#FeatureFriday with Winterlights Cosplay

I'm pretty excited to feature one of my Viking babes today. Winterlights Cosplay is such a talented artist, and just the most genuine and lovable person you will ever meet. Enjoy reading her interview below!

​How and when did you get into cosplay?
I always liked to dress up when I was younger. Halloween of course and actually even just portraying characters in my own way at school from clothes in my closet. I didn't discover what cosplay truly was until about 2009 I think. I went to my first convention and saw other people dressed up and realized... other people do this!?? As a hobby!?? I loved that there could be more to it than just me being a goofy nerd haha so I started doing it! I think I got much more into it the past 2 years when I heard you can cosplay professionally and honestly I cosplay because for one it's fun,  you get to meet new people who are all alot like you with shared ideas and interests, and I just love the way I feel when I've accomplished something in a way I know only I can do =)

How did you come up with your cosplay name?
It's actually an interesting story haha! I had always loved the name winter instead of summer or autumn for a character and I started trying to come up with a personality (I was writing a Manga at the time) I thought of this person who would fit that name. But all I could think of was that winter is cold and dreary and no one likes it lol! But then I had another thought. Without winter the earth would get too hot and dry up right? And when it's cold it sort of brings people together, closer, because let's face it when it's cold out what else is there to do bit snuggle up with hot chocolate and play games or watch movies together right? ;) So it made me realize that although we hate it, Winter is a necessary evil that really isn't that evil... it has it's purpose (whether we like it or not) amd actually does us a great service with very little appreciation in return. Kind of like a light in the world that's disguised as a shadow. And so, Winterlights was born. =)

What do your friends and family think of your hobby?
Some of my friends actually cosplay with me and the ones that don't are very supportive and find it interesting! They're all nerds like me so it's easy enough haha! My family I don't think quite accepted it when I was young but now that I'm progressing with it they are quite enthusiastic and supportive!

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?
Oh most definitely! I mean there will always be the classics that I will continue to cosplay (Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy) but it's always exciting to try new things and even since I started cosplay I am portraying characters I never thought I would! That's the beauty of Cosplay, it seems to bring out our strengths.

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
Even when I'm not cosplaying I somehow always seem to be doing something cosplay related haha! But otherwise I go to work at a cafe and generally just try to spend time with friends and family. I also love playing video games, writing and reading, and I try to touch up on dance and singing when I can.

How do you choose your next cosplay?
I honestly just see something and am like... "My next victim." O.o lol I have an enormous list of cosplays to do and it continually grows. I think I choose which to do next either by what I feel in the moment or whether my friends are doing a certain one that we can all do together.

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
There are sooooo many!!! Obviously the usual ones such as Jessica Nigri and Yaya Han but @Narcisspuppet and his beautiful counterpart @Ladyzero are huge inspirations to me their cosplays are FLAWLESS and they are Canadians like me ;) props wise the insanely talented @CarlMartin. His bustersword is a dream of mine to perfect! The cosplayer I want to be most like however I would say is @AlysonTabbitha she can literally transform into anything you put her Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swan side by side you can't even tell they are the same person she is a damn chameleon and I hope to be as talented someday haha!

What is your dream cosplay?
Uugh this is such a hard question!!!! T~T um I'd have to say either a summons from Final Fantasy or one of the Colossus from Shadow of the Colossus. Also Link shooting arrows off of Epona would be super epic! XD

What is your favorite cosplay you've made?
FIERCE. DEITY. LINK. Without a question. It's not my most popular cosplay but the character is deeply important to me and I put alot of time and love into it.

What is your favorite convention to attend?
Hmm.... well up until now it was Calgary Expo but after how amazing Edmonton Expo was I would say that one. It was also way more intimate and community driven this year which was great.

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
Yes! People who critique your handmade cosplays when they are not even a cosplayer. Or if I make my own ideas about how to portray a character and people get upset about it. It's called ORIGINALITY and creativity cosplay doesn't always have to be about accuracy. I also hate when people try to ask me for a photo when I am running somewhere. Literally running! Sometimes people are on their way to important things and although you may reeeeeaaally want that picture it's just not polite or convenient for the cosplayer especially if they miss whatever they were running for (ex: you miss registration for the cosplay contest you can't compete) you can always find them later =)

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
Hm. I would say.... do your research and give yourself loooots of time when doing a cosplay. Nothing sucks more than trying to throw something together last minute and going to do photos and bring completely disappointed because you didn't have the time to do it the way you wanted. Take your time! And also have fun =)

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
YES! Lol I'll keep it short cause I could go on forever about this subject. DO NOT GIVE UP. No matter what people say or what bad experiences you may have DO NOT give up on cosplay if it's something you truly like. Remember that everyone even the big leagues, actually especially the big leagues, get bad comments all the time. Hell Jessica Nigri gets DEATH threats and she still never stops doing what she loves haha! Because at the end of the day those people criticizing you have no idea what they're talking about and what they're missing. Life is short. So at least live it doing something you enjoy. =) The only one who decides your happiness is you.

Do you have anything else you want to say, or add to this interview?
I would like to say THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS INTERVIEW BREEZEEWEEZEE!! She's and amazing person PLEASE keep following her you'll never regret it! And that cosplay is for fun and for everyone so don't be afraid to get out there and try it if you haven't! =)

Where can we find you on all things social?
My most used account is instagram: 
@winterlightscos 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/winterlightscos 
YouTube: "Winterlights Cosplay"

She's amazing guys, seriously. Go follow her on everything and love her as much as I do! 

If you want to be interviewed and to share your story with the world, send me a message, or drop a comment below!