
really hone in on this hobby. In conclusion, cosplay became my newfound passion because the
sense of accomplishment I would get from finishing a prop or costume piece was very
rewarding.
Do your family and friends no about your cosplay, if so do they support it?My friends know that I have a serious passion for cosplay more than my family members do. I have come across some tension amongst friends who do not support the cosplays that I have
done, however most of my friends are very supportive with my decison to cosplay whatever I want. All my family really knows is that I have took up sewing as a hobby :)
Do you prefer to buy pieces or put them together yourself?
Honestly, if it were up to me and I was doing art and cosplay full time, I would go above and beyond to make most if not all of my cosplays. Until I get to that point in my life, I prefer to have
a decent balance of buying some pieces/props and building others. I honestly feel that a cosplayer should not be judged for not making all of their cosplays. Not everyone has enough
time, money, or resources to dedicate towards cosplaying. Cosplay should be fun and welcoming experience for everyone for both the professional and casual cosplayer.
How long does it usually take you to put together an entire costume?
It really depends on how much money and time is given. For the most part, it can take anywhere
between a couple of months and a few days. This is because if I have work or school in the way
I will obviously more time to those areas in my life. If I have to meet a deadline for a con
however, I will go out of my way to try and complete the costume over the few days leading up
to the con.
What has been your least expensive cosplay to put together and in contrast what has been the
most expensive?
My least expensive cosplay to put together was Chel (El Dorado). The fabric I used to make the
costume was relatively cheap, there were no props that needed to be made, and the pattern for
the costume was quite simple.
My most expensive cosplay would probably have to be Shego (kim possible), because I had to
make a specific commission with a fabric printing company, and then I had to pay to have the
printed suit put together by another company. For right now, it seems a bit cheaper when I can
make most of my cosplays.
Do you have a favorite character to cosplay as?
I really love cosplaying Bulma from the Dragon Ball universe because she is the most relatable
character in my life right now. She is a strong female character in a male-dominated anime that
was always very comfortable with her sexuality.
Has there ever been a cosplay that just didn’t come out the way you pictured it?
My first trial for my bunny bulma cosplay was a bit difficult. I had made the mistake of buying thebunny suit from a non-reliable costuming site. It didn’t fit me right and made me look boxy.
Are there other hobbies you have when not doing cosplay?
Drawing and illustrating will always be my true passion. I enjoy designing and creating new
things from the illustrations I make. I also like to work out as well.
You can see more of Alexis' work on Twitter, or Instagram which are both Art Hard Cosplay
When I was her age, I was so afraid of being thought of as some kind of freak for having an interest in dressing up as a Star Trek character or whatever. Now, I'm too old (and broke) to begin doing cosplay. I'm so glad to see young Black ladies living the dream!
ReplyDelete