Cosplay Spotlight Lucid Cosplay

For this edition of Cosplay Spotlight, I chose to showcase my dear friend Lucid Cosplay. Lucid is one of the most beautiful and talented costumers in the community. In addition to being my friend, I have always admired Lucids craftsmanship. She took some time out to talk to the Confessions of a Cosplay Girl Blog about creating costumes, her love for the character Poison Ivy and what she has in store for the future.




Victoria: How long have you been costuming?

Lucid: Ive been sewing my own costumes since 2002 but was putting together costumes from found items back in 1998. My first costume was Mileena from the original mortal Kombat game. I was part of a martial arts demonstration team and we all dressed as the characters for our fight skits. I bought a purple dance leotard and cut up purple tights for the "boots," gloves, and face mask. I was pretty much hooked after that.

Victoria: Where did you learn how to sew?

Lucid: My grandmother taught me how to hand sew when I was little so I could make dresses for my stuffed animals. I was in the 8th grade when my mom bought me an inexpensive sewing machine and she showed me the basics. I learned a lot from a course I took in college. The rest has been a lot of trial and error.

Victoria: What advice would you give to people who want to learn how to hand stitch and use a sewing machine but dont know how? Where can they learn?

Lucid: Definitely take a class. Working on your own and trying to teach yourself is a good start, but Ive learned most of the really important stuff from watching someone else. Its a great way to learn how to take care of your machine and keep it running smoothly, getting the basics down, learning the little tips and tricks that make projects easier, and its always nice to have someone who knows what theyre doing answer questions and point you in the right direction.

Victoria: Youve done many versions of Poison Ivy. How many have you done and which one is your favorite?

Lucid: Oh man... I think Ive done 6 variations of Ivy: two Classic, two 1950s style, a spring time Ivy, and a Disney Princess Ivy. While I have always loved the classic Ivy, Id have to say the 50s Ivy has been my favorite. Its sassy without showing too much and I adore period fashion. But I will say I still cant get over wearing the giant princess dress. I dont care what anyone says, big dresses are fun!

Victoria: What are your thoughts on Ivys costume in the New 52?

Lucid: I really like the New 52 Ivy. Its a completely different look for her and thats what makes it interesting. Ivy is one of the few characters that doesnt have to be canon to get the love. I have seen so many versions of her out there. I get excited going to D*C (Dragon Con) because of the giant Bat Family shoot. Seeing all the variants of Ivy and how everyone does her differently is the best! It shows shes more personality than costume. I am currently planning another 4-5 incarnations of Ivy, including the New 52 look.

Victoria: What is the most complicated outfit you have ever created?

Lucid: Id have to say the costume Im working on right now probably takes the cake on that one. Yuuko Ichihara from xxxHolic is a character known for her lavish lifestyle, so this incorporates a lot of different elements - from a traditional Japanese kimono to hand beading, creating custom appliqués... Im even trying my hand at props making, which is a first for me. Ive learned a lot from previous costumes that I can use for this character. I was thrilled to figure out a way to make the obi into the shape of a butterfly! I love being able to learn new techniques to use on future projects.

Victoria: What costumes do you have planned for the future?

Lucid: Too many. But I think thats par for the course with costuming. Im currently planning on re-working "Femy" (gender bent Gambit), Black Canary, other seasons of Ivy, and a few more I havent quite hashed out the details for as of yet.

Victoria: In addition to being an accomplished costumer, you have also appeared in a comic book. Can you tell me about that?

Lucid:  Ive been fortunate enough to meet some of the most wonderful people at conventions. I met Chris and Alan Hebert, creators of Hb Comics, at Wizard World Philly a few years back and Im so fortunate to say weve become good friends. I was flattered and humbled (and really excited, I wont lie) when I was asked if they could use my likeness in their comic called Lazerman for one of the member so the villainous Diamond Gang, named Pearl. They debuted the issue with Pearl this year at Philly and surprised me with the character as a standee on their table! I surprised them by creating the costume for Pearl for the con. I may sound like Im geeking out, but its so cool seeing your face in a comic book!

Victoria:  Where can people contact you and view a port of your work?

Lucid: Im a horrible self-promoter. I can be reached via my Facebook personal page or my Fan Page and email: Lucid Cosplay (lucid.cosplau@gmail.com).

