#FeatureFriday with Miss Koumori

Today's feature is with the lovely Miss Koumori. I've personally followed several of her tutorials and they are so thorough, you'll feel like a pro! Read her full interview below! (That was A LOT of rhyming...)

Molly, a.k.a. Miss Koumori, is a cosplayer and graphic artist based in Jacksonville, Florida, originating from eastern North Carolina.

How and when did you get into cosplay?
My costuming career began at the age of 10 when I created a thrift store Amy Rose costume for Halloween. After attending my first convention, Animazement 2008, I fell in love with cosplay and have been constructing handmade costumes ever since.

My name is a long story! Haha! I was obsessed with Sonic the Hedgehog in elementary school, and wanted my own OC. So I created my toooooooootally original character, Sugar the Bat. When I made my cosplay Facebook page in 2012, I needed something more unique, and decided AoKoumori ("Blue Bat") was the ticket. After a few years, I got tired of my name being grammatically incorrect as well as difficult for some to remember, so I changed it to "Miss Koumori."

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
I'm a graphic designer and marketing coordinator! I also really love photography and "mountain sports" such as whitewater rafting and rockclimbing.

What is your proudest cosplay accomplishment?
When people began messaging me thanking me for the wing tutorial I'd made (https://youtu.be/kWkZPvRbA2g), saying it was the most helpful one they'd found so far. I honestly thought no one would notice it when I posted it.

What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?
A Pikachu-themed Seifuku and Angel Stocking from Panty & Stocking!

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
Kamui Cosplay, Kinpatsu Cosplay, and Fred & Elle Designs :)

With all the negativity in the cosplay community these days, what's a positive message you would like to enforce and encourage others with?
The numbers on your Facebook and Instagram do not define your skill as a cosplayer! Everyone starts somewhere; don't let anything stop you!

What is your dream cosplay?
Dizzy from Guilty Gear Xrd as well as "Ascendead Master" Hizaki from the band Versailles!

What is your favorite convention to attend and why?
Colossalcon! I love the waterpark, visiting my favorite themepark Cedar Point, and the completely laid back nature.

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
Elitists who think they are above basic courtesy/ kindness due to their popularity.

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
CON CRUNCHING WILL ALWAYS HURT YOU. I've completely butchered expensive materials while trying to rush something out for a con. Additionally, in that con crunch stress, I forgot major components of my costumes.

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
Don't let your body type, race, finances, or skill level stop you. Again, everyone starts somewhere and there is a way for everyone to get into cosplay. Some of my very first cosplays involved items that were already around my house as a teen - I sometimes didn't spend any money at all!

Where can we find you on all things social?
Facebook
Instagram: @Misskoumori
Youtube

Photos for this interview by: ChezPhoto, Husband, and Elysia Griffin.

She's so inspiring! If you want to join Miss Koumori in the spotlight, simply send me an email and I'll make sure you get published too!