I got to interview one of my favorite cosplayers, and the first from my favorite group of cosplayers! Lauren, or Melancholy Maiden, is a very close friend of mine and I am honored to interview her!
You can find her posting on Facebook via Curvy Kitty Cosplay or Melancholy Maiden Cosplay, or on her Instagrams @curvykittycosplay and @melancholy_maiden and she also runs the website www.curvykittycosplay.com She also does reviews of conventions, posts their photoshoots and so much more!
Although I've only really known Lauren for a few years, she's been cosplaying for several!
How long have you been cosplaying?
I cosplayed one time back in the early 2000s but it wasn't until 2012/2013 that I really started to do more cosplay and get actually into the hobby... So I'd say about 5-6 years.
What got you into Cosplay?
My best friend Nichole got me into cosplay back in like 2012/2013ish when she convinced me to dress up as the Huntress from DC Comics to go to Kunicon St Louis. And ever since then I was hooked.
What is your favorite cosplay? Is it bought or handmade?
My favorite so far was Ryoko from Tenchi Muyo. I actually had this commissioned from Foxfire designs and I absolutely love it.
What are your goals as a cosplayer?
I want to continue to promote cosplay equality. I want the Cosplay Community to become an inclusive place for all of those who wish to cosplay including cosplayers of all shapes and sizes, cosplayers of different races, cosplayers of different sexual orientations, Etc. personally I would also like to continue to develop my skills as a cosplayer even if that's just in the small way and also share my love for my characters and series. (And she's working on making her own pieces and stuff. She's a lot better than she thinks she is -Ash)
Which Cosplayer(s) inspired you to start cosplaying?
Oh my gosh there's been so many but my first ones who inspired me to cosplay were Fawnina (formerly Mango Siren), Ivy Doomkitty, Kaddy Kadaver, and Brichibi cosplay.
What is your ultimate dream cosplay?
Honestly I will be getting 2/3 taken care of in 2019. I will be doing Major Motoko Kusanagi from the original 1995 Ghost in the Shell film and then also Kaneda from Akira. Another favorite I have yet to do is the purple suited Catwoman based on the 1990s Catwoman comic series that was illustrated by Jim Balent.
What is your favorite skill of cosplay? (wig work, armor, etc)
Definitely wig styling, especially with some complex wigs is a really amazing thing to see... Obviously anime characters have super exaggerated hairstyles so seeing them come to life is pretty awesome.
Photographer credit: Mouzycat Cosplay Photographer