So.. I haven't posted a blog in a LOOOONG time! Whoops! Nothing really too exciting has happened, but I'll throw out a quick update from the beginning of the year until now: January - Setsucon I'm not a huge fan of this convention, but I like going nonetheless. On a whim, I entered the cosplay contest with Sinon. Keep in mind that at that point, Sinon had been about six months old and had been worn to death, so it was on it's last legs, basically. I even had to remake the ENTIRE bow the week before the convention. I ended up winning third place in the journeyman category, which I was pretty pumped about for having entered an old build. February - Katsucon We finished our huge Legendary Pokémon/Star Wars Jedi group and wore it on Saturday of Katsucon. Overall, it was a pretty alright success as the pictures turned out great... but I had to make ALL of the birds and some parts of the dogs and I never want to ever do that again. The picture below is credited to evettesphotgraphyy on Instagram! The video below is credited to GoingProFilms on Youtube! March - Four State We ran a Cosplay on a Budget panel that went so well, and then I entered the cosplay contest and won best in show with my Gladiator Flareon, which was designed by Sunset Dragon. I always love this convention. The pictures below are credited to Laughing Kat Photos on Facebook and Instagram! The video below is credited to Luminescent Nerds Productions on Youtube! April - Tekko Nothing really happened besides me debuting my Magical Girl Pokémon Trainer Mei! I did get a photoshoot of it.. I'm just waiting for the pictures to come back... The video below is credited to GoingProFilms on Youtube! May - Zenkaikon Zenkaikon is my most favorite convention of the year. I don't know why, but I always end up having an absolute blast there! I rewore a whole bunch of old cosplays - some probably for the last time - and got some good shots of Sora (finally) before retiring it. The pictures below are credited to evettesphotgraphyy on Instagram! The video below is credited to GoingProFilms on Youtube!
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Feature Friday |
1. How long have you been cosplaying? I started officially cosplaying in 2017. The first costumes that I made specifically for a convention were my Princess Mononoke and my Howl Pendragon cosplays. While these were the first ones made for conventions, I actually began making costumes in 2014. I started with my Renaissance Faire dress (Which now doubles as my Mother Gothel cosplay). I also made the cloak that I wear for Mother Gothel at the same time. A couple of weeks later I made a costume for a friend, and then I made my first version of my burlesque Ursula which I have since trashed. | 2. Why do you cosplay? Cosplay for me is a joy. I love the community, the events, and making my costumes. It's the first thing that I've truly been passionate about in a long time. I think that it all kind of comes |
back to my love for halloween and theatrics and all that comes with those things.
3. Is cosplay a hobby or is it more?
For me it's a hobby, but I also am trying to make a living doing commissions. Which is slow going, but it's going. My first commission went really well, and I'm working on my second. I really just love creating and if I can make a living doing that then I will be the happiest person alive. Cosplay has become life at this point. It's where all my energy goes outside of my "real" job.
3. Is cosplay a hobby or is it more?
For me it's a hobby, but I also am trying to make a living doing commissions. Which is slow going, but it's going. My first commission went really well, and I'm working on my second. I really just love creating and if I can make a living doing that then I will be the happiest person alive. Cosplay has become life at this point. It's where all my energy goes outside of my "real" job.
4. Homemade vs. Commissioned cosplay - what's your preference? For me I prefer to make my own costume. Just because I have the means. For some reason I really like stressing myself the fuck out and taking on more than I should. However, I don't believe there is anything wrong with commissioning costumes, obviously. I like making costumes for other people so it would be weird for me to be against commissions. Generally though I do prefer to see that people give credit where credit is due. Too frequently you see people not giving appropriate credit to photographers or commissioners or what have you. |
5. Work alone or with others? Depends. There are times where I feel like I definitely get more done on my own, but sometimes it's easier to stay on task if you're working with someone else who has a similar or the same goal. I love doing groups, but they can also be stressful if no one is doing their parts except you. Just like it was in high school. You could have an amazing group, but there will always be that one person who is carried by the rest of the team. 6. What is your favorite cosplay project to date? Why? Well, as of now it's a secret cosplay for Katsucon. As for the why, there are a lot of |
reasons. 1. I'm making it so that I can meet the person who voices the character at Katsucon. Also it is one of the more creative and intensive projects that I've worked on. I've had to construct body parts, and weaponry as well as the dress and armor. I'm so excited for everyone to see it! 7. What was your first ever cosplay? Looking back, how do you feel about that cosplay now? The first one that I made was my first version of my Ursula (I'm not counting my Renn Faire dress simply because it was just a dress). I rushed that Ursula so much and didn't read the instructions very well. It was falling apart by the end of the night, but I honestly loved wearing it. I love the attitude and sass that Ursula has and I really enjoyed that costume. That's why I made it a second time. 8. What's your least favorite part about cosplay? I think that my least favorite part about cosplay |
is not having the time or funds to do EVERYTHING that I want to do. I have so many ideas rolling around in my head, but I don't have nearly enough time to devote to them all to the extent that they deserve.
