My Journey into Cosplay: From Halloween Costumes to Ball Jointed Dolls

Ever since I can remember, I've been fascinated by the art of dressing up. It all started back in my childhood, long before the term 'cosplay' was even coined. My love for Halloween, specifically the joy of wearing costumes provided by my mother, laid the foundation for what would later become a full-fledged passion.

As I entered my 20s, I delved deeper into the realms of costuming. It was during this time that I discovered the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a medieval reenactment society that traces its origins back to the 60s. I embraced this lifestyle, transforming into a Beledi belly dancer and crafting my own costumes. Naturally, my adventures led me to Renaissance Fairs where I wore intricate garb and attended SCA events, immersing myself in the rich tapestry of historical and fantasy costuming.

My love for fantasy, science fiction, and all things geeky propelled me further into the world of cosplay. In the late 80s, I became a Tolkien enthusiast, an avid Trekkie, and a loyal fan of Star Wars and Doctor Who. This passion naturally evolved as I discovered anime and subsequently delved into the realm of cosplay. Various geek conventions became my playground, and Dragon Con became a particularly memorable experience.

Fast forward to the present day, and my focus has shifted quite a bit. While I still enjoy cosplaying for conventions, I've become deeply enamored with Ball Jointed Dolls (BJDs). It's incredibly rewarding to combine my love for costuming with the intricate details of BJDs. Here’s a sneak peek at my BJDs dressed as Assassin's Creed's Ezio Auditore.

What's more, I've taken up the mantle of both a cosplayer and a costumer. My passion for creating and selling costumes has led me to develop an array of original pieces. I have years of experience under my belt, and it's a major reason I enjoy this hobby so much.

My First Cosplay Characters

While the line between traditional costuming and cosplay is often blurry, I recall a few key milestones that marked my transition. One of my earliest character costumes was of Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family. Although I was unaware of the term 'cosplay' at the time, the fact that I won my school's costume contest backs up the sentiment. Another notable costume was of the Eleventh Doctor, pieced together from thrift store finds and an Amazon purchase. Due to circumstances, I never got the chance to wear it to a con.

In 2015, I crafted a Yomiko Readman costume from Goodwill clothes, a last-minute project before attending a convention. Although it wasn't entirely homemade, the vest was taken in by me, adding a personal touch. My first costume entirely made from scratch came in 2016—a Final Fantasy 1 White Mage, glued together with hot glue due to my lack of sewing skills. Sewing my own sail dress Ariel was the first time I felt like I truly qualified as a cosplayer, albeit still very much an amateur.

These experiences have taught me that the journey into cosplay isn't just about the end result but also about the effort, persistence, and creativity involved. Whether it's a quick costume from thrift store finds or a labor of love sewn from scratch, every costume holds a special place in the history of my cosplaying journey.