Cosplay Confessions is a series we do to spotlight and get to understand the wonderful members of our cosplay community (and beyond!). This month we have Kreating Kosplay!

HOW DID YOU GET INTO COSPLAY?

A year after I attended my ever first con, which was Otakon 2005, 2006 is when I started cosplaying. My first one was Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach. So I've been into the convention and cosplay scene for over 13 years, started off doing anime characters, and branched out into other fandoms.

WHY DO YOU LIKE COSPLAYING?

I like cosplaying for many different reasons. I like portraying many different characters from anime, cartoons, and some games. Also, it’s a lot of fun, doing this hobby/way of life with close friends. Also, love to meet new people.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS TO COSPLAY SO FAR?

Bastilla Shan from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Padme Amidala from Star Wars the Clone Wars Cartoon. Rukia from Bleach. Momo from My Hero Academia. And comic characters Mary Jane Watson, Catwoman, and Black Cat.

HOW DO YOU PUT TOGETHER YOUR COSTUMES?

Do a mixture of piecing my cosplays together. I do buy some Cosplays & Make my own props (depending on the character).

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE CONVENTIONS/EVENTS TO COSPLAY AT?

J1con PCCDay Otakon from 2005-2016 in Baltimore Animore Cherry Blossom Festival in DC.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE COSPLAY STORIES?

When I won the role of Prom Queen many years ago at a "Naruto Prom" during Otakon in the past.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME BEING A COSPLAYER?

I've had to overcome many hardships with a degree of online cyberharassment and bullying from various individuals from the cosplay community, and self-esteem issues/depression. I still do my best to overcome all of it and to Stay Cospostive!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE INTERESTED IN GETTING INTO COSPLAY?

My advice If someone is interested in getting into cosplay: To first pick out a character that will be easy for you to piece/or buy the outfit, if you can find it on eBay, Amazon, etc. Be sure to take good care of your mental health & well-being as a Cosplayer. Surround yourself with those from the community who promote positivity. Keep a Distance away from Drama and Treat your peers with kindness and respect. I recommend not participating in drama or take part in online solo or group cyberbullying others, on social media. We can't stop negativity as a whole but can at least promote a fun mentally healthy social environment for ourselves and others who are in our immediate social circle, that attend our social gatherings.meetups etc. Cosplay is for everybody from all walks of life ethnic backgrounds, gender identities. Be true to yourself and do cosplay your way. You do not need to sew to be a Cosplayer. You can be at any skill level and dress up and enjoy your craft, whether it’s piecing things together, thrifting, buying, hot glue, safety pinning, etc.

WHAT CHARACTER WOULD YOU LOVE TO TACKLE SOMEDAY?

Faye Valentine from Cow Boy Bebop!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST COSPLAY ACHIEVEMENT?

I got to cosplay some of my favorite characters from childhood Princess Leia Organa from Star Wars among other characters like Trinity from the Matrix

WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU?

https://www.facebook.com/kreatingkosplay
Instagram @kreatingkosplay

I also run a Cosplay meetup group page if anyone wants to attend any meetups in Maryland or Philly.
And I also run a second group on Facebook called Cosplay Mental Health Moral Support Group.