#FeatureFriday with Auzzie L Cosplay

Damn Daniel, back at it again with a super awesome interview! Today we have a Canadian male cosplayer and, well, I'd just let him introduce himself. Read it below!!

My name is Jeph Kaplan from the overwatch team and there's some new and exciting changes coming to the game this patch...
Nah I'm kidding, I'm Austin, I make cosplay because I'm a weeb.

How and when did you get into cosplay?
I was always aware that cosplay was a hobby but I never actually saw in person until Calgary Expo in 2013, and actually started in Animethon 20.

How did you come up with your cosplay name?
"Auzzie" was actually a nickname given to me by my high school classmates, when they started chanting my name, and it stuck.

The funny thing was, I actually thought they were being rude about it because I've never been so social in school, but it was really obvious it was a term of endearment and it's stuck with me ever since.

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
I work maintenance and cleaning for a local strip mall, whilst being a film major in university.

What is your proudest cosplay accomplishment?
My Young Genji is probably my proudest cosplay because I spent so much time making sure everything looked good on camera and it pushed what I was able to do with my skillset.

What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?
Right now I'm in the process of making Blackwatch Genji for Anime Expo, but I was working on Blood Moon Jhin from League prior, but I put that on the backburner as a passion project.

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
Pretty much everyone that has the confidence to stride out in cosplay in any shape or form; although cosplay is a rather welcoming hobby, I wish a lot of the animosity towards a lot of different issues didn't happen, and that sets a small barrier of entry. So anyone wearing a costume inspires me.

​What is your dream cosplay?
My dream cosplay would probably be Azir from League of Legends.

What is your favorite convention to attend and why?
Normally I would have said Otafest, but it's actually been dethroned by Katsucon.
Great atmosphere, great venue, love the people, although the programming could use a bit of love.

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
I really wish people weren't so harsh on Patreon users for the sake of cosplay because crowdfunding is a very legitimate way to gain funds and the power to embrace or deny them is already there in the choice to donate, so to just publicly proclaim how anti-Patreon you are is just overkill.

Another thing I would point out is the controversy behind sexy/revealing cosplays because inherently they're not a bad thing at all. I mean sure, it's a headlining avenue of cosplay, but that doesn't delegitimize the other venues at all.

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
I have been stalked a convention before but that's really the only thing that's actually happened.

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
Don't be shy about your work because everyone starts somewhere. And yes, it's completely fine to buy outfits so long as you don't pass them off as you having made them.

Do you have anything else you want to say, or add to this interview?
To everyone, I'd encourage them to embrace a less serious side of cosplay and just remember to have fun and meme around. Cosplay as a business is fine and there's nothing wrong with pursuing it, but don't forget that you're a nerd in a costume.

That's the important thing.

Where can we find you on all things social?
Facebook
Instagram: @auzziejlee
Twitter: @auzziejlee
Youtube

Photos for this interview provided by BriLan Imagery and Soloman Chinquay Photography.

What an awesome guy and interview! Seriously, his work is amazing. If you ever get the chance to see it in person, you have been blessed. Go follow this meme lord on all things social!