A Look Back at 2016

​I re-read my 2015 wrap up post and all the things I accomplished back then and compared it to everything I've done this year, and it's truly awe-inspiring to see how far I've come this year and everything I've accomplished. So let's get to it and see all the stuff I crammed into this past year!

I made eight cosplays this year. Eight that I would count anyways. I also made a Halloween cosplay and a Christmas cosplay, plus was sponsored a cosplay by Sky Costume. That makes 11 costumes this year! Wow!

​On top of that, I started my closet cosplay challenges this year. I did it twice - In February and again in May. I kinda did it again for 13 days of Halloween, but that also included face paint looks. There was a few one-offs through the year where friends challenged each other to make a look. So in total.... I don't actually want to count. OMG that sounds like hard work. 43...

​New cosplays means new skills, and I learned a lot. Some personal highlights include learning to sew sleeves, make foam armor, style wigs, and build props from insulation foam!

I attended eight conventions this year. Apparently I had a busy year! A lot were small local cons, but I did get to attend Calgary Expo for the first time this year! All these expos also enabled me to enter more cosplay contests. I entered three contests this year and won big at Edmonton Expo. Our Vikings Group entered as a novice group and won Best Journeyman!

I also had the honor to be a cosplay judge at Animethon alongside Alpha Nerd Cosplay and Miss Chezza Cosplay. I had a booth for the first time this year at Red Deer Expo with Danyella. Both amazing experiences that really opened up some new opportunities for me.

New cons also brought me the best part of the whole year - new friends. I met some amazing people in person who I can see regularly, and over the internet I made even more cosplay friends. Tons of amazing people I hope to one day meet.

I also had the honor of meeting and working with plenty new photographers. Kamloops brought me to a whole new world and I was forced to step out of my element and put myself out there and network. I'm glad I did. 

Animethon photo by Nanc Price / Ninetales photo by Alex Kilba
​A huge thing of 2016 was my print swap movement! I traded with A LOT of amazing cosplayers and my wall has never looked so sexy. This was a huge way for me not only to market myself, but to make new friends. There's no better ice breaker than "hey, I'll send you free shit if you send me free shit back." And this is truly how I made quite a few of my internet friends!

Here's a shot of my epic wall! Wanna be on it? I'm always up for a print swap! Just send me an email!

Hmmmm, what else did I do this year.... Ooh! This year was when we started making perler art projects! I feel like we've fizzled out a bit since the move, but it's been a pretty big part of my life and income this year.

I also started a Facebook again. After being off it for over a year, I came back just to launch a facebook page. It's done pretty well, and it serves a good purpose for reaching extra people and posting exclusive content... 

I also started a print store early this year, and I launched my Patreon just a few short months ago! I am overwhelmed with the amount of support I've received this year. You guys blow my mind and I owe everything to you.

The 6000 new people who found me on Instagram and choose to follow me; you've helped me grow and you've been the foundation for everything else that comes.

I seem to have plateaued at my follower level, seeing as people want to follow and unfollow all day, which is totally cool! Just something to work out of next year!

​And just for fun, here's a look back at the top 5 most popular posts on my blog this year!
1. The Truth About Cosbox
2. 2017 Geeky Blog Planner
3. #FeatureFriday with Gladzy Kei
4. #FeatureFriday with Miss Chezza Cosplay
5. How I Made My Viking Pocahontas Cosplay

Well that's a wrap on 2016! Quite the year, that's for sure. It's so neat to see everything all in one place and condensed into one blog post. Tell me some of your biggest accomplishments in the comments below!!