#FeatureFriday with AlphaNerd Cosplay

I sent Lane this interview over a year ago. FINALLY I get to share with you all the joy that is the amazing talent and creative design of Alpha Nerd Cosplay. I had the pleasure of judging the cosplay contest at Animethon last year and he is the absolute best. Read his full interview below!

How and when did you get into cosplay?
I started in early 2011 with some friends in a Final Fantasy X group. We wanted to dress up at a convention in Washington, so we did! I barely even knew what "cosplay" was at that point haha.

What do your friends and family think of your hobby?
I lot of my friends I have met through cosplay and most of them are very supportive. My family thinks it's a little bit weird, but I've always been weird so they are used to it. My mom is actually a quilter so I learned how to use a sewing machine from her (after almost failing sewing in grade 8 :D)

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
I'm actually a science and math teacher and you'd be surprised how much I've been able to bring cosplay into the classroom. Aside from that, I'm a gamer, love cooking, and just hanging out and being random with friends!

How do you choose your next cosplay?
Well I have a folder with a few dozen future cosplays that I want to do! Usually I think what would be fun and what would challenge me. I've learned new skills on each costume and I want to continue to push myself!

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
Honestly, for the longest time I didn't have one. At the start of this adventure, there really were not many well-known male cosplayers so I never really started with a role model. As I've met more and more people there are definitely some people whose skills I've come to love and look up to. If I had to pick one though, it would be Adam Savage. He has such a passion for the craft and the hobby and you can see him get into character and have fun with everything.

What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?
Anakin Skywalker, Edge, Zero, and a few other in the planning stages

What is your favorite convention to attend?
I tend to like the smallerish ones the most. Northern FanCon in Prince George BC is great and is probably my favourite. The level of craftsmanship on those local cosplayers is some of the best that I've ever seen and it is such an overwhelmingly positive and supportive place to be.

What is your dream convention to attend?
DragonCon one day. It sucks that it's during Labour Day weekend though as I'm a teacher and it makes it SUPER hard to plan to get to... but one day I'll get there.

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
Seeing people taking it too seriously and stressing out over it. No other hobby I've seen has as much stressed out people as cosplay does and I wish that more people would just have fun with it. No more working in the hotel room the night before a convention, no more giving up because someone "did it better" or "did it first" or "stole my idea". Just have fun everyone!!

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
Don't leave worbla in the car on a hot day. Drink lots of water at conventions and find the shade.
There will be people that start rumours and are toxic; just leave them behind to wallow in their negativity while you continue having fun, being positive, meeting people, and growing as a cosplayer.

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
None of us really know what we're doing and we all fumble through costumes and make mistakes. Keep having fun, don't be afraid of messing up and having to start again, and never make fun of anyone for having a "bad" costume.

Do you have anything else you want to say, or add to this interview?
It's cos"play", not cos"work". Don't make becoming famous your goal because, honestly, the chances of that happening are low and if that's the only reason why you're doing it, you will burn yourself out... fast. Keep growing, keep having fun, help each other out, stay positive, and remember that we are all just nerds running around being stupid in costumes!

Where can we find you on all things social?
www.AlphaNerdCosplay.com
Facebook 
Instagram: @AlphaNerdCosplay
YouTube
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Photos provided by Murasaki Cosplay Photography and AKA Maple

What an awesome interview. Keep an eye out for his crazy unique cosplays at your next con and try to attend some of his panels! Go find all the details on his social sites!