9. What inspired you to start cosplaying?
I had been wanting to for a while, but I never made it a priority until Maiacat forcibly dragged me into it ;) but honestly having her there to make suggestions and help along the world of conventions was a big help.
9. What inspired you to start cosplaying?
I had been wanting to for a while, but I never made it a priority until Maiacat forcibly dragged me into it ;) but honestly having her there to make suggestions and help along the world of conventions was a big help.
10. Upcoming cosplan and/or dream cosplay? I have a lot of cosplans. Too many. But I don't know that I have a "dream cosplay" I have a lot that I would like to do, but I think that most of them are pretty on par with one another, I would like to make myself a cosplay that has wings at some point, but I don't know what one.... |
Everything for Katsucon is done, including the items for my friends. Holy cow.
Our Katsucon weekend is going to be craaaaaaazy. We have so many shoots lined up, especially on Saturday, but I'm hoping that it'll be fun! I will definitely be updating our adventures on the weekend!
Our Katsucon weekend is going to be craaaaaaazy. We have so many shoots lined up, especially on Saturday, but I'm hoping that it'll be fun! I will definitely be updating our adventures on the weekend!
Before that, however, we have Setsucon in Altoona. I'm hoping that it's a lot better than it was last year in State College. The venue was awful, but they've moved from a hotel hallway to a conference center, so I'm staying positive! I am also going to compete in the cosplay contest. I haven't really competed since Harrisburg Comicon in May and I'm entering Sinon, which I'm kind of iffy about since it is an older cosplay at this point. I figured that she would be my best bet because I've put the most work into her. Again - I will update with pictures and videos! |
I've taken the liberty to start my Tekko cosplay since I'm ready for Katsucon (and that's a dang miracle in and of itself). I wrote about my cosplay before, but we are doing an Eeveelution x Dungeons and Dragons mashup as imagined by Sunset Dragon. I am doing the Flareon Barbarian. I have most of the sewing done; the only thing left is the weird fur-shoulder-thing. I'm super happy about that because I'm not that great at sewing. I also have the axe done and plastidipped. I admit, I jumped the gun on it a bit because I was feeling fidgety and wanted to get it done. I was planning on running some wire through it for stability, but didn't have any |
and built it anyway. I had to reinforce it with some wood.. sooooo.. I'm hoping the paint job will save it and I'm hoping it won't fall apart! I've also finished the bracers, kneepad, and started the chest piece. ^_^
I'm not quite sure how I'm going to do the strange hip-armor-thingies without it looking silly. We'll see. Trial and error - I have enough time!
I'm not quite sure how I'm going to do the strange hip-armor-thingies without it looking silly. We'll see. Trial and error - I have enough time!
I'm drowning in scales.
If you have been following my cosplay adventures, or know me AT ALL, you should know how much I cannot sew. It's a mixture between being scared of messing up, not having the patience, and getting easily overwhelmed by the whole sewing process.
One of my goals for 2018 is to make a cosplay 100% in it's entirety - that means all armor and all fabric, including pants, leggings, shirts, etc. In order to meet this goal, I've gotta have enough courage to sew, so I've been sewing and I wanted to share my progress.
A MIRACLE HAS HAPPENED.