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Hispanic Cosplayers For Hispanic Heritage Month

The Confessions of a Cosplay Girl Blog continues its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th) by placing the spotlight on several active cosplayers of Hispanic descent. Each talented and creative cosplayer spoke about their passion for the hobby. We also tackled important topics such as racism and how Hispanics are portrayed in comics and in the media. Check out the interviews as well as photos of their stunning work below! To find out more about Hispanic Heritage Month, CLICK HERE.

Name: Ivy
Ethnicity: Puerto Rican 

Costumes: Catwoman, Black Cat, Jill Valentine, Lara Croft, Wonder Woman, Hawk Girl, Princess Leia, Draculaura, Vampirella, Zatanna, Caitlyn, Ash Ketch, Zulu, Redwing, Steampunk Mermaid, Queen of Hearts, Alice, Liesel Vanhelseng, Machiko ( female predator), Blondie from Sucker Punch, Satanico Pandemonium and The Other Mother.

Social Media Accounts: www.fb.com/Ivettecosplay
Instagram: @ivycosplay
Deviant Art:  ivy95.deviantart.com 

Conventions You Have Attended: MegaCon, DragonCon, Conjure, Fanboy Expo, Tampa Comic Con, Spooky Empire. 

 How does it feel to be one of the leading ladies in cosplay of Hispanic Heritage? It feels great to be Hispanic and to accomplish so much in so short time. I feel that Im showing to all our women out there that what ever you decided to do in your life, never give up, as long as it is for good. You should work for it and always give 100% no less than that and that goes for all the male Cosplayers too. 

 What advice would you give other Latinas who are looking into getting in the hobby? Have fun, be creative, use all your imagination and you will be able to accomplish big things if you dont give up.

 Do you have any costumes you are currently working on?Jun The Swan

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Name: Evil Queen Jacky
Ethnicity: Cuban American 

Costumes: Regina the Evil Queen from Once Upon aATime, Various Disney Princesses, Various Once Upon a Time characters, Marvel characters, DC characters, Silver Screen actresses, video game characters, TV characters, Horror, Terminator and Sci-Fi, Tomb Raider, Lisa from Weird Science and many more to come.

 Conventions: Megacon, Wizard World (various), Spooky Empire, Awesomecon, Nekocon, Baltimore Comic-Con, Supercon and many small local cons. 

Favorite cosplay: Regina the Evil Queen (Once Upon a Time) 

Have you ever felt reluctant to costume a certain character because of your ethnicity?Not really, Ive always been pretty confident in the characters I cosplay. Ive always seen cosplay as something you do for fun, for yourself, so who you choose to cosplay is entirely up to your comfort zone. 

 What words of advice would you give other Hispanic Cosplayers when it comes to costume choices and possibly facing racism on the internet or convention circuit? Ive fortunately never experienced any racism in the cosplay community, and for that I am grateful. However, I have been discriminated against in other ways not associated to my latin heritage and the only advice I have for that is a bit straight forward and blunt - Grow tougher skin! People will ALWAYS try to bring you down, whether its race, culture, religion, weight, age, life choices, the list goes on and on. The moment you start caring about what others think and/or say, is the moment youve willingly placed your life and happiness in others hands. Take charge of YOUR life! 

Do you have a favorite character of Hispanic Descent?I absolutely LOVE Pedro Sanchez from Napoleon Dynamite! Yes, I know its incredibly cliche, but not only is it one of my favorite movies, but he is definitely my favorite Latin character. Vote for Pedro! 

Social Media Accounts:Instagram: @EvilQueenJacky
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/evilqueenjacky

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Name: Tiffany Cruz aka Sky

Ethnicity: Puerto Rican 

Social Media: Facebook - Sky Cosplay 
Instagram: @Sky_Cosplay

Costumes: Batwoman, Catwoman, Kitana, Esmeralda , Miss Harley Quinn, Rainbow, Dash Pikachu. 

Conventions: Zenkaikon, The Greater Philadelphia Comic-Con,  J1-Con, Wizard World Philadelphia, Monster Mania, Retro Con, New York Comic Con and Steampunk Worlds Fair. 

What are your thoughts on how Latinas are protrayed in media (movies, comics, cartoons and television)?  My thoughts are I think we need more of them. I think its great, because it shows the art, the beauty, and the love for the characters.

 Would you personally like to see more Hispanic characters in media?  Yes, I will you love to see more Hispanic characters! Its about time we see more of them. It would show the culture some spotlight. I mean we already characters like Bane, Blue Beetle (Jamie Reyes), Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner), The Question (Renee Montoya), and more. But it will be nice to see one as the main person in their own story. 

