With the growing popularity and acceptance of cosplay, we are seeing more and more folks join the community bringing with them their own unique cosplay take on their favorite anime and comic characters. We now see hundreds of cosplayers at comic conventions, anime conventions, gaming conventions, streaming online and some may even celebrate it daily whether at a convention or not.
As we travel to different cosplay conventions around the world, we come across all different, creative, skilled, and talented cosplayers. Our first ever featured cosplayer on Initial Mile, Julia, caught our attention at Sac Anime Summer 2023 with her positive vibes, enthusiasm for comic conventions and Chun-Li cosplay.
Where are you located? Bay Area
How long have you been cosplaying? 1 Year
What inspired you to join the cosplaying community?
I wanted to dress up as my favorite characters! Going to conventions happened shortly after only cosplaying at home.
How long does it take to make your costume and how long does it take to get into/prepare for modeling?
If not purchased, it usually takes 3 weeks and on the day of an event, it takes 2-3 hours to prepare. This can include make-up, last minute costume modifications and getting into the cosplay itself.
What’s your current favorite cosplay to model?
Tough question, but Chun-Li because it’s comfy to wear and I’m frequently asked to do a kick!
Since entering the world of cosplay, what is your favorite event so far?
LA Comic Con
What are some cosplay tools/pieces of equipment you need in your cosplay emergency box while at conventions and to build your cosplay?
Velcro strip and fashion tape. They truly help for easy fixes when out at conventions. Essentials to building my cosplays include crazy glue and a heat gun, they're must-haves!
Where do you usually purchase cosplaying material:
Amazon, especially for EVA foam.
Are you an athlete/live an active lifestyle outside the cosplay world? If so, what’s your go-to fitness training method/practice:
I just started my fitness journey with boxing and weightlifting. So far, it’s been about 3 months since I started. I’m new to the practices, but I love it!
Just for fun, would you rather have stronger arms or stronger legs?
Stronger arms!
Any events planned for the remaining of 2023 or any events planned for 2024:
The last conventions I’ll be attending this year are FanExpo SF and LA Comic Con 2023. I highly recommend them!
If you were to give a piece of advice for a first-time cosplayer, what would it be:
Have fun with your cosplays. The creative process of it all is always rewarding! If you begin to get lost in the process and begin to draw blanks, search the web for inspiration (But not too long) or draw out your ideas by free-hand.
Anything else you want to share with the cosplay community?
If you see me at a convention, please feel free to say hi!
Although Julia is still new to the cosplay community, she has immersed herself into the lifestyle in the past year that we wouldn’t have known! We’re excited to see what she will design and bring to the cosplay community in 2024. To check-out Julia’s other cosplay designs such as Kang the Conqueror, Princess Peach and more, visit her on IG @JuliaofAsgard_
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