I have ALL of my cosplays for Katsucon DONE - and with a little over a month to spare. Of course, I still have to work on the commission stuff for my other group members, but they are going to come to finish that stuff up on their own, so I'm not too worried about it (plus, all that's left is to make belts, paint, and resize the tunics). Because I have my stuff done, I decided to go ahead and start working on my other cosplays for this convention season - namely, my DnD Flareon for Tekko (in April) and my Magical Girl Mei (design by Shourca) for Colossalcon (in June).
One of my goals for 2018 is to make a cosplay 100% in it's entirety - that means all armor and all fabric, including pants, leggings, shirts, etc. In order to meet this goal, I've gotta have enough courage to sew, so I've been sewing and I wanted to share my progress.
A MIRACLE HAS HAPPENED.
I have ALL of my cosplays for Katsucon DONE - and with a little over a month to spare. Of course, I still have to work on the commission stuff for my other group members, but they are going to come to finish that stuff up on their own, so I'm not too worried about it (plus, all that's left is to make belts, paint, and resize the tunics). Because I have my stuff done, I decided to go ahead and start working on my other cosplays for this convention season - namely, my DnD Flareon for Tekko (in April) and my Magical Girl Mei (design by Shourca) for Colossalcon (in June).
Working with foam is easy for me, it's the sewing that's daunting. For my Magical Girl Mei, it is 100% sewing - there's really no prop work beside a wand (which I'm going to leave for last - if I have time, great; if not, I won't worry about it). I am about 93% done with the cloak for the design, all that's left is to stencil the snowflake decal on the back - which I'm silently panicking about. If I mess that up, the whole thing is ruined. Ugh. |
This was a HUGE accomplishment for me and I'm really, really proud of myself. It might sound silly because it's something so simple.. but I did it all by myself! Of course, my cloak isn't 100% as the design, but I think that's okay. I'm coming to terms with the fact that, sometimes, I won't be able to replicate a design exactly. I'm very happy with how it looks and fits, though. This design is going to be a huge challenge for me, but I chose it for that reason - I want to push myself with this cosplay. |
I've done it. I've finished all of my cosplays for Katsucon (aside from a wig that I'm still waiting for, but that's easy). Somehow, though, no matter how prepared I am for a convention, I always end up crunching for someone else. I did it to myself, but I'm still frustrated.
I have to plastidip two sets of armor, paint the armor, resize the tunics, and weather everything. I'm bribing the people I'm making the armor for to come down and help with the painting, so I can narrow my list down to just plastidipping. I can't resize tunics until they are here so I'm just going to plastidip the armor and put it on the back burner until they come. Phew.
I think I'm going to start my Tekko cosplay today. I already sort of started with the prop, but I think I'm going to try to cut out some foam today and get it assembled. I might do some sewing for my Colossalcon cosplay, too. A trip to Jo Ann's may be in my future.
I have to plastidip two sets of armor, paint the armor, resize the tunics, and weather everything. I'm bribing the people I'm making the armor for to come down and help with the painting, so I can narrow my list down to just plastidipping. I can't resize tunics until they are here so I'm just going to plastidip the armor and put it on the back burner until they come. Phew.
I think I'm going to start my Tekko cosplay today. I already sort of started with the prop, but I think I'm going to try to cut out some foam today and get it assembled. I might do some sewing for my Colossalcon cosplay, too. A trip to Jo Ann's may be in my future.
I feel like I'm prematurely panicking for Katsucon and I can't tell it it's normal or not!
Last year, I didn't really Katsucrunch because my cosplay was already done for a previous convention, so this is all new to me. I am doing two armor cosplays and a couple of closet cosplays and comfy cosplays, which isn't so bad, but I'm also commissioning two armored cosplays for friends on top of it!
Last year, I didn't really Katsucrunch because my cosplay was already done for a previous convention, so this is all new to me. I am doing two armor cosplays and a couple of closet cosplays and comfy cosplays, which isn't so bad, but I'm also commissioning two armored cosplays for friends on top of it!
Let's start this off with the fact that I'm a horrible procrastinator. Like.. the worst kind of procrastinator that there is. I am actively aware that I am procrastinating, but more often than not, do nothing about it. The sense of urgency won't hit me until it's a week before Katsucon and I still have things to sew and paint and finish. I'm really hoping it does not come to that, but I'm basing things off of the past and the past has not been pretty for lil' ol' me.