What would you say was your best convention experience? Best convention experience was going to New York Comic-Con for the first time with my boyfriend. I knew this con was big, but I wasnt ready for how epic it was. I mean it took us 10 minutes to get past the doors because people just kept asking for our pictures. It was my first time doing Harley Quinn and my boyfriend was the Joker, everyone loved our costumes. Nothing cant beat that, because it was the first time me and my boyfriend cosplayed together. And now that all we do, going to conventions together, and never growing up.

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Name: Agent Paradox (Geneva)

 Ethnicity: Puerto Rican & Sicilian

 Costumes: Baroness (Hail Cobra!), Imperial Officer (Hail the Empire!), Ezio (Assassins Creed 2), Garrett (Thief), Elizabeth (Bioshock Infinite), Snow White, and a few others Im sure I am missing.

 Social Media Accounts: Facebook: www.facebook.com/paradoxical.illusion 
Instagram: @AgentParadox

Conventions You Have Attended: SDCC, Comikaze, Wizard World, BigWow, Wondercon and a few others.

 Have you personally seen the hobby of costuming grow within the Hispanic Community? Absolutely! The diversity is a wonderful change. It is so great to see many more from the community getting into cosplay.

 Do you find yourself more drawn to characters of Hispanic descent to costume or is it irrelevant what nationality the character is? To me it is pretty irrelevant. I tend to just cosplay characters I love and have a connection to regardless of their race. 

 Would you personally like to see more Hispanic characters in comic books and sci-fi? I would love to see more in all genres of geek culture.

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Name: Han Pan
 Ethnicity: Mixed, but mostly Puerto Rican

Costumes: Lots of Harley Quinn from Batman, the Wasp from the Avengers: Earths Mightiest Heroes, Pinkie Pie from My Little Pony: Equestria Girls, Sailor Moon, Dagger from Final Fantasy IX, Oerba dia Vanille from Final Fantasy XIII, and more.

 Social Media Accounts: http://www.facebook.com/hanpanthecosplayer My new Facebook page!

 Conventions You Have Attended: I routinely attend MAGfest, Katsucon, Awesomecon, Baltimore Comic Con, and AnimeUSA.

We have been friends for several years and I recall people referring to you as white girl". They are obviously oblivious to the fact that Hispanics come in many beautiful colors. How does that make you feel to be referred to that way? What is their reaction when you inform people that you are Puerto Rican? Shock. In some cases, shock and horror. At one point in my life, I very vividly recall having a legitimate argument with a girl who insisted there was no way in hell I was Hispanic and that I was an awful person and a liar for saying that I was. I also have a lot of people who are confused that I dont speak Spanish, and I have to explain to them what being Hispanic in a small town in the 50s does to an immigrant. My father speaks very little Spanish, but it was all learned in secret; his father would have been livid had he found out. 

What are your thoughts on how Hispanics in general are represented in the media? For the most part I find it degrading. There are few out there in popular media to begin with, and they tend to be portrayed poorly. Gang members, morons, unable to communicate, unable to work, illegal, etc. Its frustrating. Unless you look at Telemundo or the few Hispanic pop culture figures (Gabriel Iglesias, J.Lo to some extent, Matt Peña...I asked my movie/actor buff boyfriend and he spent five minutes to come up with two) who are generally portrayed positively, there really isnt much out there. But Hispanics are some of the hardest working people I know as a whole, and their dedication to their family and to their work is unparalleled. Im extremely proud to call myself Latina.

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5 Easy Steps To Making Money On Youtube!

This Video Makes Money On Youtube!!

         Make Movies That Make Money! The Low-Budget Filmmakers Guide
Have you ever clicked on a Google Ad on Youtube that was on a video you were watching? How about an ad that was on a Youtube page located in the top right hand corner?

This is called Adsense and people are making a great living by implementing them into their Youtube videos through means of monetization. Every time someone clicks on a Google ad, that person gets paid.

You can too! Its Easy! Its Free!!

Step #1  Sign up for a new Gmail account. Its best to try and obtain a name that will pertain to your brand. If you make and/or promote funny videos then try and find a name like " my( your brand name)funnyvideos at gmail.com.

Step #2  Sign up for Adsense. Its free, but it may take a few days to get approved. You need to use a Gmail address for this but it can be your personal Gmail. Its best to use a Gmail address NOT attached to any brand name because you only get ONE Adsense account for life. However, you will probably and eventually have several different brand Gmails for different niches.

Step #3  Sign up for a Youtube account with your new Gmail address. Once again, try to pick a Youtube channel user name that will compliment your Gmail name and brand.

