#FeatureFriday with Alana Waffles

This week I am proud to feature an Alberta babe who has been recognized as a very talented cosplayer, and has graced the covers of Marvel Gwenpool Comics as a cosplay variant! Read her interview below.

​How and when did you get into cosplay?
I got into cosplay nearly 6 years ago, when I started by wearing a Star Trek Science officer uniform to the Calgary Expo. I had already attended multiple cons, and just took my experience of being an attendee to the next level. 

What do your friends and family think of your hobby?
They have always been cool with it being my hobby. Most of my friends have come from the community, and my family is always the first to say how proud they are or how much they like my transformations.

If you're still cosplaying in 10+ years, do you think it will have an effect on your cosplay choices, or the characters you choose to portray?
Oh man, if I'm still cosplaying in 10 years I have to assume I'm making money from it or completely flat broke. I'll also venture to guess that I'll fall into a groove with complex details on costumes. Things like historical gowns are highly technical and yet surprisingly comfy to wear, so I guess I might be into more stuff like that.

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
I'm a hairdresser by day and otherwise I mostly just cosplay and travel.

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
So so many, but I always say that Evil Ted and Bill of Punished props are up there.

You do a fair bit of armour cosplays and sewn cosplays. So the question is, do you prefer making armour or sewing?
Its funny because when I'm sewing I always am slightly bored or frustrated with what I'm doing, and I wish for more complex things like worbla and foam. Yet when I use these materials to make armour, I end up wishing for the simplicity that is sewing. Both can be extremely challenging, but I have to say overall I prefer sewing, but only by a touch.

​What are some of your 2017 cosplay goals?
I think its the year to tackle my list of quote unquote "dream cosplays". These are the things I've had in my mind as wanting to do for years and yet having never tackled. The list however, is a secret!

What is your favorite part of the cosplay community?
The snowball momentum that comes with being around creative people has always been a favorite part of the community for me. I only became friends with people in the last few years and can see how much its improved my skills!

What is your favorite convention to attend?
Depends! I like the mix that I run with. Local cons let me see all my friends, have huge costumes I can't travel with or wear for very long, and let me do panels and other events. California cons like Wondercon allow me to spend a lot of time getting amazing photos of my cosplay, as that tends to be the focus down there. Finally, events like San Diego Comic con are every fans dream for the vendors, exclusives, and crazy panels that they can offer.

What is your dream convention to attend?
New York Comic con is one I hope to do this year, with colossalcon, dragon con, katsucon and d23 high on my list as well!

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
Most fall under the "Cosplay is not consent rules", where I have a hard time when other cosplayers, photogs or attendees don't respect that I'm a person first. Here with my own money and on my own time, so if I chose not to take anymore photos, or don't have time to shoot video, it should be respected and not scolded. 

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
I just always tell people to take your time. Too many people I know over commit to things, then rush jobs last minute. They end up unhappy with unfinished or poor quality costumes to their standard, and sometimes they even fall apart or the cosplayer becomes sick from the all nighters. I always remind myself to slow down on what I agree to, or tell groups asking me to join that if they need me to commit now, I cant, but if I have time closer to the event I can let them know if I am able.

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
Know why you want to cosplay and stick to it. Always challenge yourself to be better, and let yourself have fun even if things don't go right.

Where can we find you on all things social?
Patreon
Instagram: @alanawaffles
Facebook
Twitch

Photos provided by Destiny's Curse Photography, Tyler Brown, and Nelson McCulley.

Alana is such a wonderful human being. If you ever get the chance to chat with her at a con, don't miss it! She also hosts some awesome panels. Go follow her on all things social!