#FeatureFriday with Get Downs with Cosplay

This week I get to feature an internet friend who is very awesome, generous and talented. I hope you find him equally as entertaining as I do!

​How and when did you get into cosplay?
I got into cosplay over a year ago. I pulled an all nighter after work and threw together a quick Hush costume from Batman.

What do your friends and family think of your hobby?
Depends on who you ask. Mostly they fully support what I do even if they don't quite understand it. My mom even had helped me on a few so it's a great bonding experience. Some of my best friends have come from cosplay and conventions. I an truly blessed to have these awesome people in my life.

If you're still cosplaying in 10+ years, do you think it will have an effect on your cosplay choices, or the characters you choose to portray?
I don't think so. Obviously as new characters come out in the upcoming years or I find characters, IE Ryuk from Death Note, cosplay plans can change. However I'll always be partial to the fandoms I've grown up with.

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
I'm usually working lol I work Monday through Friday so my weekends USUALLY go to cosplay and conventions. I'm also part of a Non-profit charity organization so we make appearances dressed up as our cosplay characters. If by some rare occurrence I'm home, I'm usually playing a video game of some sort.

How do you choose your next cosplay?
This is a hard question because it's always changing. Whether it be due to finances, time, requests. I think I have a line up I want to do and then it gets shuffled for some reason. I do however tend to lean towards the characters I feel could use more spot light. My Hawkeye for example. We all know the avengers but I have never seen a classic Hawkeye at a convention (until this year) so I said let's give it a shot. Kind of the same reason I plan on an Aquaman by the end of the year. Also my friends don't cosplay so I try to incorporate who they like also.

​Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
Do I get bonus points for saying [Breezeeweezee Cosplay]? Lol
My inspirations are Sharon Rose Cosplay and Kayley Marie Cosplay. They are the ones who actually got me into cosplay and I'm always blown away by their work.  My idols are Riki Lacotey (Ridd1e) and Monika Lee and I was crazy fortunate to meet Riki twice and Monika once this year alone. 
I love Rikis work so much and she's been nothing but a sweet heart. Monika was so much fun to interact with and you could talk to her like you've known each other for years. I've always leaned towards strong females, from comic book characters to video games and now to cosplay. I admire the men in the cosplay world too but those are my big 2.
Honorable mention is Alkali Layke. Her Phoenix cosplay is easily one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

What is your favorite convention to attend?
Baltimore Comic con. Easy decision. It was my first convention years ago and it's still just so amazing. Although, AwesomeCon in Washington DC has become a close second.

What is your dream convention to attend?
Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle or Calgary Expo.

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
Cosplay Is Not Consent. Its simple but it's still a problem. That goes for both men and women. Stop the objectifying, stop the harassment and stop the negativity. We are all fans of this. I'm not saying we should all get along because that's just impossible but at least respect each other.

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
I've had bad con experiences but it's mostly been due to a layout of a con. So not really anything I've had anything to do with. However, take care of yourself at a con. I know people who have passed out due to not eating or not drinking enough at a con. I know a convention can be crazy with the people, the photo shoots, panels and so on. But your health comes first. Set a reminder on your phone if need be for a lunch break or to drink some water.

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
Just do it. If you've thought about doing it, you already want to. Reach out to people about advice on how to get started. Most cosplayers will respond! It doesn't matter if you have all the money or not. Make what you can afford. At the end of the day cosplay is a form of art and self expression. So show off your work proudly and if I ever meet you, or you meet me, yes I want a picture with you.

Where can we find you on all things social?
Facebook: "Get Downs With Cosplay" and also "Cosplay 10.6"
Instagram: @GetDownsWithCosplay

Photo credit for this interview courtesy of GoldenInCursio and Rick Currier, Spidey suit credit to Murphy Yang

Thanks for joining another amazing #FeatureFriday! Remember, all month long we're doing giveaways on social media. Check out this blog post for all the details and where to be!

​*kiss kiss*