#FeatureFriday with Yunie

Today I get to feature an awesome cosplayer who does tons of amazing comic book cosplays! Yunie and I also did an interview swap, and you can read her interview with me here, or keep reading to find out all about Yunie!

How and when did you get into cosplay?
I got into cosplay back in 2001 via friends who were cosplaying to one of our local conventions. After telling me about how easy and fun it was, I jumped at the chance and debuted my first costume!

How did you come up with your cosplay name?
My cosplay name was originally a cutesy take on Unicorn, being shortened to Uni, then I made it Yunie. I am an absolute child when it comes to unicorns, so I wanted to make sure to have a name that kind of reflected it.

Why do you cosplay? What is the one reason you keep cosplaying?
I originally started cosplaying to hang out with my friends and be more extroverted. I still obviously do both of those, but I also love doing charity work while in costume. Watching a kid light up when they see one of their favorite heroes? Priceless.

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
I'm currently a security guard for my job, and when I'm not cosplaying, I'm usually hanging out with friends or being the newest couch vegetable.

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
I don't... really.. have one, persay? I like the work of Rufflebutt Cosplay, for example, but I don't idolize her. I see everyone has your normal, nerdy people.

What cosplay are you working on right now?
Currently, my main project is a comic book version of Inara from Serenity. I'm hoping to have her done in the next few months!

What is your dream cosplay?
Hands-down, my dream cosplay would be a manga version of Hinoto from X/1999. I love the style CLAMP brings to its characters, but Hinoto was always one of my favorite ladies, visually.

Do you have any cosplay pet peeves?
Biggest pet peeves: Wear make-up, especially if you're planning on being photographed. It will help much more than you can even imagine. Secondly, if you're wearing something relatively see-through... Line it. Avoid those embarrassing moments making their way to the internet.

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
Avoid cliques, and if you're not part of the "cool kids", you don't have to be. I stepped on so many friends wanting to fit in with the other nerds around me, that I essentially destroyed my more lasting relationships I had.

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
Be inclusive, and be ready to make mistakes. Don't cast out others, especially people you don't make the effort to get to know. And when making your costumes, don't be surprised when accidents happen. I've been doing this for 15 years now, and I still flub things on each project.

Do you have anything else you want to say, or add to this interview?
If you can in your local community, try and add to the charity work with groups, like Cosplay for a Cause or Heroes Alliance. Always rewarding ad you can make some amazing friends!

Where can we find you on all things social?
Facebook
Twitter: @koiengi
Instagram: @koiyunie

That wraps up another amazing #FeatureFriday. If you would like to be featured, or to nominate another cosplayer, you can write to me in the comments or send me a message!

*kiss kiss*