Interview of Allstaralice (USA)

1. For how long have you been in cosplay ?

I have been cosplaying for 14 years. 

2. Cosplay is a time consuming hobby. how long does it take to craft your costumes ?

It depends on the complexity of the costume, or, how much time I have before my deadline ! I have taken several months to complete a costume, and other times, I have completed a costume in 2 weeks. Deadlines for conventions really get me motivated !

3. Any other hobby or passion besides cosplaying ?

I love sewing in general. I like to craft and create things, I always like having a project. If I have free time and need some extra money, I will take on a cosplay commission. Some other things I like are video games, tv shows, being with my friends, cooking, and spending time with my dog and cat !

4. What materials are you using for cosplay crafting, worbla ? Foam ? Can you talk about that a little bit ?

It depends on what I am making. I like using worbla as it's so easy to use. I can get impatient though and don't spend a lot of time coating it and sanding it. I love using foam too since they are readily available and also easy to use. I haven't used transparent worbla, but my friend who made my Tennis Peach crown and accessories used black worbla !

5. Do you have any FAVORITE cosplayer ?

I don't have 1 favorite. The cosplay community has gotten so large over the past 15 years, it's hard to keep up with who's who. I do love seeing cosplayers who not only make amazing costumes, but get amazing photoshoots done to go with it (especially scenes that match the character). 

6. Did you hurt yourself while making a cosplay or in a convention ?

I've burnt my fingers with a glue gun a number of times, but nothing major ! One time at a convention, I was wearing Fran from Final Fantasy XII, which is a very cumbersome costume. I was in the middle of a photoshoot and I got lightheaded, and almost passed out. I had to sit down immediately and drink some water and eat something. Always make sure your body is fueled up before getting into costume !

7. Do you sell your old cosplays, or just keep it in a huge closet ?

I used to keep all of my old cosplays. When I moved out of my apartment last year, I ended up throwing away a lot of old costumes. They were from when I had first started sewing, and didn't need to be kept since they had been sitting in my closet collecting dust. Nowadays, since I am much more confident in my construction skills, I will try and sell an old costume to try and make some extra money. I'm still trying to sell my Daenerys from Game of Thrones dress ! 

8. Who teached you to craft your cosplays ? Your family ? By reading books or watching youtube tutorials ?

A girl who I was friend with in high school introduced me to cosplay. For the first few years, I taught myself almost everything. When I started going to college for Fashion Design, I took garment construction classes that taught me how to sew things correctly. I do however like to look at tutorials for armor and prop making. 

9. Which conventions are you going to this year ?

I'm going to Katsucon and Anime Central for sure. After that, I'm not sure.

10. What is your limit budget for a cosplay ?

I always try to keep my budget as low as possible (but still making it look great) for less that $200-250 if possible. Most of my costumes are made for $100-150. My Cammy (Vacation outfit) from Street Fighter costume was made completely for free, I had all of the materials already !

11. Any future super secret cosplay project in mind ?

I don't really keep my future project super secret. I'm currently working on Dolce from the Sakizou Cafe artbook. 

12. What are you doing in "real" life for a living ?

I sew for a living of course ! I am a professional costume technician in the Chicago area. I work in costume shops for professional live theaters to create, build and alter costumes for the actors. I absolutely love my job.

13. You best experience from a convention ? And your worst ?

All my best experiences just involve being in costume and being with my close friends. We love to goof around and of course, party a little on a convention weekend. Not sure what my worst experience would be, some cons are better than others, it's all what you make of it.

14. Any advice for cosplay wannabees or beginners ?

Go for it ! Just be creative. Study your project and think it out. Ask questions. Search the internet for help if you need it (it's SO much easier for beginners these days than it was 14 years ago). Start with a realistic goal for a costume and work your way up from there. Lastly, be proud of what you create ! 

15. Do you have limits ? Some cosplays you will never make ?

I do limit myself a little. I don't want to be too naked (getting too old for that) or be too scantily clad. I also don't do full suits of armor because I just don't have the time nor the desire to make something that intense. I enjoy a challenge, but my strengths are in fabric. There are also a lot of characters that honestly barely look human, or defy gravity, or just look straight up insane! I have no desire to do anything that crazy.

Her facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/allstaralicecosplay