One of my cosplays is DONE, aside from some paint touch up that'll take 10 minutes tops, so I've got that going for me. The other one is nearly done, I just need to finish the top and some accessories. What is really panicking me is my second armor build and the commissions - they are essentially the same cosplay three times over because I'm making them for a group that we are doing.
The sewing on mine is done and my armor is plastidipped. I'm hoping to have it painted (at least to the point where I can start weathering) by the 23rd (because that's when I'm leaving for my family's house for the holidays). That gives me five days, and I'm going to do some Katsucrunch with Katastrophic Kosplay on the 22nd, so I'm thinking relatively positive about this. All I will have to do then is weather the armor and the fabric, and mine is done! WOO!
I want to try and get mine done before I focus on the others. All that's done of theirs is the armor is put together. I still have to prime, paint, and weather that, as well as make the obi, tunic, and arm sleeves. I'm hoping to get the armor plastidipped and the first layer of paint on by the New Year; at least then I can finish painting and weathering.
Eugh. I'm NEVER doing commissions on top of my own cosplays ever again. Too stressful. Nope.
One of my cosplays is DONE, aside from some paint touch up that'll take 10 minutes tops, so I've got that going for me. The other one is nearly done, I just need to finish the top and some accessories. What is really panicking me is my second armor build and the commissions - they are essentially the same cosplay three times over because I'm making them for a group that we are doing.
The sewing on mine is done and my armor is plastidipped. I'm hoping to have it painted (at least to the point where I can start weathering) by the 23rd (because that's when I'm leaving for my family's house for the holidays). That gives me five days, and I'm going to do some Katsucrunch with Katastrophic Kosplay on the 22nd, so I'm thinking relatively positive about this. All I will have to do then is weather the armor and the fabric, and mine is done! WOO!
I want to try and get mine done before I focus on the others. All that's done of theirs is the armor is put together. I still have to prime, paint, and weather that, as well as make the obi, tunic, and arm sleeves. I'm hoping to get the armor plastidipped and the first layer of paint on by the New Year; at least then I can finish painting and weathering.
Eugh. I'm NEVER doing commissions on top of my own cosplays ever again. Too stressful. Nope.
Feature Friday
T_Poolio
1. How long cosplaying? 3 1/2 years. 2. Why do you cosplay? It's a get away from my boring life. Gives me something to challenge myself with. 3. Is cosplay a hobby or is it more? Hobby totally!!! 4. Homemade vs. Commissioned cosplay - what's your preference? Personally I like making my own. Cosplay in general just have fun no matter what it is. |
5. Work alone or with others? Mostly alone. The people I would love to work with live so far and I'm so lazy. 6. What is your favorite cosplay project to date? Why? Assassin's Creed Edward Kenway. It was the most ambitious project I've done. 7. What was your first ever cosplay? Looking back, how do you feel about that cosplay now? Deadpool! And I take pride since it was also designed by me and partially sewn by me. |
8. What's your least favorite part about cosplay? Toxic and negative people. We cosplay to get away from that in our everyday lives. 9. What inspired you to start cosplaying? Wizard World 2014ish my first comiccon and I was memorized by all the costumes. 10. Upcoming cosplan and/or dream cosplay? Secret Cosplay for Katsu, but my dream Cosplay is The Guyver. If you never heard of that get on google! |
This weekend was jam-packed with a whole bunch of fun things. One of them being lots of holiday photos! I've always really enjoyed holiday photos as a cosplayer and was really excited to be able to do some this year.
Kat and Sam came down for the weekend - our plan was to get some Katsucon cosplay done and these holiday photos, as well as attend a photoshoot with Skyward Song Cosplay.
We started the weekend off with some holiday shoots! Kat and I got into our Hogwarts House cosplays to begin the night, which was so much fun! They were brand new (I had actually gotten hers as a Christmas gift)!
After our Hogwarts shoot, we switched to another holiday-themed shoot. I changed into my Sinon and Kat tried out some deer makeup.
