#FeatureFriday with Shainadilla

I'm so happy to finally be sharing Shainadilla on my blog. She is such a talented cosplayer and all though I haven't met her yet, I still have my hopes up! Read the full interview below.

Hello! My name is Shaina of Shainadilla Cosplay. I'm a big lover of League of Legends and all things anime. My favorite thing to cosplay as are cute, bubbly characters and I am best known for my yordle cosplays from League of Legends. My goal is cosplay
​all the yordles someday!

How and when did you get into cosplay?
I love anime and I love artistic expression! Cosplay was the perfect way to meld those two loves together, and after registering for my first anime convention in 2014 (Sakura-Con), it just felt like a natural thing to cosplay at the con! After my first taste of cosplaying at this convention, I was hooked! I just love how cosplay is an instant conversation starter and easy way to find people who are passionate about the same things as you.

How did you come up with your cosplay name?
My cosplay name--Shainadilla--is a combination of my first and last name. In my head, I imagine Shainadilla to be a super adorable breed of dinosaur.

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
Outside of cosplay, I work in marketing for a major sports broadcasting company, which takes up a majority of my time.

What is your proudest cosplay accomplishment?
Finishing my Rocket Girl Tristana cosplay was my proudest moment as a cosplayer. This was the first costume I made completely from scratch, and it included a lot of new techniques that I hadn't tried before such as working with spandex, applying face paint, and creating a large blaster gun prop. Making Rocket Girl Tristana really challenged me on so many different aspects so that I really felt more confident in my abilities in sewing, prop making, and makeup after I wore this costume for the first time.

What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?
Currently, I'm working on a couple of Pokemon Ginjinkas--one for Primarina and another for Alolan Raichu. Other than these, I'm working on a few other simple closet cosplays, such as Stevonnie from Steven Universe, Kanna Kamui from Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, and Female Shouyou Hinata from Haikyuu.

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
Kamui Cosplay, Jessica Nigri, and Kinpatsu Cosplay are my cosplay inspirations. I really respect these cosplayers from a costume construction perspective, as well as how they've built up their cosplay brands.

​What is your dream cosplay?
I would love to make from scratch a female version of Seto Kaiba (from Yu-Gi-Oh!) in his Battle City outfit. I've always loved Seto Kaiba's epic trench coats and I would love to make one for myself. ^^

What is your favorite convention to attend and why?
Anime Expo is easily my favorite convention! The cosplay is on point, there are always exclusive panels to attend, and the dealer's room and artist alley feel endless...which is wonderful news for my eye balls but bad news for my wallet. Haha.

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
In general, I'm not a fan of people taking a photo of me in costume without asking first. I just don't like the idea of photos of me floating around on the internet that I wasn't prepared for. I'm always happy to take a photo, and if you ask first I can give a killer pose. ^^ 

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
I always run into fitment issues when I do not try on all the elements of my cosplay before a convention. Cosplay tests are so important to help work out the kinks in a costume before hand, so that I am not stressing about the little things the day of a con.

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
Don't be afraid to try new things and make mistakes. A prop or garment doesn't have to be perfect the first time around, and the more you try new techniques the more your skills will improve as a cosplayer. For each new cosplay project, I like to try at least one new technique so I am constantly leveling up my skills. Even if my first go at that technique isn't perfect, I will start to understand the fundamentals and I will have a better idea of how I can use that skill next time around.

On a different note, never buy anything full price at Joann's if you can help it...always use a coupon! I always have at least two to three 40-60% off coupons through their mobile app, email lists, and physical coupons. Save that sweet money, my friends!

Never forget that cosplay should be fun!

Where can we find you on all things social?
You can find me at the following social media handles. I really appreciate the support in advance. \ (^ . ^) /

Instagram: @shainadilla
Facebook
Twitter: @shainadilla
Blog
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​Photos for this interview provided by Nathan Wong Photography

What a great interview. If you're not already following her on all things social, go check her out right now!