Friday, May 10, 2019

Q&A Interview with Liz Katz


Where are you from?

I was born and raised in northern New Jersey, but have lived in Los Angeles for about 12 years now.

How long have you been cosplaying?

I've cosplayed, to some degree, since my teens for fun (just dressing up as fantasy characters because I liked them on random days at school and at home). I kind of lost my way for a few years and came back to it around the time I was 23 or so.  

What first got you interested in cosplay?

I saw my first cosplayer at a convention I was playing Magic: the Gathering at in the 90's. She looked amazing!  I don't recall what she was dressed up as (I do recall a lot of skin though, haha). Originally, I started cosplaying as elves and faeries because I wanted to be a mystical creature. Then I branched out into video game and comic book characters I loved. 

Do you watch anime? Favorites?

I do! Cowboy Bebop, BNHA, Himouto Umaru, Tokyo Ghoul, Parasyte the Maxim, Assassination Classroom and that new reincarnated slim thing.

What are some of your favorite video games?

A lot of 90's LucasArts point and click adventure games.  RPG's like Baldur's Gate and Planescape Torment, Rollercoaster Tycoon, and a ton of horror games.  Lately I'm mostly playing Pokemon games or random stuff that catches my fancy on the Switch or on my iPad. 

Favorite television show?

The Preacher is awesome. So is Game of Thrones, Altered Carbon, Seinfeld, and Teen Titans Go (I'm all over the place).

Favorite movie?

Snatch.

What about favorite band?

I like a lot of old Arctic Monkeys, Cage the Elephant, The Offspring, Metric, G-Eazy, and a ton of others. 

Is there a cosplayer that inspires you?

Fantastic Nami Swan. I don't know her real name but her cosplays are both sexy and incredible! The craftsmanship level is off the charts!

Plans for your next cosplay?

I'm always working on shooting 10+ projects at a time so no idea in what order they will release. 

Tell me something about yourself nobody knows.

I think most things about me are already out there. In real life, I'm very multidimensional. I'm a mom above all else and to me family comes first (even though I keep my family very private). 

What is the best and what is the worst thing about being famous?

I don't consider myself famous at this point. I think I do have some notoriety among a subculture but I wouldn't say famous. Being anyone online regardless of the size of your audience I believe has the same pros and cons with social media.   

Pros: You have the potential to reach a lot of people whether it be for sharing your work, promoting new projects, or taking a stance for or against something.   

Cons: There are a lot of risks for potential stalkers on social media (for everyone not just larger influencers)   

Where can fans find more of you?

My website: https://lizkatz.com





Friday, February 1, 2019

Q&A Interview with Dark Raven


Where are you from?

I'm from Germany. 

How long have you been cosplaying?

I have been cosplaying since 2014. 

What first got you interested in cosplay?

I played the game League of Legends and was a huge fan, so for GamesCom 2014 I made the costume of my favorite character, Sivir. By then I didn't even know that cosplay was a real thing, I just wanted to express my love for the character. In the end the costume was a huge success and I got in touch with the huge cosplay community here in Germany and since then I've just stuck with it. 

Do you watch anime?

Yes, but rarely.

What are some of your favorite video games?

By far my favorite game is still League of Legends but I also play MMORPGs like World of Warcraft and others. I'm also a huge fan of the German point-and-click adventures from Daedalic Entertainment. 

Favorite television show?

I don't actually own a TV but if it's series in general then I'd probably say "The 100".

Favorite movie?

I don't have a favorite movie but I love all animated Disney films like Frozen and Moana. They're my guilty pleasure. I know every song by heart. 

Favorite band?

I basically like all of the metal/post-hardcore genre. Some of my favorite bands are 'Crown the empire' and 'Sleeping with Sirens' and so on.

Plans for your next cosplay?

I'm currently working on a humanized version of Festival Anivia for some upcoming events early this year.

What is the hardest part of cosplaying for you? 

My biggest challenge in cosplay right now is sewing and wig styling right since I'm not very good at it and still learning. 

Aside from cosplaying and video games, what is one of your other hobbies?

I used to do archery but since going to university I evolved into a couch potato and now I love watching Netflix! :D

Where can fans find more of you?




Sunday, December 9, 2018

Q&A Interview with Maizy Marzipan



This week’s interview is with Maizy Marzipan, a cosplayer and alternative model who has been featured in several international publications.

Where are you from?

I am from Glasgow in Scotland.

How did you become interested in cosplay?

I have always enjoyed dressing up as characters from movies and games from a young age so before I even knew what cosplay was I was doing it! In terms of attending cons in cosplay, however, it has only been a few years.

So before you knew about cosplay you'd just dress up as movie characters in regular old every day life?

I wouldn't say in every day life but any kind of party I would demand people came dressed up. Any excuse I had to throw a costume party!

How long have you been cosplaying at conventions?

I've been unintentionally cosplaying for years but I would say that I first started creating costumes and taking part in cons around 2015.

Which LoL champions have you cosplayed so far?

I can't get enough of cosplaying League of Legends characters! It is my favorite game. The champions are all so full of life and character. So far I have cosplayed (in order) Teemo, Gnar, Bandit Sivir, Ahri, Nurse Akali, and Nidalee - my absolute dream cosplay would be Xayah so I am hoping to work on that in 2018! 



Who is your favorite champion from League of Legends to play?

I adore playing League; I stream it almost every night of the week on Twitch, I met almost all of my friends as well as my boyfriend through League, too! Right now I love playing Malzahar (don't judge me please!) I also play Vel'koz a fair bit. I am a mid/support main and I am loving Blitzcrank and Braum ever since the ardent nerf in preseason.

So you met your boyfriend playing League? Seems like most guys' fantasy come true. Was it online? Can you tell me more about that?

I met my boyfriend at a fan meetup of ex pro player Snoopeh, and we became friends. I was shoutcasting local League tournaments and working events for Riot and we ended up at a few of them together. He's a League of Legends YouTuber (his channel is RossBoomsocks) and I am a streamer/cosplayer so it works out! We get to work and play together. I am currently forcing him to play support.

Do you play any video games other than LoL?

Right now I'm playing through Breath of the Wild and Danganronpa but I mostly play League just now.

What are some of your favorite movies?

Little Miss Sunshine is my absolute favorite film of all time! 

What is your favorite part about cosplaying? What about least favorite part?

So far my least favorite thing would be the attitude of some of the community. I've found it to be pretty elitist and exclusive. I've worked in the modeling industry for three years and it's infinitely less nasty than my experience with the cosplay scene which really surprised me.

My favorite part though is the events! I love going to London and Glasgow MCMs and seeing all the amazing cosplays. London MCM feels like a whole other world and its fun to get lost in that.

The good outweighs the bad and a few elitist people don’t detract the joy I have for cosplay!

Outside of cosplay and video games, what are some of your other hobbies?

I do spend the majority of my time playing video games either as part of my stream or for leisure but I am a full time model for a job although I do regard that as a bit of a hobby.

Where can fans find more of you?



And on Twitter at @MaizyMarzipan