Location: Ireland
Links:
https://twitter.com/LmnLaliCosplay
https://www.facebook.com/lemonlalicosplay
http://about.me/lemonlalicosplay

SMC: Why did you start cosplaying?
Lemon Lali Cosplay: A love of Star Wars led me to join The Emerald Garrison here in Ireland, and when they held a Hereos and Legends Convention in 2012, I discovering that I could cosplay as anyone I ever wanted to be. I always loved dressing up for Halloween, and I put so much effort into my costumes compared to other people, now it can be Halloween any time I want!

SMC: What was the first convention where you cosplayed?
Lemon Lali Cosplay: I was Classic Lara Croft at the Heroes and Legends Convention in Belfast, Ireland in 2012.  I went on to cosplay another version of Lara Croft but I’d really like to redo that first cosplay and get some proper photos seeing as it was the one who kicked it all off!

SMC: What has been your most memorable convention moment?
Lemon Lali Cosplay: Walking around on my own on the last day of NYCC in 2012, through crowds of cosplayers, seeing just how creative everyone is and realising how at home I felt being a part of that world.

SMC: What is the favorite thing about cosplaying at a convention?
Lemon Lali Cosplay: Seeing someone recognise your cosplay, especially if they’re a huge fan of the character and be so happy to meet you and really appreciate the effort you put in to it. Messing around in character at cons is great fun to, especially if you’re a villain!

SMC: Related to conventions, where can fans expect to see you next in? (any schedule in particular?)
Lemon Lali Cosplay: There’s a MCM convention in Ireland for the first time, usually they’re only in the UK. It’s on next month so I’m hoping to go to that!
After that, the summer season of cons will start and I’m making plans to attend one in America in June! The biggest cons here in Ireland are Dublin Comic Con and ArcadeCon. I wouldn’t miss them for the world!

SMC: What other cosplayers inspire you?
Lemon Lali Cosplay: I love Jessica Nigri’s attitude towards cosplay, have fun with it, don’t worry about what other people ‘want’ or ‘expect’ from a cosplay. Afterall, you shouldn’t criticise anyone’s version of a character, particularly if you don’t cosplay yourself, and don’t realise the work that goes in to it. Having said that though, I’d love to have even a fraction of Yaya Han’s or Monika Lee’s talent with material and sewing.

SMC: Which is your favorite Cosplay’s you’ve created?
Lemon Lali Cosplay: Probably Bravo from Army of T.W.O. I love the game and I’m surprised more people haven’t ever played it or cosplayed the two characters, Alpha and Bravo. I did it with my boyfriend, Grahamedia, and it was so much fun walking around with a load of guns strapped to us!

SMC: What cosplay are you best known for?
Lemon Lali Cosplay: I’d say Lara Croft, just because I seem to have the most photos of her!! I haven’t even worn that cosplay to many conventions, it’s a little bit intimidating to dress as one of the sexiest video game character ever created!

SMC: If money was no object what would be your dream costume to cosplay
Lemon Lali Cosplay: Emm..this might be a little unexpected but…but I’d be a dinosaur. I always wanted to be a triceratops when I was younger, I honestly thought I would grow horns if I prayed hard enough! I’ve even seen a dinosaur cosplay at New York Comic Con in 2012 so I know it’s possible! Or Xena. I played with a frisbee pretending to be Xena whenever I wasn’t being a dinosaur when I was young. I was a strange child.

SMC: What part of “geekdom” is you favorite avenue of entertainment (i.e. comics, movies, video games, anime, etc?)

Lemon Lali Cosplay: Definitely movies. I could watch movies all day and night, with fresh buttered popcorn for each one!

SMC: What Comic Books are you currently addicted to?
Lemon Lali Cosplay: Some of the New 52 ones are great, i find it hard to keep up with them though because there’s so many I want to read and it can be an expensive hobby!

SMC: Any favorite TV shows, movies or cartoons?
Lemon Lali Cosplay: I’m currently watching Arrow, DC is definitely my preference but I’m loving what Marvel is doing with all the movie release plans! i’m trying so hard not read any spoilers! What else…Full Metal Alchemist, Archer..Oh I’ve seen the pilot of From Dusk Til Dawn the tv show and judging by that alone, I can safely say that may be a new favourite for me!

SMC: Do you have any new cosplays currently in the works?
Lemon Lali Cosplay: Oh god, I have so many plans! There’s a few I’ve started but due to health issues I have to take things slow unfortunately. My next one, hopefully for the con in April, will be Bunnymund from Rise of the Guardians. I’m working on some props for current cosplays too, just to upgrade them a bit! I’m also starting to play around with makeup for cosplays, so I’d love to do a makeup based cosplay soon too. 

Photographer Credits: Lara Croft from Superhero Photography by Adam Jay. Other photos as marked by Grahamedia.