Sweet Magic

Q. What are the pro’s and con’s being a plus size cosplayer?

A. Pros- I think the biggest pro is that you can cosplay characters who have a more shapely figure (like in regards to bust and hips size) accurately than someone who lacks those body type features. Examples of what I mean are characters like Ursula from Disney and The Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. I know plenty of non-plus size cosplayers who hate that they can't (accurately) cosplay certain characters because they don't have the body to fill the costume out.

     Cons-The only con I can think of is not being able to look 100% like the character you cosplay if they are of a smaller size than your own body size. Honestly, I don't think it's that big of a deal anyway since no one really looks 100% like a fictional character (well, unless you use Photoshop--then that's a different story. Haha).

Q. What can you say, was the best experience you’ve ever had at a con?

A. I've had some great con experiences so far, but I think my favorite year was at Anime Weekend Atlanta (AWA) '09. I wore my Atoli. from .Hack//GU costume and I received so much attention and love! I had a ball in that costume and I also entered the costume contest at AWA for my Kagura costume from InuYasha. I didn't win or anything, but it was fun just trying out the whole competition side of cosplaying. However, I probably won't compete again since the process is way too time consuming.

Q. Do you have any dream cosplays that you want/will do in the future?

A. I have so many! My ultimate dream costume is a Rosebride dress version of Juri Arisugawa fromRevolutionary Girl Utena. Other costumes that I plan to tackle in the future is King from Tekken 1 (Crossplay FTW!), Maya Fey from Phoenix Wright, Sha Goyjo from Gensomaiden Saiyuki (Again, another crossplay), Crimson Viper from MvC3, and Lady from Devil May Cry 4.

Q. What do you feel is the hardest thing to do as a plus size cosplayer?

A. The hardest thing is cosplaying as a character you love, but making sure the costume flatters your body size. I say it's hard because if a character wears a super short skirt, for example the Sailor Scouts from Sailor Moon, and you know you don't have the legs show off for it, then you have to figure out how to alter the costume to where people will still recognize who you are cosplaying as well as being comfortable in the costume. 

Q. Have you ever heard or read any rude comments made against/towards you or your cosplays?

A. When I first started cosplaying, my 5th costume I ever did (Alice Elliot from Shadow Hearts) got featured on a "Bad Cosplayers" website. When I first found out from friends where my pictures were I was really offended. I didn't think my costume looked bad, but clearly someone else did. Although, I'll say my costume was bashed not because of the quality of the costume or my size, but because of my skin color. Other than that incident, I've received nothing but praise for my costumes so far.

Q. Is there any advice regarding other aspiring plus cosplayers out there that may be scared to cosplay because of their weight?

A. Like the Nike saying goes "Just Do It!". Cosplaying is all about having fun and is for EVERYONE. Do not let anyone tell you differently. I really believe anyone can cosplay as any character they want to, you just have to be smart about it. There's plenty of ways of giving off the illusion of having a slimmer body. Tights, waist/body cinchers, corsets, binding tap, sports bras and posing techniques are methods that help give off those illusions, if you want to appear slimmer while cosplaying/crossplaying. Also, don't hesitate to be creative! Some of the best cosplays I've seen have been modified versions of the character to fit that person's personal body size

Cynthia Leigh

I was really excited when Cynthia asked if I could interview her * ~ * She's always been a secret role model for me since I met her on a Louisiana cosplay group page. She's a very humble person with incredible knowledge about the entertainment industry!

Q. What are the pro’s and con’s being a plus size cosplayer?

A. Pros--Hour-glass figures, corseted, heavily armored/padded, or a more top heavy (like Lulu from Final Fantasy X) are an option. 
Cons--I'll never get to do cosplays that are more revealing (bikini-style) as my body type simply isn't suited for that. 

Q. What can you say, was the best experience you’ve ever had at a con?

A. My favorite experience has actually been at an industry convention, NCTA 2004. I got to be Rabi-en-Rose for Anime Network as part of their company launch and got a lot of awesome swag from them and the other channels there. 

Q. Do you have any dream cosplays that you want/will do in the future?

A. There's always cosplays and costumes that I want to do, but time is a huge restriction for me now. I want to continue to hone my craft so that I can bring better stuff out there. I'll get to do all the ones I really love in time.

Q. What do you feel is the hardest thing to do as a plus size cosplayer?

A. Tailoring. The more curves you have the harder it is to get something to hang/drape properly. Often patterns cut to "my size" are too lose when I put them on a dress form when dialed for my corseted size, so I often have to re-cut and sew as often the patterns are also "too long" for my 5'5 frame.

