#FeatureFriday with Elena Blueskies

Another #FeatureFriday is upon us and I am extremely excited to share with you the stunning Elena Blueskies. This girl has so many cosplays under her belt, it's absolutely impossible to display them all in this feature. Keep reading below to get a great insight into the creative life of Elena Blueskies!

How and when did you get into cosplay?  
​I’ve been cosplaying since before I even knew what cosplay was!  I remember being 12 and desperately wanting – no, needing – a Sailor Moon fuku.  My friend’s mom made me a blue skirt…but it was a pencil skirt. How funny!  My first convention was NYCC 2013.  A friend and I had been joking all summer that we should go in costume, and eventually those jokes turned serious enough for me to buy fabric and make Kitana and Jade costumes from Mortal Kombat.  We were totally blown away by the experience and I haven’t stopped since.

What do your friends and family think of your hobby?  
I think it took a bit for my family to come around to it, but everyone generally acknowledges at this point that it’s a way for me to use my creative and technical skills to escape from the real world. :)
 
Do you think you will still be cosplaying in 10+ years?  
I think so!
 
What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out? 
I’m an activewear designer for a department store right now.  I love to cook, and have a penchant for vintage clothing.
 
How do you choose your next cosplay?  
Usually based on the amount of time I have until the event.  I have a whole folder on my phone of potential costume ideas.  Generally, I choose a lineup that I know I can finish in time (but obviously end up working until the last second anyway).

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?  
I admire so many cosplays for so many reasons.  MostFlogged, Straight Line Association Cosplay, Ms Rae Cosplay, Alexandria the Red – just off the top of my head!
 
How has your experience been as a page model for @cosplay_and_comics?  
Nate (the page owner) and I go way back, before @cosplay_and_comics existed.  It’s been so exciting to see the page grow!
 
What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?  
A whole lot of nothing! I’m so lazy.  I should be working on some of my bigger projects for NYCC, but again – lazy.
 
What is your dream cosplay?  
Ike from Fire Emblem.  I’m hoping he becomes a reality for NYCC this year.
 
What is holding you back from making your dream cosplay becoming a reality?  
Life stress, and laziness. At least I’m honest, right? ;)

What is your favorite cosplay you've made?  
​I really love my Battle Princess Peach.  While I look back now and think the idea of “battle” versions of characters is a bit contrived and maybe even played out, I’m still proud of the worbla work that I did – it was my first armor project! 

Do you have a particular cosplay "style" you tend to stick with, or lean towards?
I’ve definitely done a lot of bodysuits, but really only because it’s just so easy for me.  I drafted a custom pattern for myself, and basically anything I want to make can be based on that pattern.
 
Do you have any ridiculous personal cosplay records?
I made 17 costumes last year, which seems wildly unnecessary.
 
What is your favorite convention to attend?  
NYCC!
 
Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?  
Two things: 1) pervy dudes. 2) catty girls.
 
Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that other's can learn from?  
I don’t think I’ve ever had something go terribly wrong at a convention.  I’ve definitely seen people hot gluing armor together on the convention floor, and I’m very lucky that it hasn’t been me!
 
Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?  
Don’t be afraid of what people are going to say.  Friends, family, other cosplayers, people on the internet.  The only opinion that matters is your own.
 
Where can we find you on all things social?
​Instagram: @elenablueskies
Twitter: @elenablueskies
Facebook

​All photos in the post are from her facebook page. Specific photo credit can be found there.

Wow. That was really fun! It was so amazing to chat with such a down to earth, super friendly, amazing cosplayer. With so many followers I was intimidated to approach her but she was so open and flattered by my request. I hope you all enjoyed this little sneak peak with her as much as I did!

If there is a talented cosplayer you think deserves a feature, or you just want to know more about, feel free to mention them in the comments!

​*kiss kiss*