What Cosplay Means to Me

I wanted to take a moment a express how lucky I am to have cosplay in my life.

Growing up, as with most "nerd" types, wasn't the easiest for me. 

I grew up on the outskirts of Nashville, so when I wasn't in school I spent my time at my house playing in the woods or on my farm. 

Not a lot of opportunity to make non-school related friends.

I spent my years in school being made fun of for one reason or another. Sailor Moon was my big love as a child, and walking the halls with themed school supplies was basically marking me for bullying. The laughter and harsh comments still ring in my memory. I was even physically assaulted on multiple occasions for simply being different. Children can be cruel, and trust me when I say my bullies were.

The thing for me was, I never wanted to change who I was for those people. Of course I hated the bullying, anyone in that situation would... but not once did I want to change who I was to make it stop. I just continued to be who I am until I found a place to fit in... 

And for me, that place became theater.

When I began performing in my local community theaters in High School I knew I had found a home. I continued to follow my creative drive, and ended up majoring in Theater Performance in college.
I had found the place where other "weirdos" like me gathers to be creative and do things outside of the norm. I found myself more willing to express my love for a variety of things from video games, and anime, to sci-fi and cartoons... and I found wonderful people who opened my eyes up to a side of the geek world I hadn't experienced yet, like comics and conventions.
It was just after I had completed my bachelors degree that I attended my first convention. Dragon Con 2010 was a life changing experience for me. I walked in having no idea what to expect, and ended up finding my place in the world. I had seen all the amazing costumes and met so many amazing people that I couldn't wait to come back the following year and participate in this amazing art! 

I had finally found a place where I could not only combine my love of geeky things with my love of theater... but I could be recognized for it! People would see my cosplays and ask me how I made it and what inspired me. People asked to take pictures with me. I was being told that I inspired others to cosplay as well! I found so many new friends and began to finally feel as thought I had become a whole person.

My journey into cosplay has built a sense of pride in myself. I have become proud of the person I am. It has become my drive to help others in this community feel the joy I have from cosplay.

I tell you all this not to make you feel sad for me, or see the hard path I've been down, but so you can understand why I work so hard to bring positivity to this amazing community.

Being someone who has felt both the joy and the sorrow that can come from living life as a nerd I have made it my goal to bring more positivity and acceptance to the cosplay community. Everyday I see people fighting and hurting each other over silly topics like 

"sexy cosplay" 

"being a real nerd" 

"who's cosplay is better"
Why do we do this? Haven't we all experienced enough of this before? If you have felt the pain of being bullied just because you love something, why would you want to spread that pain? 

It doesn't make us who we are. I doesn't help people grow.
Being supportive and constructive it what helps us become bigger and better. Cosplay is a safe haven for so many of us. Its the place where we feel most like ourselves, and it is important that we make sure to keep it that way. If we, as nerds, geeks, and dorks, tear our community apart, what will we have left?

So next time you see something on the internet or in person that you don't like or agree with 

(as long as it is doing no harm)

Do yourself and the community a favor and just ignore it. We cannot keep complaining that only the negative behavior and aspects of cosplay we don't like get the attention if we keep feeding those things the attention.
 The way to make that stop isn't to add to the negative behavior, but to find something you love and build that up instead! 

Offer advice to a new cosplayer on new techniques and ways to grow their craft!

Cosplay has changed my life. 

It has made me into a better artist and a better person.
I will continues to build this community up as long as I can, and I hope that if it has touched your life the way it has touched mine, you will do the same.
<3 <3

How to become a Hero of the Cosplay Community- Lessons from "Heroes of Cosplay"

Lets start off by saying that this blog is not a review of the SyFy show "Heroes of Cosplay" , nor is it even directly about the show itself. I want to discuss the lessons we can take away from  "Heroes of Cosplay" and the behavior of the cosplay community regarding it.

In case you didn't know, but really who doesn't, Heroes of Cosplay was a 6 episode series on the SyFy channel that followed a group of cosplayers from convention to convention as they competed in various costume contests. It had it ups and its downs. There were times that various people on the show were not shown in the best light. Words were often said that were either not meant, or were edited for the most drama. Overall the show was focused on ratings (as reality shows often are) and less on showing what cosplay is really about.