Step #4  You have mail...You have been approved for Adsense!! Now its time to run over to Youtube with your newly coveted Adsense ID#. A 16 digit account number that you will plug into every Adsense site you have. Go to Youtube  account settings and click on the Monetization tab. This is where you will find the area to add your Adsense ID#.

*IMPORTANT TIP*  Never click on your own ads!!!! Google is smart and will find out. The consequence is being banned for life from Adsense!! This is NOT your goal. If you need to edit your video, click on the Video Manager link and edit from there. You can also edit comments under the Comments link while in the Video Manager.

Step #5  Upload your video. After you fill out some "Basic Info" on your video, click the tab next to that which is the "Monetization" button. Check the box "Monetize My Video". Next, look below and check the top two "Ad Formats". Overlay in-video ads (Overlay in-video ads are transparent overlay ads that appear on the lower portion of your video.) and TrueView in-stream ads (TrueView in-stream are a family of formats that give viewers choice and control over which advertisers messages they want to see and when.) boxes. At the bottom of that page check the box that lets your video be shown everywhere like laptops,computers,tablets and smart phones. Also check the box below that only shows your video on monetized platforms. No need in showing your video for free.

Thats it. You are now on your way to making Adsense revenue with your Youtube videos. Other posts will discuss networking on social sites and more ways to make money with your new Adsense account.

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Interview Photographer Dru Phillips AMPCosplay

Photo by Your Mojo by Jojo

Fashion photographer Dru Phillips of AMP Cosplay has brought his unique and creative eye to the world of costuming. Based in Georgia, the man of many talents has a gorgeous portfolio full of stunning images of characters that rival those seen in Hollywood. He has evolved from photographer to cosplayer and is a member of the Heroes Alliance charity organization. Dru took some time to talk to the Confessions of a Cosplay Girl Blog about his art as a photographer, charity work, the first character he choose to cosplay and much more.





Victoria: How long have you been a professional photographer?

Dru: I have been shooting pro for about 6 years, 7 if you want to count 2015. lol

Victoria: What made you set your sights on cosplayers?

Dru: Well, the reason I started shooting cosplay is because I went to DragonCon by accident one year and when I saw the quality of some of the costumes, I wanted to capture it but outside of the con atmosphere. I wanted to treat cosplay the same way I treated my fashion work. The only difference is hair, make up, wardrobe, and model are usually the same person so it makes life super easy.

Victoria: Who was the very first cosplayer you photographed?

Dru: I have photographed on the serious note Margie Cox first. We did her Elektra. And as you can see from my body of work, she has kind of become my muse.

Victoria: You have a very unique style. What is your approach and goal when you are photographing people in costumes?

Dru: I am looking at the costume and how it sits on the model the same way I look at dresses and suits when I do fashion. I am interested it showing the quality of work that costumers put into their product.

Victoria: Have you attended any conventions?

Dru: I have attened DragonCon, MegaCon, attended and worked MomoCon, and I have been to a few small ones that I cant remember the names.

Victoria: In addition to photographing cosplayers, you are also a photographer for the Georgia branch of the Heroes Alliance. Whats it like capturing moments between costumers and childrens charities?

Dru: Oh man, photographing for HA is the reason I personally started cosplaying myself. You can not beat the reaction you get from a kid who sees Wonder Woman. Not a woman in a costume but actual Wonder Woman or Superman or whom ever. Its a feeling that hits the soul and brings out a very human happiness. A childs genuine smile can change your whole outlook on life.

Victoria: You have also joined the Heroes Alliance as a costumer. Who made your fantastic Green Lantern costume? Why did you pick that character?

Dru: My costume was made by Margie Cox and I picked that character because he represents a lot. As a black male there arent too many heroes in the comic world to look up to and the Green Lantern on a whole but particularly John Stewart represents a thing that I feel a black male needs to survive and thats Will Power. There are so many things out there and young black kids need to see something other than the typical rapper or basketball player, or killings on the news by what they feel are also heroes. Hope I didnt get to political.

Victoria: Not at all. Thank you for sharing your views. What was your first experience at a charity event as Green Lantern like? What was your experience with the children?

Dru:  Oh man my first event was okay. It was Super Hero Day at the Fernbank Museum and I left part of my costume. But I was told by the other heroes that it has to happen at least once lol. But the event that was memorable is when I did the Buddy Walk. Thats were kids lit up and mouths dropped open and even adults were captivated. I rarely pick up a camera now for events.

