Sweet Immortals - Cosplayer Spotlight

Word of the Nerd is pleased to present to you one of our most popular features, Cosplayer Spotlight. We feature new and talented cosplayers from the cosplay community. Be sure to check back every Tuesday and Thursday to catch some up and coming new cosplay talent or get a look at some well established and famous members of the cosplay universe.

About Sweet Immortals

My name is Lily Johnston aka Sweet Immortals, and I live in California. I am a student at San Joaquin Delta College and I plan to major in animation and digital art. Outside of cosplaying, I love to draw, play video games, and play with my rambunctious kitten, Ghost.

Sweet Immortals - Cosplayer Spotlight — Misa Amane taken by Dylan Luebberke at my home

How did you first get into cosplay?

I started cosplaying with my sister! We were both into anime and gaming and we both always wanted to dress as our favorite characters.

Do you cosplay just for fun or do you see it as a stepping stone to a future career?

I cosplay for both. It’s a lot of fun to me, but I hope to one day make a career out of it.

Do you prefer to make your cosplays from scratch, buy or commission them, or a hybrid?

I honestly am fine with both. It’s fun to make the cosplay from scratch, but sometimes I want to cosplay something quick and easy, so I’ll order most of the parts online.

How much time do you spend making each of your cosplays?

It depends, more complicated cosplays will take more time to make while simple cosplays will take less time. Either way, I make sure to put lists of TLC into my cosplays!

What is your favorite cosplay you have done so far?

I’d have to say Toga Himiko is my favorite so far. I got a lot of good feedback for her and plus the My Hero Academia fan base is huge so it’s easy to find other people to cosplay with.

What has been your most memorable experience as a cosplayer?

I’d have to say my first time cosplaying was my most memorable! I was so self-conscious about my costume and myself, but when I went, so many people wanted to take photos with me and told me my costume was amazing and it makes me feel so confident and happy.

How do you feel about group cosplays?

Cosplay groups are the best! It’s fun to cosplay by yourself, but it’s way more fun when you have friends by your side cosplaying with you.

What cosplays are you currently working on or plan to finish this year?

I’m currently working on another Misa Amane cosplay, a Naruto cosplay, and a Pokémon cosplay.

What issues do you see as being the most divisive in the cosplay community and how do you feel about it?

I don’t know if there are necessary issues between other cosplayers, most I met have been very nice and accepting. I think the biggest issues are with those who view our cosplays and judge us based on attributes one cannot control, such as race/gender/body type.

What types of characters or genres inspire your cosplay the most?

I’d say anime and video games inspire most of my cosplays! I’m a huge anime fan and I get really into the games I play and I often want to dress up as characters I really love.

What is your favorite part (researching, shopping for supplies, sewing, photoshoots, attending cons, etc.) of your cosplay process?

I’d say the making part is my favorite. I love learning new ways to do things and experimenting with new materials.

What are your best resources for cosplay materials?

I think both the internet and stores can be good resources. Amazon has great resources but I think in-person shopping is the best way to cosplay shop. Being there in person gives you a better idea of the texture, color, and feel of your materials.

What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome as a cosplayer?

I’d say the biggest obstacle was learning to love myself and be comfortable with my body. My insecurities kept me from cosplaying sooner, but I’m glad I finally did because cosplaying is one of the best things I’ve ever done!

Have you learned any life lessons during your time as a cosplayer and what are they?

The biggest life lesson I learned was to love myself and to have patience with myself as a cosplayer. My cosplays aren’t going to be perfect and neither am I, but it’s what really matters is the effort put in and the experience gained.

What is your golden cosplay rule that you would share with new cosplayers?

Just go for it! Be yourself and have fun. If you’re afraid, that’s ok, but the best way to get over your fear is to just go for it.

How do you feel the cosplay community has changed over time?

I’m new to cosplaying so I haven’t seen a huge change yet in the community, but the people I have met have all been very nice and welcoming.

If money and time were not a factor, what is your number one over-ambitious cosplay you want to do?

I’d say Alleria Windrunner is my absolute dream cosplay! I actually commissioned the armor from a very talented cosplayer.

Do you set a budget for each cosplay?

I try to, but I often go over budget trying to bring my cosplays up a notch.

What does cosplay mean to you?

To me, cosplaying is a work of art and a way of expression. Every cosplay done is a piece of art that the cosplayer is displaying for the world.

How do you see the cosplay community 10 years from now?

I think the cosplay community is growing and will only be bigger in the future! I know it has its problems but I hope the community will continue to grow and become more accepting of all those who partake in it.

What is your favorite con to attend?

I don’t think I have a favorite, they’re all very fun in different ways!

Is there another cosplayer who inspires you or is your role model?

Kaori Leit is a huge inspiration for me, every cosplay she does is absolutely beautiful.

Do you consider yourself an inspiration to other cosplayers?

I am an inspiration to close friends and I hope to be more of an inspiration to others in the future.

What advice would you give someone about meeting cosplayers and taking their pictures? How do you like to be approached?

My advice is to be friendly and just ask! If you love someone’s cosplay, I’m sure they’d love to hear it, and as long as you’re polite, most cosplayers would be more than happy to take a photo with you!

What is one thing you wish your fans knew about you?

I wish they knew how much time I put into my work and how much passion I have for the cosplays I do. I won’t cosplay any characters I don’t absolutely love.

Is there anything that would make you stop cosplaying?

I’d probably stop cosplaying if I ran out of money, but even then I’d probably still find a way.