#FeatureFriday with Yeliz Cosplay

Yeliz is a fantastic cosplayer who always stays optimistic no matter the situation. I'm so glad she took the opportunity to answer all my questions - and believe me, I had a lot. Read on to find out about this beautiful cosplayer.

How and when did you get into cosplay?
I got into cosplay properly back in 2014, late September. The reason I wanted to get into cosplay is because I felt like it was the only way I can express how much I love video games. Also the fact that so many talented people inspired me along the way. :)

What do your friends and family think of your hobby?
My family and friends think my hobby is really cool and creative. They are all so supportive and notice how happy it makes me and how passionate I am about cosplay, that they even encourage me and lift me back up when I am down and not happy with my work. It's so beautiful.

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 it will change my choices of cosplay no matter how long I stick with my hobby. I mainly choose cosplays that are characters from video games and there are way too many choices of cosplay because I have been gaming ever since I can remember. (My dad was an electrician so I have been around technology since I was born pretty much). :)

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
I work full time as an Assistant Manager at EB Games. In Melbourne, Australia. I LOVE MY JOB!! :)

Speaking of geeking, it's no secret you have an intense love for video games. When did this start? What got you into it?
Don't remember exactly when I got into video games but I was extremely young! :) Dad was a big gamer. I used to be fascinated to watch the games as he played.

What is your favorite game to play, and which platform?
My favourite game to play is actually the Dark Souls series (which is no longer, 3 was the last ; ( but at least now I have Bloodborne). I also enjoy Tomb Raider very much aswell. 
I prefer console gaming. I have all playstation and xbox consoles. No favourites! They're all beautiful to me.

How do you choose the next cosplay you work on?
I chose cosplay based on what I love a lot. They're mainly video game characters. I enjoy genderbending as you may be able to tell. Haha. I prefer male characters for some strange reason?

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
To be honest. No one exactly. All cosplayers are my inspiration because people are so damn talented!! I am endlessly inspired by everyone who does cosplay. So much skill and creativity I wish to have someday.

What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?
Right now, I am working on Knight Artorias from Dark Souls.

What is your dream cosplay?
My dream cosplay is Isaac Clarkes Engineering Suit from Dead Space. Arrgghhh It's a pretty intense outfit. Even the thought of it excites me!

Why do you choose to cosplay more often as genderbent male characters?
I always find the male characters in video games more detailed and are taken more seriously when it comes to character design. Where as the females are mostly just incredibly sexy (which I appreciate dearly) but it's not the style I like to go for personally. :)

What cosplay did you put the most time into?
​Honestly, all my cosplays are done with hard work and time obviously. But the costume that took the most out of me would be the Maylgos from WOW I made. Very tedious and extremely time cosuming die to all the tiny details I decided to add.

You are very fit, and look great in your cosplays. Do you have any fitness tips?
Why thank you. So lovely to hear! I actually dont really work out or go to gyms because of the knee condition that i have. So fitness tips from me will be sooo invalid. Haha I love food very much but I do try to not go overboard.

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
Not just yet. I am still very new to cosplay and haven't really been to very many conventions and stuff besides my local events. But the one thing that does get frustrating and can be incredibly horrific is when a convention is extremely busy and some people don't watch themselves or care for others cosplays and the continually bump into to and accidently damage your cosplay or get stuck on you. For example, my Malygos cosplay had so many horns that poke out all around me and it's kinda hard to maneuver around people and areas.

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
Cosplaying is extremely fun. If you ever want to get into it, it's an extremely addictive hobby (I find) and also, it is not cheap. Buying materials, trying out what is best for you wether it's worbla or foam? You will learn new skills every time you craft a costume and will get better every single time. So if you're passionate just go for it and enjoy yourself!

Where can we find you on all things social?
You can find me on:
Instagram- Yelizcosplay 
Facebook.com/officialyelizfanpage (yeliz cosplay)
Deviant Art- Yeliz cosplay 
Snapchat- yeliz_cosplay

She is such a sweetheart and if you're not already following her, you should be! Especially on snapchat! She always brightens my day. 

*kiss kiss*