Every time the show had a moment where a cosplay was either portrayed as mean, or expressed an opinion on a touchy subject, then the next day the internet was in an uproar. There were people defending the actions on the show. There were those who thought it was all wrong and attacked every aspect of it. There was bullying and fowl language and slander thrown everywhere on the internet.

Even with all of this behavior, the underlying theme seemed to be that cosplay should be a community that supports itself.

This seems like such an unreachable dream for the cosplay community. 

So many times I see people post and talk on how the cosplay bullying shouldn't happen, or how we should support each other and it shouldn't matter skill level, location, gender, sexual appeal, or any of that other crap.
Sadly, more often than not, these are also people who then turn around and say some of the most judgmental and hurtful words.

How are we suppose to build this community of support if we can't even show that to each other in our daily lives?

Watching the uproars over action on Heroes of Cosplay highlighted this shortcoming in our community. People who were upset about someone saying another cosplayer was too sexual were then writing posts about how that cosplay was a whore anyway, so she shouldn't be talking.... and that sexuality is okay. This as a whole screams hypocrisy to me! 

Now to be perfectly clear, the issues is not about what you think or believe regarding this, or any of the issues brought to light on this show or in cosplay in general. People have the right to think, believe, and form opinions on whatever they want. The issue is the manner in which people have been expressing their opinions. 
You cannot scream to the world that you want cosplay to be about supporting each other and the crafts and fandoms we love, and then turn around and slut shame, or bully, or anything else that you know will hurt someone. This is the issue in our community. This is what we have to overcome.

Everyone is entitled in their opinions. Everyone is allowed to do things their own way. As long as what you do and you say isn't hurting others, then no one should be allowed to tell you no.
We have to learn as a community, that if we don't agree with something we must either express those opinions in a tactful and tasteful manner, without spitting fire at others with our words... or we simply have to ignore it and move on.

If you take the time out of your life to constantly feed negativity and hatefulness, then it will consume you. You end up hurting no one but yourself.

We have to all learn to not feed that hate.

Of course there are times when we are all overwhelmed with hatred and anger. It is at those times that we have to find better ways to express that. Find a friend and vent to them. Get it all out, but in a way that wont hurt anyone. Most importantly, think before you type. Cause once its out there, there is no taking it back. The internet is an unforgiving place. It remembers everything you post. And now with sharing and screen capturing, there is no way to run from a post written in a moment of anger or pain.
Words are the same. Think before you speak. Ask yourself- is what I'm about to say going to add to our community, or damage it.

Heroes of Cosplay may not have shown us how to be very heroic, but it has offered us an opportunity to witness our faults as a community.... and better yet; it is giving us an opportunity to correct them.
This will not only help our community become the loving supportive place we all claim we want it to be, but it will also make each of us involved in it happier in what we do and how we do it.

To Cover, Or Not To Cover...... That Is The Question

As a female cosplayer I have, of coursed, noticed the trend of female cosplayers leaning towards more revealing costumes.

So the question becomes, is this wrong or right?
And of course the answer is neither!

Over the last few days I have seen a few different articles arise that do bring up some very good issues on the subject, and really get us thinking. Two of which that I have enjoyed are:

Drawing the impossible? Fully dressed Superheroines

Costumes Are Not Consent: Combatting Cosplayer Harassment

So why do I say neither you may ask...
While of course I do this it is important to keep in mind your location when selecting your cosplay choices (ex: maybe you should cover up if your going to be at a con with a large number of children vs adults), however in the end what you wear is your choice!

It's not what we wear, but how and why we wear it!

I firmly believe that the issue we have in the cosplay community isn't about how covered or uncovered ladies are, but understanding the motivation behind the choice!

I believe its vital for us, as women picking a costume, to decide why and who we are wearing it for.

Heroins like Wonder Woman and Power Girl don't get into their costumes and think "Oh man I hope everyone thinks my butt and boobs look great!" So why should we!

