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Hi fellow otakus and geeks, the name is MJ! I like fusing my love for vintage fashion into my cosplays to make them look timeless! I'm just a quirky 24 year old that's stuck in between my day job in the fashion world and my fantasy world of cosplay.

How did you get into cosplaying and how long you been doing it?
I’ve been cosplaying since I was 12-13 years old, I’m 24 now, so approximately 11 years. Honestly, I got into the world of cosplay, first, by viewing Cosplay.com. I always admired my favorite characters come alive through other people’s costumes. Eventually, I got the courage to do my first cosplay in 8th grade— it was Miku from Fatal Frame. Even though it was a simple costume, I still made an effort to make it my own and unique. I also love fashion and playing around with different styles of clothes, it is a great compliment to cosplaying.

What is cosplay to you?
Cosplay to me is a form of art. It’s a way to express yourself, just like in the fashion world. And being in that world, as my day job, helps me understand the process and building aspects that go into designing cosplay.

It’s the way you present your art. Your cosplay can tell a story, whether it be the perfect zig-zag stitch or the overexposed hot glue, it’s details you have put into your work that show the kind of person you are. Everyone has a different style and way to make their cosplays, so basically you are your own individual! Everyone is unique

Do you have someone who inspires you to cosplay? If so who?
To be truthful, I’m going to have to say my girls (the Cosbaes, you know who you are!!). They’re the ones that keep me going. Always helping and pushing each other with motivation whenever we have a time crunch. I feel like I learn from all of them, that’s why I can appreciate the girls so much! Seriously, we’re always coming up with a bunch of cosplays to do and they’re so passionate about it. Okay. Let me stop, before cryfest 2014 starts.

Do your family and friends know you cosplay?
Probably the whole world does :x

Are you doing cosplay as a hobby or professionally?
For me, it’s a bit of both. Since it’s something I do for fun, but I also try to bring in the business side of it with my Etsy shop.

Do you only do local or other conventions, as well?
I usually do local conventions and conventions that are in Northeastern America. Slowly trying to do Cons in Middle and West America. And maybe someday, somewhere out of the country and into the *depths of space! (*only if science can catch up to my wishes)

How many conventions do you go in a year?
I’d say 4 or 5. But that’s only limited to whether or not I finish my cosplays in time :P

If you can, cosplay anywhere is the world? Where would it be?
This is going to be cliché, but Japan. That’s where it all started baby! So why not cosplay in the motherland of kawaii-ness! Also, Europe would be nice, they have really good architecture and scenery to take pics of cosplay in! Oh and maybe a secluded tropical island, so I can win all the contests— except for “best group.” That go to the gang of turtles as the squirtle squad!

When cosplaying what do you feel is most important? (e.g. detail , character portrayal, etc.)
I would say the small details. Because those small details make the cosplay look good and usually it takes the longest time. Also, one big thing that’s important to me is the makeup. I could be biased, because I love makeup and I used to work for a makeup counter, but it is important. Makeup skills can really help you look like the character even more by exaggerating certain facial features. You can say makeup can be put into the same category as “details,” because it just gives you look a little more “Oomph!”

What is your pet peeve when it comes to cosplay?
THE. HAIR. oh gosh, please If the hair isn’t perfect… haha! I already have OCD with my hair, so even my wig has to look good! I have to ninja my way to a bathroom to fix it before I get photographs taken; it’s like a game!

Do you prefer to buy or make your cosplays/props?
I’d make my cosplays, because the hard work pays off in the end. All those long sleepless nights the week of a con and finally getting to debut it makes you feel accomplished…. (and you have bragging rights when people ask you about it xD) That’s not to say buying certain items is a bad thing. Let me paint you a picture, I’m walking through the mall, minding my own business and I see a nice pair of pearl earrings and ponder “this would look so good with my Princess Serenity cosplay!.. and that night out for my dad’s birthday!” Win. Win.

When deciding on how you want your cosplay to look, what goes through your mind? (e.g.does the fabric/material have to look like the picture)
I specialize in vintage/pin up versions of characters that I want to dress up as. So I always must do my research, so I can be historically correct with the fashion at the time. For example, when I was making my pin up Captain America, you think of the 1940s version. I wouldn’t be using the regular circle shield that he’s currently using. I would be using the heater shield for that era.

What type of characters do you enjoy cosplaying?
Oh gosh, my choices of characters vary! It can go from classy, to busty ladies, and kick ass femme fatales! Anything goes with me, just as long as I love the character.

What is your favorite part of putting on your cosplay?
Putting the wig and make up on! I feel like those are the two icings on the cake! And it really completes the look you are trying to go for.

How do you choose the characters you cosplay as?
I don’t really have a criteria of choosing a character as long as I love the character or if it has a potential to add a vintage twist to it!

Are there any cosplays that you wish you could pull off?
You know what? Don’t wish, just do it! You are only limited to the creativity of your mind!

Do you have any cosplays that you will never do and why?
Anything that shows tooooooo much skin bahaha! I’m a little modest D:

Do you believe that a person has to have certain qualities to pull off a cosplay? (e.g. facial structure, etc.)
No, cosplay is for everyone. You should not restrict other people from doing what they love just because they don’t look like a certain way. Whether it’s for competitions or for fun. That should not be an issue.

What are some of your dream cosplays?
I would really love to do Palutena from Kid Icarus. She’s a beautiful goddess and a troll at the same time… who wouldn’t want to be her? Bahaha! I would love to do Yuna’s wedding gown from Final Fantasy X. I grew up with that game and back then, I was in love with that dress! Actually, any elaborate Final Fantasy cosplays would be a dream. I love the series and I realized I haven’t done any!

Outside of cosplaying, what else do you do?
I work full time for a fashion showroom as a Sales Assistant in NYC and I work retail on Saturdays. Then I usually go to the gym after work then play video games with my boyfriend, and then cuddle with his chihuahua!

How do you fund your cosplay?
Save money from both jobs! I usually bring my lunch, because you know how much them city lunches cost! I have an etsy shop where I sell my prints that little bit helps with supplies. Also, thanks to my boyfriend I’ve become a savvy shopper and that really helps with my funds!

Where do you go most often for photoshoots? Do you do photoshoots?
Of course I do photoshoots! I’m from North Jersey, so I would do shoots anywhere around here and NYC

Do you prefer your images photoshopped or unshopped?
Photoshopped but not to the point where you can tell something was warped… But little blemishes here and there and cleaning up a bit of wig wisps are fine with me. Color correction is also vital in certain cases because it idealizes the situation when things aren’t right. Like if it’s a gloomy day, and you want colors to pop, if that sun is too harsh and want to “cool” down the picture, or if that friend decides to photobomb your shoot unknowingly! You know who you are!

You can follow and view more of her work here
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