#FeatureFriday with Cosmic Monster Cosplay

I've had the pleasure of meeting Taylor at local cons and to see his work in person is amazing. His attention to detail and his ability to stay in character is amazing! If you ever get a chance to meet him, do it! In the mean time, read his sweet interview!

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​How and when did you get into cosplay? 
I started making costumes for drama classes in junior high and had been practicing pepakura so one day woke up and decided to try and make a halo suit and in June 2011 I attended my first Calgary Comic Expo as Tucker from red vs blue. The response I got was incredible and it really inspired me to do more and I've been going since.

How did you come up with your cosplay name? 
The cosmic monster was actually what mechagodzilla was called in the American release of his movie. At the time when I was looking for a new webhandle I was planning to do mechagodzilla as my next costume and though I never got around to it, I still dig the name and people seem to think it fits with Kylo as well so it stuck.

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
 Currently I'm attending the university of Calgary and working on both a Bachelor of Arts in film studies and a bachelor of science in geology, so between that and cosplay I'm kept pretty busy, but still work a standard university student job as well to be able to afford everything. 

How do you choose your next cosplay?
There is no real method to it. I have a huge list of things I'd one day like to do that has just been growing since I first started cosplaying. As new things pop up and get added to the list I start working on which ever one excites me the most and seems semi reasonable within my time and financial restraints. I just go one at a time and by the time I finish something I'm excited about something new and move onto that.

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
Volpin props was probably my biggest inspiration getting into the craft to me it was just mind blowing that one guy could make things that looked so darn beautiful. The way he documented everything really inspired me to try new techniques and push my own boundaries. To me his work is still the goal to strive for on every project. I definitely should also mention Bill Doran of Punished Props and Evil Ted Smith. I really appreciate anyone who is really open to sharing all of their techniques and helping others improve their own work.

What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?
Right now I'm working on Reaper and Widowmaker from Overwatch with my girlfriend, we are hoping to debut them at Edmonton Comic Expo this September. I'm also looking to improve my Kylo Ren costume to reach a level 3 certification with the 501st legion.

​What is your dream cosplay?
​One day I would really like to comeback to Godzilla since that has been something I've always wanted to do since I started cosplaying. It's a character I love and think would be tons of fun to wear to any convention.

What is a random fun fact about you as a cosplayer or one of your cosplays?
I love attention when I'm in costume and will go out of my way to get the attention of any big camera I see at a convention and spend way too much time watching cosplay music videos especially if I'm in them, maybe I'm a bit narcissistic. 

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
Power tripping volunteers. Don't get me wrong I of course appreciate everyone who gives their time to help keep conventions alive and running smoothly. However I don't think I've ever had a convention go by without at least one volunteer seemingly going out of their way to make cosplayers uncomfortable or unwelcome for little to no reason. 

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
EAT! DRINK! And don't be afraid to say no. Cosplay is fun and exciting and it's easy to get wrapped up in that excitement but remember to take care of yourself. Other convention attendees often times don't understand what cosplayers go through and can be rude and demanding, just remember to prioritize yourself regardless if you need a break take a break. 

Do you have anything else you want to say, or add to this interview?
If you see me at a con please come say hi and make friends I'm awkward but I really do want to meet as many people as I can!

Where can we find you on all things social?
Instagram is my main cosplay outlet @thecosmicmonster but I also recently started a cosplay page on Facebook called Cosmic Monster Cosplay. 

Photos for this interview from DMacStudios, Schou Photography, LTL Cinematics, the Calgary Sun, and Brian Chan.

What an amazing guy!! Keep an eye out for next week, when I get to feature the Widowmaker to his Reaper; the Rey to his Kylo; miss Sarah Ramen!

I also have a month of giveaways going on right now. Check out this post for all the info you need to know!!

*kiss kiss*