Everyone is different. We each have levels of comfort that we welcome into our lives.
It isn't a question of feminism, the human race being forced to embracing sexuality, or the belief that nudity is wrong. Everyone is going to be different. 

Its about being true to who we are as individuals and being honest with our motives.

If you are a cosplayer who wants to dress in a revealing manner because you like the attention that comes with it, good for you! Embrace it! Own it! Scream it to the world! Don't give the haters the chance to question your motives.

Disney's Belle

Artwork of Belle by J Scott Campbell

How we compose ourselves can be a huge indicator on our motives. Being strong and poised vs presenting your butt and breasts in person and photos can indicate to those around you what your going for.
Keep these things in mind when wearing your costume. If you don't want the idolizing attention that can come with overtly sexualizing yourself, then don't give them the chance."Slut shaming" shouldn't be apart of the cosplay community, but in reality it is. So why allow shame to be apart of it?

My Choice:

As a cosplayer, I prefer to be more covered than many cosplayer. I feel sexy and empowered when there is more to the imagination! That doesn't mean my way is right; it means my way is right for me! This is not to say I wont ever do more revealing cosplays, but I will be sure that I do them for me, and my own reasons... not to build followers, or to gain attention, or be notice, but because I love the character!!! That's just who I am 

Dork-a-saurus Rex!

It is also important to remember that we are always being watched! 

As Seriously Dan points out, How we present ourselves at a con with our personal friends and those we love may be different that how we interact with our "fans", but we must keep in mind that eyes are always upon us, and onlookers may think "Oh hey, I guess she is okay if I grab her ass since that guy just did it!"

My advice: OWN IT! Be exactly what you want!
Don't hide behind a shield of modesty, accusations of others, or needless defending if that's not who you are!
Once we become comfortable with our motives and our choices only then will this "issue" disappear!

Speak Up, Stand Up, Be Strong!

The cosplay community is a place that is often full of support and love, however, as in all communities, there is a darker side. 

Bullying is alive and kicking, even in cosplay.

This is an issue that I hold very close to me. It is something that I cannot stand on any level, especially when it effects something I love. 

Many cosplayers have been through the hurt and pain of bullying at some point in their lives. We are a unique group of people, we find joy in a way that much of the world doesn't understand. This, of course, will lead to the type of bullying that comes from ignorance and insecurities, but what about the bullying that comes from our fellow cosplayers.

Cosplayer hate is something that astounds and confuses me.

I attend a con, or go online, and all you can see and hear is messages and words of hate and judgement.

Its truly becoming an epidemic.

Be aware of your actions. Many people have been a bully before, and haven't even realized it.

• If you have posted a harsh, cruel, or judging comment online.... even knowing that person would never see it. You are a bully.
• If you make a point to seek out those online or in person, just so you can judge them either out loud or silently... You are a bully.
• If you ignore other cosplayers because you think your cosplay is better... You are a bully.

Bullying come in many ways that we don't even see as bullying. Sometimes it can be hard to stop bullying, when we don't even realize its happening.

When I am faced with a bully, here are some actions I chose to take.

• If happening in an online forum (like Facebook or Twitter)  utilize the "block" function! I know it can't keep people from visiting a fan page and seeing what is written there, but it can be incredible empowering to YOU! Knowing that you stood against those types of people gives you strength and courage!!!
• If you have people in your life who bring you hurt and pain, simply remove them. This is something I had to learn in the last few years. We can all want to help those we may care about, but there comes a time when you need to love yourself! So Simply Let Them Go.
• If you are forced to face a bully in person (like at a convention or a gaming event), this can be the hardest. You can be filled with damaging emotions that the bully has instilled in you. Often times you may feel like running, but remember you have a right to be there! You are a strong person who is important. DO NOT change yourself or your actions for a bully. Show the world the love you have for yourself.
• Find a friend. I have been blessed with some of the greatest people I have ever known as friends. When you surround yourself with good, kind, loving people; then your life will be filled with all those things. Real friends not only listen when you hurt, but offer their hand to pull you from the pain. 

