#FeatureFriday with Crimsyn Cosplay

I love interviewing male cosplayers. They have such a different perspective and a very underrated presence in the cosplay community. Today we get to learn all about the stunning Crimsyn Cosplay. He's talented and sassy and overall amazing!! Read his interview below.

Hey Everyone! I am Crimsyn Cosplay and I am from the D.C. area! Currently residing as a Junior at JMU studying Studio Art. I love to create badass things as well as tell some dumb jokes here and there ;P

How and when did you get into cosplay?
I actually got into cosplay on accident! What happened was I was lucky enough to get my hands on BlizzCon tickets for my family and myself, and I figured this would be a once-in-a-life-time opportunity! I told myself that if I was only able to do this once, then I might as well GO BIG! So, from there I decided that I would dress up as my World of Warcraft character for the convention to join the fun! And that's when it all started, my first convention, my first costume, and my first time on the West Coast.

How did you come up with your cosplay name?
For my cosplay name, I specifically wanted there to be alliteration in the name, because I figured that it would be easier to say and remember. From there, I kept going through words that started with "C" or "K" to match the beginning sound of "Cosplay". Eventually, I told myself I wanted something simple, so that if I ever designed a logo I could have a theme or idea to design around. Finally, on a LONG car ride home from vacation, I started going through all the colors I could think of and "Crimson" was brought up. And then the artsy kid in my had to change one of the letters to make it "Crimsyn".

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
When I am not cosplaying, I work in a costume shop or I attend my classes. But, of course, the whole time I am doing all that I am actually devising my next cosplay plans! My other hobbies include Video Games and pretending that I am good at Yoga.

What is your proudest cosplay accomplishment?
My proudest Cosplay Accomplishment currently would definitely be my recent debut of Ryuk from Death Note. I tried to take on a more professionalism with that costume and to try and engineer things in a mathematical way as well as documenting the process. I realized that I really enjoyed teaching, so I wanted to document the process so that I could later create tutorials or ways to teach people how I have created something. 

What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?
Currently, I am in the process of planning out the character HIM from PowerPuff Girls. I think I am just on a Cartoon/Animated Character inspiration right now, but I am craving to go back to armor. So, I am curious to see what I want to do after HIM.

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
EVERYONE! Every single person that cosplays or creates art is an inspiration to me, and I fully support that statement in all ways. Everyone is different and has an inspirational part to them and that is why I do a segment on my social media called "Spotlight Sunday". This segment highlights inspirational aspects of ALL types of artists. I do this because not only do I enjoy what these artists produce, but I am sure by sharing this art I can inspire other people in many other ways.

​What is your dream cosplay?
My dream cosplay would be something along the lines of Illidan from World of Warcraft. I just love wings, hooves, and horns so much. I find that there is a pleasing aesthetic quality to them as well as a love and admiration put into the craftsmanship needed to create those things. So eventually, when ya boi gets enough money and skills to create Illidan, then you'll see me stomping down the streets of Azeroth in my big ol' wings and hooves.

What is your favorite convention to attend?
I REALLLLLLY love Katsucon so much! It really is a friend reunion where we all get to share our favorite things. 

What is your dream convention to attend?
DRAGONCON! Ugh, that would be an amazing convention to attend. I am so used to Anime Conventions, which are great, but I am a gamer and I need to hit up some more gaming and SyFy conventions!

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
Nothing stands out for me too much, just please take care of yourself at a con. Do not starve yourself to look skinny and PLEASE take showers. 

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
Yes! ALWAYS do a practice run with your entire cosplay on. I always try on all the little parts and pieces individually, and when I get to the convention, it is always the first time I have put the FULL costume on. Then you realize an hour before you are leaving the con that you can barely move or something broke and you cannot fix it. So, please do a test run of your ENTIRE costume as well as reinforce the way the costume attaches to your body. Then you won't fall apart on the con floor like I used to.

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
JUST DO IT. Do not be afraid to jump right into the materials and crafting. EVERYTHING counts as a learning experience and you are always better than you were 5 minutes ago!

Do you have anything else you want to say, or add to this interview?
Be yourself! Putting on a costume is like putting on a new personality. When I change into a costume, I become the IDEAL person I want to be in my life. From that I have learned to just be that hero I am portraying in costume everyday. Doing that I have learned more of my true self and it has made me a happier person. So I only hope cosplay can do the same to you :)

Where can we find you on all things social?
CrimsynCosplay on EVERY social media pretty much; Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and even gmail!

Photos from facebook.com/crimsyncosplay See original photos for photographer credits

Such a great interview!! What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!