Cosplayer of the Month: Flavored Kosplay

September's talented cosplayer is full of life and unique cosplays you never knew you wanted, NEEDED in your life. Read her full interview below!

Hello! I am Kerstin and my cosplay name is flaovredkosplay! I am an actor based in NC who has a passion for cosplay!

How and when did you get into cosplay?
I started cosplaying in 2017. An ex-friend of mine took me to my first convention and got me to come in cosplay! I was dressed as Tate from AHS and have been hooked ever since!

How did you come up with your cosplay name?
In high school, my friends and I wanted to start a band so I came up with the name Retro Flavored Arcade because I thought it was cool. I started adding flavored to all my usernames and it just kinda stuck! The band didn't work out, but at least I got a cool name out of it. 

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
My passion is acting. Specifically classical acting. I adore Shakespeare! Once the world is back to normal, I plan on pursuing a graduate degree in classical acting. 

What is your proudest cosplay accomplishment?
When I built my Thor cosplay. It was my first armor build. I could probably do so much better now, but at the moment I was so proud of that cosplay. I remember when I first put everything on, I cried. I was so happy at how it turned out. Something that I made with my own hands looked this good! 

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
My friends inspire me. The two main ones are Hayley and a Michael (hobbitparty and thewizardtailor on insta). They are the two most supportive and amazing talented people I have ever met!

What is your dream cosplay? Why haven't you made it yet?
I have a ton, but now all I can focus on is building Fem Shepard from Mass Effect. That is my ultimate armor build goal! It's gonna be a while before I start to tackle it but I can't wait for when I do. I haven't made it yet because I haven't had the motivation too. DragonCon 2021 is gonna be my goal for that though. 

If you had to choose one current event to make a social stance on, what would it be and why? Use this space to share important topics within or unrelated to cosplay and how others can help or support.
BLM has been a huge one for me. It made me really look at who I was as a white person. I use to think that I was a good ally until I started educating myself. I would say things that I thought were good, but in reality, they were harmful. This is something I'm always gonna be working on. We all need to learn to be actively anti-racist and speak up when you see injustice being done. Not just when there is a Black person present. You need to be sticking up for them when they are not in the room as well.  

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
People who give other people critiques on their cosplay when it's not asked for. They made that cosplay like that for themselves. Not to please you. Keep those opinions to yourself. 

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
DO NOT invite random people to stay in your hotel room. Like if you have an open room that you need to be filled, please ask mutuals. We had so much drama the last time we let strangers stay in our room. 

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
The only advice I have is just to be kind and have fun. Don't worry about how your cosplay looks compared to others. Because as long as you are having fun, then that's all that matters. 

Do you have anything else you want to say, or add to this interview?
Blessed be the WAH

What social platforms can we find you on? Link them all here!
TikTok
Instagram

What a treasure!! Check out her channels! Want to be featured on the blog? Follow me on INSTAGRAM for regular contests and details on how to be the next monthly feature!