Feature Friday
Megami Cupcake
1. How long have you been cosplaying? I've been cosplaying for a little over 2 years. But If we count how long I've been dressing up, then most of my life. 2. Why do you cosplay? I cosplay because I love becoming a character I relate to. I also love to dress up in costumes. Haha. But the best part of it is being able to make incredible friends who share the same creative passion for cosplay. 3. Is cosplay a hobby or is it more? It's a bit of both. I enjoy cosplaying and being creative. I am also trying to make it more than just a hobby. It would be a dream to be able to make a hobby I love into a full time job. |
4. Homemade vs. Commissioned cosplay - what's your preference?
I feel both is acceptable. Creating a cosplay can be overwhelming. I personally love to create myself. It allows me to put a bit of my design flair into it. Commissioning someone else to make your cosplay is a great way to support the community artists.
5. Work alone or with others?
Sometimes I like to work alone. My thoughts become too complicated at times. Won't even get into my ADD. My poor husband. Haha! Working with others is fun though! You find you'll learn new techniques and tricks to help you along the way from working with others.
I feel both is acceptable. Creating a cosplay can be overwhelming. I personally love to create myself. It allows me to put a bit of my design flair into it. Commissioning someone else to make your cosplay is a great way to support the community artists.
5. Work alone or with others?
Sometimes I like to work alone. My thoughts become too complicated at times. Won't even get into my ADD. My poor husband. Haha! Working with others is fun though! You find you'll learn new techniques and tricks to help you along the way from working with others.
6. What is your favorite cosplay project to date? Why? My favorite cosplay project is my Demon Hunter/MLP armor. It was incredibly challenging to make but so worth all the tears and blood. Haha I have learned a lot of what not to do. It was a learning process to tame the worbla beast. I did it though! 7. What was your first ever cosplay? Looking back, how do you feel about that cosplay now? My very first cosplay I did was a Lolita inspired Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro. Looking back on it, there are quite a bit of things I would change. The dress is cute but after learning what other materials and fabrics are out there I could improve the dress. I still love it. I used my own pattern and designs to make it and finished it in two days. It was painful. |
8. What's your least favorite part about cosplay?
My least favorite part about cosplay is all the negativity. Main ones are racism and body shaming. There is no place for that anywhere. People are allowed to cosplay whatever they want without being shamed and disrespected. Cosplayers are putting their passion and creativity into their costumes. They work hard to either make it or save money and buy one. Regardless of what race, color, body type they have, they have a right to be respected and enjoy what they love to do.
9. What inspired you to start cosplaying?
My inspiration to start cosplaying came from friends I met in a LARP group. I already had a love for dressing up and creating my own costumes but after finding out through those friends there was a whole other world, I was instantly drawn in! Not long after I came across Yaya Han. She is incredible, her attention to detail is amazing. I idolize that cosplay goddess.
10. Upcoming cosplan and/or dream cosplay?
There are a few cosplays in the works! Some being a Titan from Destiny 2, Umbreon, and Steampunk Riddler. My dream cosplay would be to cosplay every single outfit of Sailor Moon, including her beautiful Neo-Queen Serenity dress.
My least favorite part about cosplay is all the negativity. Main ones are racism and body shaming. There is no place for that anywhere. People are allowed to cosplay whatever they want without being shamed and disrespected. Cosplayers are putting their passion and creativity into their costumes. They work hard to either make it or save money and buy one. Regardless of what race, color, body type they have, they have a right to be respected and enjoy what they love to do.
9. What inspired you to start cosplaying?
My inspiration to start cosplaying came from friends I met in a LARP group. I already had a love for dressing up and creating my own costumes but after finding out through those friends there was a whole other world, I was instantly drawn in! Not long after I came across Yaya Han. She is incredible, her attention to detail is amazing. I idolize that cosplay goddess.
10. Upcoming cosplan and/or dream cosplay?
There are a few cosplays in the works! Some being a Titan from Destiny 2, Umbreon, and Steampunk Riddler. My dream cosplay would be to cosplay every single outfit of Sailor Moon, including her beautiful Neo-Queen Serenity dress.
Author
Maiacat Cosplay
Amateur cosplayer new on the cosplay and con scene - just trying to get her name out there!
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