Katsumi Cosplay interview

Who are you?
My name is Maddie, though people may know me differently depending on how we met. (My favorite is Fry, based off of my discord name) I’m a Virginia Based cosplayer and just recently also started cosplay Photography!

Katsumi Cosplay photo taken by Colossal X Studios
Katsumi Cosplay as Queen Ender Dragon.  Photo taken by Collosal X Studios

What was the first cosplay?
Technically, My first cosplay was Nora Valkyrie from RWBY since I was obsessed with the show back when it originally released. I say technically because I did do other costumes beforehand, but none of them I consider cosplay.

How did you get into cosplay?
By Launching myself into the deep end. I had known about cosplaying for a little bit, but got more interested as I experienced more cons. It also didn’t help my mother was really into costuming for halloween.

How long have you been cosplaying?
5 years! It’s probably been the best 5 years of my life tbqh.

Favourite cosplay you’ve done so far?
Oof that’s really hard to say, so here are my top 4. . To categorize: Favorite female cosplay is Dva from Overwatch, Favorite Male cosplay is Fox from Persona 5, Favorite Original design is Amaterasu from The Okami Video game series, and Favorite Original armor build is Queen ender dragon.

Which cosplayer would you love to work with?
@pearlbaecosplay! Even though I just found her stuff, She’s become a huge inspiration to me, especially when it comes to my next Original design build!

Any group cosplays you’d want to do (eg Mystery Inc, Sailor Scouts, Avengers, X-Men, etc)?
I’d love to do a Tiger and bunny hero group! I also want to do a big persona group with cosplayers from 3,4,and 5. I think that’ll be fun!

Any advice for beginner or wannabe cosplayers?
I think the best advice is don’t try to be the best of the cosplayers of your characters, Be the best YOU can be. To me, cosplay is a way to learn new techniques, from sewing and prop fabrication, to makeup and acting. If you start comparing yourself to people who have that experience, you’re just gonna feel bummed out all the time.

You also make original designs. Can you talk us through the process of making one?
It actually varies for each cosplay. Some of them, Like my dragon armor, was a spur of the moment idea. Others, Like my Maid Pachimari, I go in depth with the planning. For example, For maid pachimari, I was comparing wig samples to fabric swatches, to the plush pachimari I had on my bed.
Generally, I usually determine what I want the final product to look like, scrounge Amazon/ebay/thrift stores to see if I can avoid making things, and then go from there.

Do you get many people approaching you to use your designs?
Haha no I don’t think I’m that well known yet. Though I had someone try to steal my UNFINISHED design for Dragoncon and get defensive when I asked her to wait. So that was hell in a handbag to deal with. If anyone wants to use my designs, all I ask is that you ask me.

Who’s the strongest character you could beat in a fight?
I’d like to think someone like Zarya from overwatch, But I’d probably say I’m more equipped to fight a pachimari. I’m a soft child.

If you could have a single superpower, what would it be and why?
Probably the ability to adapt to any situation. Because I feel like that’ll at least sort of help with my anxiety. That or fire powers. Because some days you just wanna become Zuko.

Have you bingewatched any shows recently? If so, what have they been?
I don’t usually binge shows, Just because I don’t really have time. I think the last show I binged was The second season of Bungo Stray dogs.

If you could live in one franchise, what would it be and why?
Animal crossing. Because who doesn’t want to live in a place where you can buy a house without interest on your loans?

Are there any cosplayers you think deserve more attention/coverage?
Oof I have a lot, but I have to give props to @Magicalvoltage, @Kawaiivagabond, and  @Mirrordivis (on instagram)

Where can we find you online (social media etc)?
My cosplay stuff
www.facebook.com/katsumicosplay
www.instagram.com/katsumicosplay
www.twitter.com/katsumi_cosplay
And my photography stuff:
www.instagram.com/katsumiphotos
Fun tip! If you wanna see straight cosplay, follow me on instagram! But if you want to see more of my personality, Twitter has all my secrets!