Victoria:  Where can people contact you and view a portfolio of your work?

Dru: Well, I am all over the web www.AndrewMichaelPhillips.com, www.AMPCosplay.Tumblr.com, moshunman.deviantart.com, and www.facebook.com/officalAMPCosplay and I am in a traveling gallery Exhibition. But any of those sites would be fine. Best if people follow me on the Tumblr and Facebook though.

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Catwoman Gallery

The feline fatale has always been one of my favorite characters. Check out my rendition of the world famous cat burglar below! 

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Photography Credits: 

Green House Photography

Stephen Smith

Connie Leigh

SGH Photo Art

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A Parody Cosplay Interview!

Happy April Fools Day! In celebration of this hilarious and sometimes physically violent holiday, my friend Marvin (of Hero Hotties) and I bring you a parody cosplay interview full of stupid questions and humorous answers. Enjoy our sarcastic and foolish exchange, peasants!

Marvin: How long you been a cos-playa?

Victoria: Cos-playa? Do you not know what Google is? Spell check? Any of this ringing a bell? Learn how to spell, buddy.

Marvin: What kind of unmentionables do you have under that suit? 

Victoria: Unmentionables? Am I suppose to be wearing underwear with this thing?

Marvin: Do the boots match the capes?

Victoria:  My fist matches your face.

Marvin:  Do you have a side kick in your life? 

Victoria: Yes, I do but my caped lover and I choose to keep that private, thank you very much.  When we are ready to reveal our relationship we will announce it like civil people do. On Twitter.

Marvin: When’s the last time you two “worked out” together? 

Victoria: Im sure you can recall. It was that last massive earth quake we had. By the way, Im pregnant.

Marvin:  How many people have seen your secret lair?

Victoria:  I showed it to your mom. She seemed to like it.

Marvin:  What’s your secret identity? 

Victoria: Oh I dont have just one identity. I have several.  Angelina Jolie does not exist. Thats me. Mila Kunis? Thats me. Ive been wanting to trap Ashton Kutcher into marriage for years and now I finally got that bastard! Jessica Alba? Thats me. That chair in the corner? Thats me too. Im everywhere!

Marvin:  If you took off your X-Men uniform, would you describe your look as Beast, 2013 Storm, or Professor X? 

Victoria: Id say Emma Frost but my rack isnt as big as hers. Shes got implants by the way.

Marvin: If I wanted to call you, what signal would I have to shine in the sky? 

Victoria: Youd need a pretty big freakin diamond to get my attention, pal. Better start saving now. Im not showing up for anything smaller than the size of your house.

Marvin: Are you taking applications for side kicks? 

Victoria: Hell no! My insurance wont cover a second side kick. But feel free to send me your resume and Ill put it in the "future deceased" pile.

Marvin:  Age/Sex/Location? 

Victoria: Why the hell do you want to know how old I am and where I live? Why even ask me what gender I am? How many guys do you know named Victoria? You suck, buddy. Throw away your computer!

Marvin:  If I was a fanboy, at what convention could I stalk, err find you next? 

Victoria: The Joker throws a really great annual convention at his house. Ill give you the address. Hell probably tie you up and do horrible things to you but just roll with it. Thats just the hazing phase. 

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What Cosplayers Need to Stop Doing

Photo by Bodhi Tree Photography

Not too long ago a video was circulating on the web where the host discussed a list he created on what cosplayers need to "stop doing". Reasons varied between creating Kickstarter Campaigns to sexy costumes. While the intentions were meant to be noble and he is certainly entitled to his opinion, there were topics he discussed that left me shaking my head. By the end of the video I had a moment of clarity. Its clear what cosplayers (and the public that follows us) needs to stop doing in terms of racism, Kickstarters, gender bender, sexy costumes and so on.

People need to stop judging each other. Thats it.

See how simple that was? Namaste.

                            

Official Facebook Page

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Comic Creators VS Cosplayers

"Todays heads up. If you’re a Cosplay personality, please don’t send me a friend request. If you’re a convention promoter and you’re building your show around cosplay events and mega multiple media guest don’t invite me. You bring nothing of value to the shows, and if you’re a promoter pushing cosplay as your main attraction you’re not helping the industry or comics market. Thank you." ~Pat Broderick, Artist (Batman: Year Three, Green Lantern, Swamp Thing).

