It’s time once more for another cosplayer interview! This next one, shared from Cosplay Blog with a Brain, is an interview with Lunaladyoflight! She’s a lovely cosplayer from Michigan, who loves the craftsmanship of the hobby!

Lunaladyoflight as Takiko from Fushigi Yuugi: Genbu Kaiden, photo by Liquid Cocaine Photography

What’s your cosplay alias and why did you choose it?
I chose Lunaladyoflight when I was 15 for a fanfic of Lord of the Rings. I liked it so much that it stuck and hasn’t changed in 11 years.

How many years have you been cosplaying and what got you started?
I have been cosplaying for 7 years. I have always had an interest in costumes. Halloween and dance recitals were always a big deal for me. I started making costumes from the musical CATS when I was 12 and once I turned 20, I started branching out and sewing on my own.

Lunaladyoflight as Harlequin from Chrono Cross, photo by Judith Stephens

What has been some of your favorite things to work with when constructing costumes and why?
I really love fabrics that are unique or different. Texture is a really big player in my choices. I also love embellishments, beading, crystals, lace, or appliqué.

What are you excited to be working with in the future and why?
I’m working on a couple projects with either large wings or floating fabric pieces. Those will be really cool looking if they work out the way I’m planning.

What are some of the traits you like to see in other costumes and who do you think does well in them?
I like seeing finished edges, pressed costumes, and embellishments. My friends at Foxgloves Cosplay deliver all of the above really well. My friends Envel Cosplay and Phaeleure Cosplay also deliver all three. Both sets are really the “whole package.”

What is your view of the “cosplay scene”?
It is definitely becoming more and more commercialized. I feel that in some of the ways we’re losing touch with the handmade feel, since so many mass produced costumes are available for cheap nowadays.

What are some of the things you want to see change in the scene?
I would like to see it steer away from the “fans” and “likes” and more toward the craftsmanship. I feel there is too much emphasis put on “popularity” than the work itself. Cosplay is about the work, it is also about how you look in the costume (flattering fit and colors), but your popularity does not affect your work.

Lunaladyoflight as Alice from Heart no Kuni no Alice, photo by Liquid Cocaine Photography

What is some advice you could give people starting to get into cosplay?
Stay out of the fame game and concentrate on learning your craft. Have a page so people you meet at conventions can follow you (without being on your private Facebook) but do not focus on your likes. Cosplay is about putting the costume together, and sharing your love for the character.

What are some of your favorite conventions you’ve attended and why?
My favorite conventions would have to be:
Katsucon: the location is amazing and everything is walking distance.
Colossalcon: the location is a water park and the cosplay staff is amazing. It’s a laid back con.

Give a random fact about one of your costumes that you’re proud of!
My costumes tend to have “stage costume” flair. Sparkles, larger than life things, embroidery, hand painting, anything to make them stand out.

Lunaladyoflight as Zelda from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, photo by Instrumental Photography

Thanks for the interview, Lunaladyoflight! You can check out more of her work on her Deviantart, her ACP page, and her Facebook page!

Koi

A cosplayer for over a decade now, Yunie is a giant nerd who still pretends she’s cool. She runs several sites on her own, including Engi no Shouzoku! Cosplay, Cosplay Blog with a Brain, and her store, Yunie’s Designs. An avid fan of fellow nerds, Yunie loves attending conventions and dorking around in costumes with all types. Oh, and if there’s shenanigans, even better!

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