Cosplay Name:
Sailor Taurus aka Preying Mantis
Home Town
Michigan
Social Media Info:
www.facebook.com/preyingmantis4912; Facebook search: CosPlayBill; Instagram acct: taurus4912; sailortaurus87.tumblr.com
How long have you been cosplaying?
10 years
What was your first convention?
Youmacon 06, Started cosplaying at Youmacon 07
What was your first cosplay?
First time I cosplayed I brought four costumes that I made with me; Lydia from Beetlejuice, “Theater” Katara of the Amber Island Players (Avatar the Last Airbender), Sailor Pluto, and my own otaku senshi Sailor Taurus.
Do you feel you have a cosplay expertise? If so what would it be? (i.e. props, sewing etc.)
I wouldn’t necessarily say that I have an expertise. I’m still learning as I go. But I will say my sewing has improved tremendously over time from the first cosplay to now.
What have been your least and most expensive cosplays?
My least expensive would have to be my Korra costume. I bought a t-shirt from JoAnn ($6), unstitched the sleeves and made the sleeves the collar around the neck. The pants were men’s sweatpants ($8-10), and knock off furry boats ($20). I received lots of praise for that costume, and the funny thing about that costume is that I only had a picture of Korra’s back to work with at the time. The most expensive is a crossover costume I created for Youmacon 15, Assassin’s Creed Sailor Moon. I made the blouse and the cape myself, but the accessories made it expensive. Possibly a couple of grand. However my most interesting costume, I’d have to say is my Avatar Aang costume. I spent several conventions attempting to perfect it. And when I had my good days for that costume, people loved it even with my brown skin. But I wouldn’t trade or sell either costume for anything.
What is your favorite convention to attend?
My home town con, Youmacon, for sure. However, I did enjoy Anime Expo, Colossalcon, and Anime Central a lot.
What is your dream convention to attend?
The two almighty cons, San Diego Comic-Con and New York Comic-Con.
What is your dream cosplay?
My dream cosplay for myself is Panty from Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt. She’s just badass and super lewd, and I love it. But I have a dream group cosplay, and that’s The Muses from Disney’s Hercules and The Recess Gang or The Weekenders.
What do you hate about cosplay?
The constant trolls that find it necessary to disrespect another person’s hard work and creativity in their cosplay. Just appreciate it for what it is. There may be some hiccups, but as cosplayers, we learn. I still haven’t perfected my bald cap technique for Avatar Aang, but I will eventually. I’m not going to obsess and belittle myself for my hiccups and neither should anyone else. If a person wants to give constructive criticism, then do so. But don’t be a dick about it.
Oh, another thing…The not wearing deodorant thing is old. There are ways to get antiperspirant on without damaging the costume.
What do you love about cosplay?
The simple fact of dressing up and being someone other than yourself. I enjoy wearing my creations and interpretations. And I love seeing other people’s designs and imagination, especially if I see someone with same costume as mine. They will have something completely different than mine and I would be undoubtedly curious as to what they did.
Tell us something cool!
I am an aspiring actress. I perform with local theater and I hopefully will see the stage one day as a permanent home.
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