#FeatureFriday with Azariah Cosplay

Today we're featuring the lovely Azariah Cosplay! Her work is magical and she's a highly positive personality in the cosplay community. Read her full interview below!

​Hi! I’m Kayla otherwise known as Azariah Cosplay and I’m a 27 year old cosplayer living in Northern Canada. I’m an avid gamer who loves JRPGs, tabletop games, art, history and philosophy. I discovered the joys of cosplay after I finished my double HBA in History and Philosophy at Lakehead University.
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How and when did you get into cosplay?
I’ve always been interested in costume design, I started by making these off the wall Halloween costumes. For years I knew about cosplay but it wasn’t until 2012 that I slowly started to make my own stuff. My first time wearing my own cosplay at a con was Fan Expo Toronto 2014 where I wore my Nightingale, after that I was hooked! I started to cosplay as Azariah Cosplay in November 2015.
 
How did you come up with your cosplay name?
Azariah was an old Pathfinder character that I used to play. She originally was an Archaeologist but as time went by she eventually evolved into a half dragon rogue. I’m hoping to cosplay her one day, I just need some more space to make the wings.
 
What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
I’m a huge gamer so I’m usually playing video games or I’m at my full time job as an assistant manager of a video game store. Otherwise I enjoy reading so you can also find me curled up by the fireplace with a good book or the latest news.
 
What is your proudest cosplay accomplishment?
Honestly being able to go out and cosplay. Cosplaying in public was one of the most difficult challenges for me because I never thought I was good enough. Luckily I’ve met some really supportive people at various cons, events and locally who gave me to courage to publicly pursue my dreams.
           
What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?
I’m currently working on a gender bent Ganondorf (Zelda) while finishing up my Martina (Dragon Quest XI), Raven (Teen Titans) and an Autumn Poison Ivy (Batman).
 
Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
I find a lot of cosplayers to be inspiring but if I had to choose one it would most certainly be Kamui cosplay, she was the one who sparked my interest in worbla armour building. My dream would be to meet her in person and thank her for showing me this wonderful craft.

What is your dream cosplay?
Hands down my dream cosplay is Shana in her Dragoon form from Legend of Dragoon. I absolutely love dragons and Legend of Dragoon was one of my favourite games from my pre-teen era.
 
What has your experience been like being the cover model for Curvy Curvy Cosplayers (@curvy_curvy_cosplayers)?
Absolutely amazing. Curvy_Curvy_Cosplayers has built such a supportive community for cosplayers who never felt like they fit in the cookie-cutter definition of a cosplayer. They are supportive of all body types, skill levels and they focus on the artist and their love for their craft, not their appearance or waist size.
 
Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
Don’t give up on your dream. Don’t let your fear or insecurity win, for every person that you think will make fun of you, or hate on your cosplay there is someone out there that believes in you and is inspired by you. So go out there and be creative and love what you do.
 
Where can we find you on all things social?
Facebook
Instagram: @azariahcosplay
Deviant Art
Cosplay Amino: Azariah Cosplay
 
Photos for this interview provided by Azariah Cosplay and Soul Works Photography

What a super sweet interview. This girl is goals. Make sure you go follow her on all things social, and don't forget to recommend your favorite cosplayer to be nominated by emailing me through the contact page!