Bullying doesn't have to continue. If we each can make it our goal to not only better ourselves, but not tolerate bullying when we see and hear it, then we can help end it!
If you are being bullied, find a place, like Cosplayers Against Bullying, that can help you find support and advice.

We don't have to like everyone, but we do have to respect them.

"you know that in nine hundred years of time and space and I've never met anybody who wasn't important before."-The Doctor

Adventures at MomoCon

This past weekend I had the joy of attending MomoCon!
This con is an Animation and Gaming convention located in Atlanta, GA (my home!)

I had such a fun time at this convention, however the week leading up to it was CRAZY!!!

I knew from the start that I would be bringing two new Cosplays. Lady Rainicorn from Adventure Time, and Trixie from My Little Pony. However I didn't anticipate having as many road bumps as I did.

Trixie from My Little Pony

Lady Rainicorn from Adventure Time

First off I need to thank The Doctor for putting in hours of work on my awesome Alicorn Amulet staff. It turned out amazing!

Alicorn Amulet Staff

I was unable to attend the con on Friday due to work and finishing up costumes. The first version of my Lady Rainicorn costumes didn't come out quite as I had pictured in my head, so friday night I decided to redo most of the outfit.

Most people think I'm crazy for this, but I just didn't feel right about the costume.
however I'm really happy with the final result!

Photographer: Tobias Roybal Photography

I had a blast on saturday gallivanting around with my Adventure Time gang, which consisted of The Doctor as Lord Monochromicorn and Metric Jack as Marshall Lee!

Photographer: Tobias Roybal Photography

I got to also hang with my friend Ashley over at Corsair's Boutique while she worked in the dealers room!

Saturday night we changed things up so we could PARTY!
I got to TARDIS up with The Doctor, while my friends pulled out their Ponies!

The Doctor and BewitchedRaven

Photographer: JB Photogrpahy
Fluttershy: Flutterworks
Pinkie Pie: Mary Lou Who?
Spike: Metric Jack
Rarity: Holly
AppleJack: Allison

Sadly I was unable to attend the con on Sunday, and therefore unable to show off my new Trixie cosplay!
Partying saturday hit me a little harder than I had thought, and the combination of work and too little sleep finally caught up with me.
But never fear, cause Trixie will make her appearance at MTAC in just a few weeks!

All around MomoCon was a lot of fun! I really enjoyed all the people I got meet, and all the cool cosplays I got to see.
Next year I will have to take some time off work to help prepare me for the fun ;-)

Plastic vs Passion- Finding the Fandom for You!

Its one thing to enjoy something, but when you step into that fandom you are breaking into a whole new world.

As an active Doctor Who lover, I was easily drawn into the Doctor Who fandom. I owe so much to the doctor. This show is the entire reason I am a cosplayer at all. Without seeing it I would have continued through life feeling like an outcast for liking the things I do.


Becoming an active part of a fandom can be a big decision, especially when deciding on which on to chose.

Fandoms, just like people, come with the good and the bad.
There are fandoms who welcome newbies with open arms. It is these types of fandoms that get me really excited about our shared interests. You know, no matter what, that what you do will be enjoyed, accepted, and appreciated.
Everyday involved with a fandom like this is heart warming and exciting. You are constantly surrounded by friends, some you know, and some you have yet to meet.

However, on the other side there are those fandoms that often times see themselves in an elitist point of view. Plastic, as Mean Girls would say.

Fandoms like this often have people who feel it is their right to deem fans as worthy or not. There is a sense of ownership over the rights to enjoy the show or comic or book, etc.

Fandoms that are like this can often lead to an upset in fans. Many of us geeks have dealt with bullies our whole lives. We turn to our interests, and those who share them, to get away from the hate.
But what happens when your interest is the source of the hate?



Here is my advice:
Love what you love.
You are not defined by your fandom.
You are an individual, and you are strong. Don't let the bullies define you.
If you happen upon one of these "plastic" fandoms. Move on. If you feel outcasted, there are others who do too.
Find the support, find the love, find the fans.

Remember there will be good and bad wherever you turn, it is your task to define yourself.