This entry in our “Feature Interview” series features up and coming cosplayer Kayley Marie Cosplay.  We’ve been a fan of Kayley’s work for a while now and so glad that were re finally able to properly feature her work on our site. Make sure you give her a follow on your social media format of choice!

Location: Central Pennsylvania
Links: | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter| Storenvy |

SMC: Why did you start cosplaying?
KMC: I originally was exposed to cosplay growing up through the Internet and television; the very limited exposure it had at the time and always had wanted to partake. I started cosplaying about 3 years ago only because I did not know how or where to do so until I met my current cosplay partner in crime, Sharon Rose.  It all started when she invited me to join her at Baltimore Comic con that same year.  Since then it has gone beyond being just a hobby, it is now something I consider being my own living work of art.  I am an artist but before cosplay I went through a phase of “not being good enough” and stopped painting and sculpting for a long time.  After Sharon introduced me to cosplay I found myself using my skills again and finding my own artistic niche in the cosplay world. I may never be as famous as Degas or Picasso or Rembrandt but I am happy and that is all that matters.

SMC: What was the first convention you attended in cosplay?
KMC: My first convention was Baltimore Comic con in 2014, it was also my first convention. That is the year I debuted my genderbent Thor, which is still one my favorite cosplays to date.

SMC: What has been your most memorable convention moment?
KMC: My absolute favorite moment at a convention was at Baltimore Comic con. Myself and Sharon Rose were dressed as Captain America and Thor.  A group of tiny Avengers saw us and gasped. They couldn’t get out of their stroller fast enough to see us. The tiny Avengers came running over and “attacked” us in love. It was so cute, my heart couldn’t take it. I think that is my favorite part of cosplay, seeing the look in children’s eyes when they believe you are that character.

SMC: What is your favorite thing about cosplaying at a convention?
KMC: My favorite thing is being able to bring that character, whether I am Thor, or Spider-Gwen, or Ariel; to life in another’s eyes.  You become real to them.  I have this experience in both adults and children, both experiences are just as magical. My second favorite part of cosplaying is interacting with other cosplayers on how they construct their cosplays.  Cosplayers are so incredibly creative and innovative. I love learning and sharing new tricks in building.

SMC: Where can fans expect to see you next? (2017/18 Schedule?)
KMC: I have various cons lined up. I do post my line up on my social media when the con is approaching. This year you can find me at Greater Philly (4/8- Saturday only), Zenkaicon (4/29 -Saturday only), Simpson Library (5/13), Harrisburg Comic con (5/20-5/21), Awesomecon (6/16-6/18), RetroPop (9/9-9/10), and Baltimore Comic con (9/22-9/24). There are a few other conventions that I have been looking into attending but am not entirely sure as of yet.

SMC: What cosplayers inspire you?
KMC: I have so many cosplayers that inspire me.  This community is incredibly talented, but if I had to choose my top three senpais they would be Danielle Beaulieu for her beautiful armor work, Marie Sturges for her inspirational modeling, and Lemon Bell for incredible talent for bring characters to life. They are all very talented and kind, if you do not follow them already I suggest checking out their pages.

SMC: Which is your favorite cosplay you’ve created?
KMC: That is a tough choice, I am proud of each of my cosplays in different ways but if I had to pick it would probably have to be my current Thor.  Thor has always been one of my favorite characters; beyond the god of thunder’s ferociousness is a character who doesn’t just wake “being mighty,” like most other superheroes. For Thor, there is a moment when the character has to wonder, “Am I worthy enough to carry Mjolnir today?” Thor has to earn his (or her) worth. This is what I admire so much about the character and why I chose to become Thor through cosplay. When I cosplay Thor, I feel powerful, strong. I see the hope and joy in adults and children alike, especially in the kiddos. I become worthy. Even though Thor will always have a special place in my heart, my current work in progress may eventually take that place due to the sheer size of it.

SMC: What cosplay are you best known for?
KMC: Personally I would say my Thor, but I have been told by my followers (Who are awesome!) that it would be a tie between my Thor, Mistress Death, and Spider-Gwen.

