Happy Friday Club Members! Today I have Utahime Cosplay in the cafe, she’s been teaching me meditation. So as I learn this new practice, check out our interview down below.
1. What were you like growing up? What were some of the things you were into as a child/teenager?
I was a huge tomboy who loved playing sports, but I also loved dance and the performing arts. Overall I was definitely considered a weirdo in school, because my interests were very different from most girls my age. Basically, I loved anything related to Star Wars, Marvel comics, Disney, anime, and Bond films. Also, growing up I was a huge gamer and played almost every game console out at that time (although my preference was always PlayStation).As a result, I was pretty competitive when it came to gaming, and I worked really hard so I could beat my guy friends and show them that girls could be serious gamers too!
2. Did those things influence who you’re today?
Definitely! I think as I got older my love for all those fandoms grew stronger, and it was a huge factor in how I got involved in the cosplay community in the first place. I wanted to portray characters from my favorite shows and comics. Although, I was a bit of an introvert growing up as I got older I began to meet more people who shared similar interests, which helped me to come out of my shell.
3. First off, congrats on being featured in the latest issue of Japan Up! What is it like being featured in a magazine for cosplay?
All I could say is “Wow! It’s such an honor!” I think every cosplayer works hard to improve and become better at what they do. We want others to see all our work, and hopefully be inspired to get out there and do what they are passionate about too! Getting featured especially in a magazine for cosplay is the realization of that very goal. Thank you Japan Up! magazine for making that possible for not only myself, but the other talented cosplayers also featured in your latest issue.
4. What was it like working with Le Geek So Chic fashion show?
I absolutely loved it! You are given the amazing opportunity to walk for talented designers who enjoy the same fandoms and use them as inspiration for their pieces. Also, they promote having a positive body image, which is seriously lacking in the fashion industry today!
5. What is your favorite cosplay to wear?
That’s a tough question! I feel with each new cosplay I do it becomes my favorite. I guess with that in mind I’d have to have to say Korra from LOK (The Legend of Korra). Since I train in martial arts I always get excited to cosplay as Korra, and practice what I have learned in my training!
6. Off topic question, favorite food?
Korean BBQ and Sour Watermelon slices!!
7. What is a thing you feel the cosplay community should improve on?
I still feel there is a need for diversity in cosplay. I have always considered the cosplay and geek community to be very accepting, but It is very disappointing when I hear that some of my peers have experienced discrimination based on race. Personally, as an individual of mixed ethnicity, I am a firm believer that you should be able to cosplay any character no matter your race or gender. I mean come on! People already think we are crazy for dressing up to begin with, so we all need to show some love to our fellow cosplayers.
8. Second off topic question, are you excited for the upcoming Korra comics?
I am embarrassed to admit I had not heard of the Korra comics until this interview. However, this makes me very excited!! This is big news for all LOK and ALA (Avatar the Last Airbender) fans like myself! I really look forward to seeing what Dark Horse Comics does with the story line especially with the development of Korrasami. You know I will be grabbing a copy when it is released!
9. What is a lesson cosplay has taught you?
While this may sound cliché cosplaying has taught me to “Just Do It!!” It’s the mindset you must have as a cosplayer. It takes courage to get out there and cosplay in the first place. I think there are many people who want to try cosplaying for the first time, but they talk themselves out of doing it. They fear their cosplay will not compare to some of the top cosplayers. I wouldn’t be having this interview with you now if I had let that mindset keep me from doing what I loved. I have had several cosplays I was nervous about doing, but when I just went for it I was surprised to discover that others loved what I had done with the character! My Gamora cosplay is the perfect example! I was very nervous to do that cosplay because I had never done body makeup before and I had seen others whose makeup was always on point. Ironically, in spite of all of my fears, it is now one of the cosplays I am best known for in the community.
10. What cosplays are you currently working on?
I am almost finished with my Artemis from Young Justice cosplay, which I have been looking forward to doing for a long time! I also have some cool crossover cosplays in the works that I will debuting very soon.
11. What conventions can people find you at this year?
You will find me at Wondercon, Anime Expo, SDCC, and Stan Lee’s LA Comic Con. Although, I have been known to attend smaller cons at the last minute!
12. Final question, anything you want to say to your fans?
First and foremost, I’d like to thank you for all of the love and support you have shown me on my cosplay journey. You guys push me to take on new challenges and try to improve with each new cosplay. It’s my goal to hopefully inspire others through the characters I portray to do what they are passionate about and what makes them happy! I am looking forward to many new adventures during this con season and I hope I get to meet many of you along the way.
Social Media Links
Facebook
Instagram
And that brings the cafe to a close for this week. Be sure to give Utahime Cosplay a follow on her social media platforms. They are linked above so all you have to do is click and follow.
Like always someone new is coming to the cafe. Next week we have….
Viva Valentine is coming through the cafe. Until next time, I’m still XBen3000 and I’m out!
