Hi, it's Dani from IXI Studios, and this is CONVENTION OF COSPLAY- Web Edition. Despite how many cosplayers there are across Canada and the USA it's impossible to interview all of them in person, so we have the web version which will feature all my online interviews. Today's interview features Mahogany, of Mahogany Cosplay, from Canada's capital in Ottawa, Ontario.
Dani- How long have you been cosplaying, and what inspired you to start?
Mahogany- I've been cosplaying since 2010, and what inspired me to start? Well, I've always been thinking about it before that, but had some insecurity issues (I know, hard to imagine me being insecure!), and 2010 was the year that I "bit the bullet", so to speak, and jumped in!
D- What would you say are some of the things that prevent people from cosplaying even if they want to?
M- The mental barrier would be the biggest thing preventing anyone from cosplaying - I've heard lots of the "I can't cosplay X, I'm too Y" reasoning out there. The second biggest factor is finances, however, that can be worked around too, with a budget/plan.
D- There's been a lot of negative views on what Cosplaying is. What does Cosplay mean to you?
M- To me, it means dressing up as a character, going out, and having as much fun as possible! I feel that as higher-level cosplayers, sometimes the "play" is forgotten, and this just results in all the stress and negativity that people talk about. If it's no longer fun, then you're doing something wrong.
D- And what cosplays have you done since you started cosplaying?
M- Let's see...I started out with Germany (Hetalia) - I did the regular and Gakuen Hetalia versions, Nyan Cat, BLU Medic (Team Fortress 2), GLaDOS (Portal), Traveler (Journey), and of course, my various Effie Trinket outfits (Hunger Games). I've also done some "closet cosplays", but I don't really count those.
D- Nice so as a cosplayer you probably have a favourite, and one that was the most challenging, so if you had to pick a favourite and categorize one as being challenging to do, which ones would it be?
M- I'd have to say my latest Effie Trinket dress, the blue pleather one with the faux fur sleeves, for both being my favourite, and the most challenging. I was working with two types of materials that I've never worked with before, and had to fuss with some aspects of it, like how to get the shoulders to stay up. However, once it was done and I was wearing it, I felt amazing! All the other Effie dresses I've done are up there in my faves too - I really enjoy wearing them and acting as the character (if you couldn't already tell!)
D- There are many different ways to go about putting together a cosplay, so how do you go create your cosplays?
M- I usually start by looking for reference pictures, and then trying to find a pattern that's very close to the original outfit. I'll then modify that pattern, and make a "prototype" out of cheap / scrap fabric, adjusting for fit, accuracy, etc, and making notes as I go. Once I'm satisfied with the prototype, then I'll work on making the actual cosplay out of the "good" fabric.
D- Have you gotten any awards for your cosplays, and what was the competition or experience like?
M- I've got a few, actually - I'm at the "Artisan" level now, and the experience, well it varies by con. At the beginning, I was very nervous about competing, but became more confident as I got better. I moved up really fast, winning awards for "stage presence", "attitude", as well as some for workmanship. After a while, the competition got stiffer, bordering on unpleasant, and I hit a slump, which is why I decided to take a break from participating in masquerades at big cons. If I do compete, it will be at my local Comic-Con instead - I feel like spending a whole half-day waiting in a green room after travelling out of town is a waste of time. I'd much rather interact with other con-goers at that point. I'm one award away from Master class, so I plan on getting that, and retiring from competition completely - I don't need the stress that comes with that level.
D- Wow, good luck on getting Master Class. Finally, if people wanted to know more information about your work, where would they go to get it?
M- They can check out my pages: facebook.com/MahoganyCosplay and mitsu-neko.deviantart.com
D- Awesome well thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview and I look forward to seeing more of your cosplays in the future.
M- Thank you, and may the odds be EVER in your favour!
