#FeatureFriday with Emma Rubini

Today we're featuring the amazing Emma Rubini. Her cel shading techniques are mind blowing, and all her costumes are cleverly unique. Read her full interview below!

Hi, I'm Emma! I'm a cosplayer and costume designer currently living in Florida!
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How and when did you get into cosplay?
I made my first cosplay in 2009.  I actually started going to cons that same year with my dad - I had never heard of cosplay before, but it just looked like the cosplayers were having a lot of fun so I decided to try it!

How did you come up with your cosplay name?
My cosplay name is just my real name, nothing fancy.  My Instagram handle is actually my first and last name plus my middle initials (Emma JIQ Rubini, I have too many names) but people never get it right, haha!

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
I am actually a costume designer by profession! I recently graduated from college!

What is your proudest cosplay accomplishment?
I think my Tank Girl cosplay is the one I'm most proud of! I put a lot of work into it, I was happy with myself for coming up with an original design for the character, and it makes me feel so confident! It's also one of the cosplays that I had the most fun making. 

What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?
I'm currently working on genderbent Oogie Boogie from Nightmare Before Christmas and I'm going to start Top from Avatar really soon!

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
I am friends with so many talented cosplayers, it's so hard to choose! I would say someone I look up to is Kamui Cosplay.  The work she puts into each costume is admirable, and her craftsmanship is incredible.

​What is your dream cosplay?
I have a few! The Angel of Death from Hellboy II, La Muerte from The Book of Life, and the Other Mother from Coraline are at the top of my list.

What is your favorite convention to attend and why?
My favorite con is DragonCon in Atlanta! It was one of the first cons I went to - 2017 is my seventh year going to it.  It's really unlike any other con I've been to, the atmosphere is so much fun, and the people really bring out their best cosplay work!

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
It annoys me a lot when people take my photo without asking first.  It's something that happens a lot, especially around people who don't go to cons often, and it always feels very dehumanizing to me.  Plus, it will never yield a very good photo.

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
It's not exactly a horror story, but something I always try to incorporate into my cosplays now is pockets.  Even if I can just fit my phone and wallet, it's essential to have somewhere inconspicuous to stash things for photos!

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
One of the hardest things for me to learn was that you're always going to be bad at things.  Everyone is a beginner at some point.  The first step to being good at something is sucking at it! Don't get discouraged if you don't like the things you're making! Remember that cosplay should be fun, and it should never feel like a chore.

Where can we find you on all things social?
Facebook
Instagram - @emmajiqrubini
Tumblr
YouTube - Emma Rubini

Photos for this interview provided by Marie Newby Photography, Brittany Johnson, and Bert Rubini with edits by Emma.

What an inspiring interview. Now you can go shower her with love and follows and likes galore on all things social!

If you or someone you know should be featured on this blog, send me an email!