SMC: If money was no object what would be your dream cosplay creation?
KMC: Gosh, that one is tough. I have so many cosplays that I want to create, but right now if I had to pick I would want to remake my Angela of Asgard out of worbla (right now it is all EVA foam), and do a class Power Ranger.

SMC: Do you have any new cosplays currently in the works?
KMC: I do have a few currently in the works, Misty (Pokemon), Judy Hopps (Zootopia), Tinkerbell, and a genderbent Link from Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds.  You should be seeing photos of these building on my social media as well as photos to come soon of the final forms. In addition, I have plans for more building during this summer, but I am going to keep those a secret for right now.

SMC: What are your cosplay strengths? (Tailoring, fabric painting, worbla armor, in-character performance etc.)
KMC: My cosplaying strengths are definitely in armor building (EVA foam) and painting.  I have a BSE (Bachelor of the Sciences) focusing in Art Education, so that has given me an advantage. I have always loved art and enjoyed creating things with my hands, cosplay has allowed me to build on these skills and become a more creative person in the process. I find myself always finding new ways to building something. My favorite thing I have made lately is making my Judy Hopps fox spray out of a push pop container or my Kim Possible grappling hook hairdryer which is made out of an old hair dryer, EVA foam for the hooks, paper clay, and an airborne tube. One day I want to work with worbla, but since I have the skills for EVA that is what I have been sticking with, plus it’s way cheaper. The skill I am working on to improve is my sewing abilities. I do know how to sew but I am not the best. Angela was my first cosplay that I sewed everything but the pants. I have improved quite a bit since (example, my Team Valor Pokemon Trainer was completely sewn from scratch.) but I feel like I still need a lot of work.

SMC: What do you do in the real world for a job?
KMC: When I am not cosplaying I am an Art Teacher in a K-8^th building. My older kidsos do know about my cosplaying hobby and absolutely love it. They are always asking about what I am building next and want to see photos. I keep my cosplay tasteful so that I can be a role model for my students as well as younger cosplayers. I want them to know that you can cosplay a character who could be considered lewd and modify it to your comfort level. I guess you could call my cosplays “modest.” Which I am 100% okay with.  It’s all about your comfort level and your creativity, you can cosplay and not be canon. Do you, be awesome.

SMC: What is something your fans may not know about you? Other hobbies?KMC: Something my fans may not know about me is that I am really really REALLY terrible with watching television and movies. I cannot sit still to watch a movie in it’s entirety. I would rather spend my time building a cosplay or reading a good book or comic. My other hobbies, outside of cosplay and reading are playing video games.  I don’t often get to do this due to being a workaholic, but my favorite video game system is Nintendo.  I love the Legend of Zelda games, they are my life. I just purchased my Switch and am ready to dive into the new game.

SMC: What part of “geekdom” is you favorite avenue of entertainment (i.e. comics, movies, video games, anime, etc?).
KMC: I consider myself “a jack of all trades” when it comes to both art and geekdom. I can’t just choose one place to focus.  So if I had to pick one it would be the comics. I love reading the comic book and seeing what writers/characters are up to next. It’s the perfect blend of narrative and art all in the palm of your hands.

SMC: What Comic Books are you currently addicted to?
KMC: Fun fact, I am a complete Marvel junky. I am currently reading Spider-man, Spider-man: Renew Your Vows, Spider-Gwen, Thor, All New All Different Wolverine, Deadpool etc. I do read other genre’s titles such as Gotham Academy, Power Rangers, Saga, and I Hate Fairyland to name a few. If you have not read any of these titles I recommend all of them highly!

SMC: Any favorite TV shows, movies or cartoons?
KMC: While I do not watch a lot of television or movies, I still do have favorites. Movies I love anything Marvel (well minus the few we all do not talk about), but my favorite movies are Phantom of the Opera and Ender’s Game (Also, one of my all-time favorite books). When it comes to current television shows, well I don’t really have any at this time, I have been very busy lately. I do however Netflix old shows/anime, something I have already seen when I am working on cosplay such as Pokemon, Digimon, and Inuyasha etc. I know, I am the worst with television.

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