Q. Have you ever heard or read any rude comments made against/towards you or your cosplays?

A. I stopped caring about that years ago, trolls are going to say whatever they want to. I only pay attention to constructive criticism from industry professionals now. (Models, Acting Coaches, Casting Directors, Agents, etc.) What they say can actually benefit my career; while "you're fat," really just states the obvious.

Q. Is there any advice regarding other aspiring plus cosplayers out there that may be scared to cosplay because of their weight?

A. Beauty, brains, and talent have never been size exclusive. Don't let other people or their opinions dictate your life. Cosplay helped me get to where I am in the entertainment industry by getting me interested in modeling, photography, and acting. Things I would've never of pursued had I not started this hobby.

R-Chan~

Q. What are the pro’s and con’s being a plus size cosplayer?

A. The pro's of being a plus size cosplayer would have to be being able to be larger characters and having natural assets. The cons would be how expensive it is to do a costume because of your size whether you are making or buying. There are some costumes that plus size cosplayers have no business in wearing. So, another con would be not all costumes are made equal, not everyone can pull off a dead or alive beach volleyball bikini for instance.

Q. What can you say, was the best experience you’ve ever had at a con?

A. My best experience was back in AWA 06 when I was Noriko Nakagawa from battle royale. People would stop my friend and me for pictures. Made me feel like a celebrity. Felt proud since we made the skirts and dyed the jackets. 

Q. Do you have any dream cosplays that you want/will do in the future?

A. Dream cosplay. Definately Aisha Clan Clan from outlaw star. I loved that series but definately loved her! I haven't done any dark or black people yet. So I definately gotta get on that. More realistically will be Chrono from Chrono Crusade someday. I've been thinking of Seras Victoria from Hellsing for next year. Yea I'm all over the place. 


Q. What do you feel is the hardest thing to do as a plus size cosplayer?

A. The hardest thing for me is finding my size. Most patterns don't go up to my size. 

Q. Have you ever heard or read any rude comments made against/towards you or your cosplays? 

A.No not to my knowledge. Regular people tend to be pretty evil when I'm in my blonde wig for Millie when we went to restaurants. But I usually pick sensible costumes that I can work it.
Q. Is there any advice regarding other aspiring plus cosplayers out there that may be scared to cosplay because of their weight?

A.You really shouldn't care what others think. I do it to show my love for the characters. You were made this way for a reason. Why not show it off with some cool looking cosplays!

Ash!

I had the pleasure of Interviewing a fellow Louisianan cosplayer as the first plus size cosplayer for the blog! I was super happy to have her share what she thought and she felt about being apart of the the plus size fandom!

Q. What are the pro’s and con’s being a plus size cosplayer?

A. Pros - Despite not being the right body type for a character. I try my hardest to make my costumes, make up, and corseting to look as fabulous as possible! It's something I think has made me grow. 
Cons - There are certain cosplays / crossplays that I would love to do, but I feel I just wouldn't look right for the part. No matter how hard I would try it would just look strange to me. So there have been a few times I have stepped back from a project I would like to do. 





Q. What can you say, was the best experience you’ve ever had at a con?

A. I have been going to conventions for the past ten years. And in those last ten years I have won four awards. Judges choice 2007 Oni con, Best Craftsmanship Mechacon 2009, Louisianime Cosplay ball 2010, and Best in Show Louisianime 2010. Each time it felt amazing. but knowing that my cosplay partner and I did our best and pulled through. Neither of us are skinny or stunningly beautiful. So being acknowledged for our hard work is pretty awesome.


Q. Do you have any dream cosplays that you want/will do in the future?

A.Takuto Tsunashi - Star Driver
Princess Sakura - White dress from artwork.
QB - Magical Girl Madoka
Hibiya - Durarara
And the list goes on….


Q. What do you feel is the hardest thing to do as a plus size cosplayer?

A. Trying not to get frustrated. Whither it is putting on a costume, and it not quite fitting right, but I think that is something allot of people go through. 


Q. Have you ever heard or read any rude comments made against/towards you or your cosplays?

A. I have. Once, but it was mostly focused at our group of cosplays, and not me particularly. 
Q. Is there any advice regarding other aspiring plus cosplayer out there that may be scared to cosplay because of their weight?

A. Be confident, and don't worry about what other people think. You are you, and if you want to cosplay, and feel you have the passion for it. Then just do it. If you get ugly looks. Then just do the “haters gonna hate!” strut.