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
