#FeatureFriday with Sayakat Cosplay

Today we have a great interview with the lovely Sayakat cosplay. Read her full interview below!

I'm Sayakat Cosplay, and I've been a cosplayer for about the past 2.5 years. My first con was in 2013, but I didn't really get drawn in until late 2014/early 2015, but since then I've made approximately 20-30 costumes and props for myself and others. 

How and when did you get into cosplay?
I've been making costumes for halloween since I can remember, even as a kid. I started making more and more elaborate costumes, really starting with Kerrigan, queen of blades, in 2011, well before I cosplayed. In 2013 I went to my first convention, Baltimore Comic Con, in my Mass Effect Commander Shepard armor I had made for halloween 2012, and I was immediately hooked. People kept coming up to me and asking for photos and it was an amazing experience. 

How did you come up with your cosplay name?
It is my original AIM screen name *shows age*

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
I am a scientist by training and currently teach science. 

What is your proudest cosplay accomplishment?
Winning the armor category in the eastern championships of cosplay, that was amazing, the level of talent in the whole competition was insane. 

What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?
Currently I've got Kerrigan, Queen of Blades, the ghost queen skin from HoTS. I call her kerrigan 2.0 because I love to cosplay her and my original costume is beyond repair at this point. 

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
There are so many people I look up to and respect, it is hard to choose, but Kamui cosplay is probably one of my biggest idols that I have yet to meet. 

What is your dream cosplay?
I built it, Diablo the Prime evil. 

What is your favorite convention to attend and why?
Magfest. 24 hour arcade rooms. Enough said. 

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
People sniping photos or asking for photos when I'm clearly eating or on my phone or taking a break. We are all humans and have human needs. And always ask for a photo, even when someone else is taking one and you are posing, still ask. 

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
Not really, I've had my fair share of cosplay misadventures, but minor costume malfunctions, nothing serious. 

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
Keep at it! You only get better with practice. My skill level has increased exponentially with every project I do, and I'm constantly taking on challenges to learn and grow. 

Where can we find you on all things social?
Sayakat Cosplay on twitter, tumblr, Facebook, instagram, and twitch!

Photos provided by Photosnxs, Rick Currier, and Alexandra Lee Studios. 

Her work is incredibly inspiring. I highly encourage you to go find her on all things social! <3