Cosplay Cafe 31: Exot1c Dynasty

Happy Friday Heroes! We have another Cosplay Cafe for your enjoyment. This time around I was able to sit down and chat with Exot1c Dynasty. A fantastic cosplayer who I’ve had the honor of calling a friend. Anyway, check out our interview down below and I’ll catch you later.

 

Artist: Felgnox, Photographer: Thru The Eyes of Aitch Photography

 

1. What were you like growing up? What were some of the things you were into as a child/teenager?

Throughout my elementary years, I was a considered a “tomboy.” My favorite hobbies were rollerblading, trying to do stunts on my BMX bike, pretending to be Kimberly the Pink Power Ranger, and playing sports. My favorite was basketball. For nostalgia points, I still have my middle school jersey (#32) and I even have the 1st place “3-pt shootout” trophy I won when I was in 3rd grade. I was also into Pokémon and video games. I loved dancing and singing, and I participated in talent shows. I caught the teenybopper bug, and my fave bands were BSB, *Nsync, 5ive, and of course, the Spice Girls. I would learn the choreography from the music videos. I still have the “Oops! I Did It Again” routine down 

I spent my MS/HS years in Las Vegas. There, you could find me chillin’ at the Arcade on the weekends. Soul Calibur, Tekken, Initial D, and DDR were my favorites! I also had friends who were into drag racing. That was around the time The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift movie came out, and that was all the hype! I remember cruising down Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip) in my friend’s Integra, “signaling” other drivers.

You want to know what the funny thing is? I’m STILL into those things! But these days, if I’m not playing Overwatch or Destiny 2, I binge watch Netflix shows while I put together Gundam Model Kits.

2. Who or what got you into cosplay?

My cousins Andrea and Stephanie have gone to conventions for years. Last year, Stephanie invited me to join her at MAGFest. Seeing how it was a gaming and music festival, I decided to dress up as Chun-Li for fun. I had the time of my life at MAGFest! (More on MAGFest later). That experience is what lighted my passion for cosplaying.

Artist: Felgnox, Photgrapher: Brad Behles Photography

 

3. Your Scorpion is easily one of my personal favorites done by you. What went into making the costume?

It started out as a generic Rubie’s costume I purchased from Amazon. When I first tried on the mask, it was flimsy, along was everything else. Luckily, my friend, Cheri (Cheri Moon Cosplay), was going to debut her Kitana at Awesome Con 2016 with me, and she assisted with helping me add thicker and stronger straps, along with finding a way to make the mask more flexible. We ended up cutting the mask in half and sewing it onto a bacalava. When people message me for advice, that’s usually the first question: “How did you modify the mask for a better fit?”

After Awesome Con 2016, I repainted the armor and the swords. I also made a foam spear and added gold chains to the belt. Recently, I started wearing only the bottom half of the mask because I would get overheated easily with the full mask.

It’s going to be a work in progress, since there are still some little modifications I’d like to add, such as spikes. I also need to modify the mask again and add mesh for the holes.

4. First off, congrats on being an ambassador for FigureThis3D. Can you shed some light as to how this happened?

Thank you! I got acquainted with Demetrius (Hellspawned Cosplay) when I saw his Kratos at Awesome Con. He was scanned at the FT3D booth and kept in contact with the owners, Dylyn and Stacie. Dylyn asked D to put together a team, and here I am, or I should say, “we” are.

FT3D Team consists of: Myself, Hellspawned Cosplay, CC the Greek Geek, Late Night Cosplay, Tranquil Ashes, and Octane.

Photographer: Stephon Jordan

5. Are there any cosplayers you want to collaborate with in the future?

There are so many talented cosplayers just in the DMV alone. To name a few, I would love to collaborate with CC the Greek Geek, Wardawg Cosplay, Final Boz Cosplay, and Spidey Spice. Special shout out to the Atlanta MK Cosplayers…we shall meet at DragonCon and achieve #SquadGoals! And of course, I’d love to collaborate with you, Mr. Johnny Cage!

6. Off topic question, favorite food?

Steak! Filet Mignon, Rib-Eye, T-Bone. NY Strip, I love all cuts. Catch me at your local Fogo De Chao.

Artist: Felgnox, Photographer: Video Game Stupid

 

7. What is a lesson cosplay has taught you?

Perseverance. I recently cosplayed as Lady Punisher at Baltimore Comic-Con, and due to the Weapons Policy, I could not bring my rubber training guns. The night before, I spent four hours on making foam knives. The first one, which came out okay, took less than 30 minutes. I spent the rest of the night trying to bevel the second knife, but failed. I didn’t have the right tools (hello, Dremel!), but guess what? My cutting skills improved and I learned new techniques through trial and error. The best part? It increased my motivation to get it right the next time.

8. Do you have a favorite convention you like to attend?

MAGFest, which is technically a festival. MAGFest feels like one giant party and there’s so much to do. Not many can claim they’ve been the front of a Conga Line at the Saturday Night Rave 
Whether it’s roaring like Collossus, dancing in the hallway with the DJs, or roaming through the halls, there’s much to do and much to see.

The game rooms are my favorite. You have the indie game area and you have the arcade cabinets. Did I mention it was 24 Hours? MAGFest is dear to my heart because that’s where I met the Lin Kuei Scum, I mean… my Sensei, Kabian Cosplay. He’s my inspiration for Scorpion. If anyone was looking for a con to debut a cosplay or to test the waters, I would recommend MAGFest all the way. My husband debuted his Agent J from Men in Black this year, and he and Agent K were a hit.

 

Photography by Marie Newby Photography, Reptile is Melon Lord Cosplay

9. Second off topic question, what is one thing you’re looking forward to this year or next year?

I’m looking forward to going back to Disney World with my daughter and husband this year. After graduating college in 2011, I moved to Orlando, FL, to intern with the Disney College Program. That’s where I met my Prince Charming (who is now my husband). Next year, I’m looking forward to…shenanigans, haha. Each convention is like a family reunion, and I’m always looking forward to making more memories with my fellow cosplayers and networking with new ones.

Next year, I’m looking forward to celebrating 10 years as a sister of Chi Upsilon Sigma. (April 9th, 2018). “Exot1c Dynasty” is actually the alias my Alpha Lambda chapter sisters gave me when I pledged in Spring 2008.

10. What cosplays are you currently working on right now?

First, I’m currently improving my skills working with craft foam. I’m thankful to have cosplayer friends who are willing to guide me with their expertise. I want to build an armor for Scorpion, possibly the skin from Injustice. But in the meantime, I’ll work on Sub-Zero. (No disrespect to the Shirai Ryu clan though)

DG Photography-Desmond Gayle

11. What conventions can people find you at later this year or next year?

The usual local ones in the area. You can find me at NekoCon at the Figure This In 3D booth in November, and at AnimeUSA in December. Next year, I’ll be at MAGFest, Katsucon, Awesome Con, BlerDCon, and a few others.

12. Final question, anything you want to say to your fans?

Thank you for being part of my journey. Also, thank you to the community of cosplayers, photographers, and artists who have supported me. If you’re thinking about cosplaying, this whole experience has taught me that it’s okay to break away from life’s social norms. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what your profession is. Cosplay will always be a consistent, enjoyable outlet. You’re still “you”, but you transform into another wonderful variation of yourself. On that note…the DMV Kombatants are recruiting! TEST YOUR MIGHT AND CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY

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Click the links above to not only follow Exot1c Dynasty but also FigureThisin3D. Until the cafe opens again, I’m XBen3000 and I’m out!

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