It’s time once more for another cosplayer interview! This next one, shared from Cosplay Blog with a Brain, is an interview with GothamScarecrow! He’s a creative cosplayer from Virginia, who encourages less elitism in the community!

GothamScarecrow as Scarecrow from Batman

What’s your cosplay alias and why did you choose it?
GothamScarecrow, as one of my favorite characters is the Scarecrow, a villain from the Batman comics. He is also one of my cosplays I bring to almost every convention I go to.

How many years have you been cosplaying and what got you started?
I started back in 2005, I believe. I would see friends wearing costumes at conventions and wanted to get into it as well as I could tell it made the convention experience more fun for them.

GothamScarecrow as Green Goblin from The Amazing Spider-man, photo by photosNXS

What has been some of your favorite things to work with when constructing costumes and why?
I like to work with a number of different things, and whatever I think can make whatever it is I’m making come out right in the end.

What are you excited to be working with in the future and why?
I’m hoping for a chance to learn how to work with wonderflex. I’ve seen pictures of the things people have made with it and I hope to one day do the same.

What are some of the traits you like to see in other costumes and who do you think does well in them?
While authenticity is always good, I especially love original concepts and alternate takes on characters, as it allows for a lot of creative room. I always enjoy seeing what people do to bring their vision of these alternate takes to life, like steampunk versions of superheroes and supervillains, or humanized versions of non-human characters.

What is your view of the “cosplay scene”?
Ideally, it’s a chance for people to leave the troubles of the real world behind for a little while and just have fun and meet others who share their interest in the hobby. Friends are made, ideas and advice is exchanged, and I’ve always had a lot of fun with this.

GothamScarecrow as Cobra Commander from G.I. Joe, photo by Pixelated Images

What are some of the things you want to see change in the scene?
Some people take what is meant to be a fun and creative hobby far too seriously. Some of the more popular, experienced cosplayers have become snobby and rude towards those who are less skilled or known than they are. This sort of elitist behavior is what I consider the biggest problem because it discourages new people from trying or continuing to build themselves up and takes a lot of the fun out of the experience by trying to turn it into some kind of haves-versus-have-nots popularity contest.

What is some advice you could give people starting to get into cosplay?
I would say to start small with the things you know how to make but never be afraid to try something new as it’ll broaden your skill range. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help on making something beyond your skill range if you know someone who can, or buying parts to use. I’ve done all these things and I still do! Also, don’t be ashamed of messing something up, a lot of what I’ve made was achieved through trial-and-error.

What are some of your favorite conventions you’ve attended and why?
My personal favorite that I always attend is Katsucon in Baltimore every February. It’s the largest one I go to, and is for the most part a fun and friendly convention with very little drama and a beautiful location. I also sometimes attend other cons for Saturday when I can afford it.

Give a random fact about one of your costumes that you’re proud of!
General Grievous was made out of a hiker’s backpack frame!

GothamScarecrow as General Grievous from Star Wars, photo by Eurobeat King

Thanks for the interview, GothamScarecrow! Hope to see you at a convention soon!

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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