2017 Cosplay Year in Review

Primarina at Colossalcon - PhotosNXS

This year was a slow moving one for me. My day job gobbled up more of my time so I didn`t produce as many costumes as I would like (granted I say that every year). I also went to more events that ever, which also ate into my costume making time, but I had a great time exploring new cities and new events. Finally, I wrapped up the year by going on another cosplay adventure into the wilderness. Let`s go through my year in cosplay.

MILESTONES

• First time being invited to conventions outside of Canada (Anime Matsuri & Mechacon in the US)
• First Livestreams - Styling Nidalee's Wig & Styling Storm's Wig​
• I hit 3k on Instagram. Thx!

NOTEWORTHY BLOGS

• My Cosplay Photoshoot Trip to Kelowna
• My first time at YetiCon

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Costumes

| Ducklett | Primarina | Pharaoh Nidalee |
| Sawsbuck - Spring - Summer - Fall - Winter |

WHAT I LEARNED

1. ​Stretch mesh can dye easily
2. Crinoline on the other hand, does not
3. Feathers can be dyed with regular dye, you just need more product
4. Finally, and surprisingly, you can also dye starfish (not for too long or it will deteriorate)
5. PVC pipe connectors are super useful for props
6. I may have a fake flower purchasing addiction
7. Floral wire + florals make for easy headpieces
8. Get a sturdy headband if you are going to be wearing it often, especially for heapieces
9. If there is an option to gold leaf something, do it
10. The answer is more accessories
11. Organza is a magical material that you can airbrush
12. Don't be afraid of big false lashes
13. Fur collars are amazing
14. I love making headpieces
15. I also love making my own original designs
16. Location shoots are the best shoots
17. I have a surprising tolerance for the cold in the name of photoshoots

Sharla (2014) shot at Yeticon (2017) with Elysiam Entertainment

Most expensive

MH Photography

Collectively, all of the Sawsbuck costumes cost $770, which is quite the bargain if you split it four ways. I re-purpose certain items throughout the designs, such as the corset. Of the four designs, the fall one was probably to most expensive since I had to buy some of the flowers at a slight discount (instead of a deep one) due to timing.

Least Expensive

U.V. Photography

I spent a whole $85 on Ducklett and most of the money went into the trims and appliques. It's such a nice and simple costume that is easy to wear. I don't get to use sequins often in my costume so this was a treat, also I got to use all that feather knowledge I built up over the years to make this beautiful skirt.

Swanna (2016) shot at Lake Chilliwack with Lichon Photography

Favourite Costume

Erik Paredes Photography

Favourite Prop

Sometime I can surprise myself with my practicality. Sawsbuck's headpiece has removable/replaceable flowers and antlers,  interchangeable floral bases, and easily slips on top of wig

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The Sawsbuck collection of costumes hit a sweet spot for me: I got to rekindle my love of design, I got to make a bunch of fun capes, I fell in love again with crafting headpieces, I got to embellish the crap out of each design, I had fun shopping for complimentary accessories, I got to be thrifty by reusing certain parts of the costume, I improved my corset making skills, and I got to play around with some intense makeup. All-in-all good stuff, 10 out of 10 will do again.

I brought Queen Beryl with me for my Kelowna trip. Fun fact - the ground is pure mud. Photo by Lichon Photography.

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Events

This banner at Anime Matsuri was insane

So Many Conventions! I think this was my busiest year yet, especially since I had to travel further for these events. Here`s where I`ve been:

1. Katsucon - Washington DC - Convention Report
2. Anime Matsuri - Houston TX - Convention Report
3. Costume Con 35 - Mississauga - Con Report
4. Ottawa ComicCon
5. Anime North - Toronto - Convention report
6. Colossalcon - Ohio - Convention report
7. Yeticon - Blue Mountain - Convention Report
8. Montreal Comiccon - Convention report
9. Mechacon - New Orleans - Convention report
10. Otakuthon - Montreal - Convention report

I also did another cosplay trip out west to visit my friend the super talented Lichon Photography. We shot 5 costumes over 7 days all around Southern BC, mainly Kelowna. It was amazing and the photos are to die for.

I consider myself very fortunate to be able to judge masquerades and to be invited to events, so I would like to thank everyone who put my name forward, those who came out to see me or buy prints. Your support means a lot to me. I`m glad my costumes could bring a little joy to your day. If you would like to see me at an event near you, get in touch with your organizers or contact me.

NIdalee - Photo by White Specs

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Forward to 2018

Since I have fewer events planned for 2018, hopefully that means I can create more costumes. I have quite a few projects on the go, but the biggest one I hope to finish is Lilith from Trinity Blood. I have also been dragging my feet on a Storm for years that is finally coming together. Hopefully I can knock out some more outstanding projects in 2018.

I have another cosplay photoshoot adventure planned and it is going to be even more intense than the last ones. More details on that to come. The plan is also to produce more regular content from home. I`ll do my best to work some magic.
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The urge to return to NYC is also strong, the fabric district is calling me, although I`m not sure if I can swing either NYCC or AnimeNYC in 2018.

If you want to know what I`m up to, please check out my Planning page or you can find me posting progress pics on my Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. If you want to support my work, you can buy me Ko-fi. I hope your 2017 went well and see you in 2018!

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