This statement, which was posted on Pat Brodericks Facebook account in December 2014 created a firestorm of controversy within the cosplay community. His comments followed Denise Dormans Blog entry which she posted  in September of 2014:

 "I have slowly come to realize that in this selfie-obsessed, Instagram Era, COSPLAY is the new focus of these conventions – seeing and being seen, like some giant masquerade party. Conventions are no longer shows about commerce, product launches, and celebrating the people who created this genre in the first place. I’ve seen it first-hand – the uber-famous artist who traveled all of the way from Japan, sitting at Comic-Con, drawing as no one even paid attention to him, while the cosplayers held up floor traffic and fans surround the cosplayers – rather than the famed industry household name – to pose for selfies. The hard-working artists and creators who are the very foundation of this industry…the reason there even is an industry… those creatives who have busted their asses and spent money they perhaps didn’t have to spare in order to be there exhibiting for – and accessible to – the fans… have been reduced to being the background wallpaper against which the cosplayers pose in their selfies. At what point do you start to wonder if–other than your faithful, loyal regulars who are like family and who find you every time–the general fandom population even gives a shit about the creators more than they care about their Instagram profiles?" ~Denise Dorman, wife of comic book  and sci-fi illustrator Dave Dorman.


I wanted to address these statements when they were originally released in late 2014 however discussion on social media had exploded into online fighting, name calling and other immature drama that I simply walked away from the negativity and chose not to Blog about it until now. First  I would like to address Pat Brodericks statement. I completely agree with him that Comic-Cons these days focus on booking actors and cosplayers as featured guests rather that the people who created the industry itself: the creators. Comic book writers, illustrators and creators do in fact get pushed to the side or are not invited to shows at all in favor of actors and cosplayers. This is actually why I have attended less and less shows the last few years. Gone are the days where I can grab my comic and stand in line to get my book signed and hopefully have a discussion (and take a photo with the creator whose work I enjoy). Very few shows offer that experience. In todays world, comic cons offer separate tickets at an additional price for a quick meet and greet or photo with an actor. Aisles are filled with table after table feturing a cosplay guest and yet the person who created the character they are dressed as is no where to be found. Lets celebrate this Dawn cosplayer and all things related to Dawn without inviting or involving the actual creator himself. See the problem? Do you also see where the fault lies? The fault lies in the convention organizers. They are responsible for bookings and they are the ones who are booking actors and cosplayers over creators. It is not the cosplayers fault.

I sympathize with Denise Dormans statement.This is her husbands career. His art is what financially supports his family and puts food on the table. They arent making any money. Ill say that again: they arent making any money. She is understandably frustrated. She has a point that attendees arent spending any money at shows and would rather flock to take a selfie with a cosplayer. Why? Because its not only cool but its free. Ill say that again: its free. The price is right. The price of attending a convention has skyrocketed the last decade. Hotels raise the price for an overnight stay, food at the convention center (no matter how lousy) is ridiculously high, tickets to the actual show have been raised higher and higher. You must pay a separate fee to take a photo with an actor. Some shows such as Wizard, charge to attend a panel. Transportation, whether you are flying, driving or taking public transit can also cost a pretty penny. To be blunt, its freakin expensive going to a con and many people cannot afford to shop once they get there. Having a place to sleep is a priority. Eating is a priority. Transportation is a priority. Again, this fault lies at the convention organizers. They continue to raise the price on everything. It is not however the cosplayers fault. Artists arent making money because attendees cant afford to spend.



I agree to a certain extent on what Mr. Broderick and Mrs. Dorman are saying and I support them but they are blaming the wrong people. They should take these issues up with the convention organizers. Incidents such as cosplayers blocking aisles is also something that should be taken up with staff at the show. Its not a cosplayers fault that a mob of people are demanding photos and it can happen quite quickly and quite suddenly. Thats when a staff member should step in (nicely, I might add. No need to be rude) and redirect the cosplayers where they can grant photo requests without congestion. Yes, some of these conventions are very silly and should wipe the word "comic" from their name so take this opportunity to talk to them about it. You have that power. These shows should be respecting creators 110%. Without them we would have nothing.

Take the time Dear Creators whom I have the utmost respect for, to consider that there is room for the cosplay community at these shows as well. One or two cosplay guests are not a bad thing. Cosplay is an extension of your work done in a labor of love. We also help the show with costume contests and panels thus we are working. Dont get me wrong; having a "comic" show with 10 cosplay guests is ridiculous and uncalled for (and something a local show here recently had) however a couple of talented and artistic cosplayers who also serve as staff members is beneficial to programming and attendees who sometimes come out to see and speak with their favorite cosplayer. In closing, theres room for us all ;)

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