Cosplayer Sisa Cosplay is another up and coming cosplayer that was chosen as part of our Social Media Contest we did a while back. Sisa’s cosplay made it to the top 10 with votes from our readers and then the Editors at SMC loved it, so much we created a runners up section to the contest. Part of those winnings was an interview, so here we are. Enjoy!

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Links: | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr |

SMC: Why did you start cosplaying?
Sisa Cosplay: Before I started cosplaying, I’ve always loved dressing and portraying other characters for occasions like Halloween and more frequently, plays and musicals. Then a few years ago, my roommate invited me to attend Anime Nebraskon 2013, the most popular anime convention in Nebraska, and I asked, “Is that where people dress up as different characters?” When he said yes and showed me popular cosplays, I was so excited to get started! I wanted to make Leona (League of Legends) for myself and Garen (also League of Legends) for my boyfriend at the time but because I was too ambitious, as many first-time cosplayers are, I only finished Garen in time for the cosplay competition. It ended up winning a Judge’s Choice award!

SMC: What was the first convention you attended in cosplay?
Sisa Cosplay: The first convention I attended while in cosplay was Anime Nebraskon 2014 when I made and wore Leona from League of Legends and won Best Beginner Craftsmanship in the cosplay contest! I absolutely did not think I was going to win anything!

SMC: What has been your most memorable convention moment?
Sisa Cosplay: At O! Comic Con 2015, I wore my Sheik cosplay and debuted my electronic prop harp for the cosplay contest, which won Best Craftsmanship! But besides that, while wandering the con floor, I ran into a young girl named Grace who was dressed as the same Sheik that I was (Hyrule Warriors version) and I was overjoyed! Her parents took a picture of us together and then told me that they had been using my progress photos on Facebook to create her cosplay! I couldn’t believe it! It’s the greatest feeling in the world knowing that your work inspired other cosplayers.

SMC: What is your favorite thing about cosplaying at a convention?
Sisa Cosplay: The best part about cosplaying at a convention is the recognition you receive for the time and effort you put into your cosplays. Having people constantly admiring your work, answering questions about cosplay construction, and seeing the reactions on people’s faces when they say you’re their favorite character are the most rewarding moments.

SMC: Where can fans expect to see you next? (2017/18 Schedule?)
SiouxperCon May 12-14
www.siouxpercon.com
RTX July 6-9
www.rtxaustin.com
Anime Nebraskon Nov 10-12
www.animenebraskon.com

SMC: What cosplayers inspire you?
Sisa Cosplay: What’s great is that there are so many cosplayers out there! Some who are beautiful seamstresses, others who are hardcore armor and prop builders, and others who are skilled make-up artists. I admire a ton of different cosplayers, those who are known world-wide and others like my good cosplay friends here in Nebraska. A few I will mention include:
My boyfriend Raphael as Katana Beats Paper Cosplay & Props, master 3D modeler and prop maker www.facebook.com/katanabtzpaper
My friend Angela as Love from Rose Cosplay, master seamstress, wig styler, and artist
www.facebook.com/lovefromrosecosplay
The world famous Svetlana as Kamui Cosplay, godmother of Worbla and cosplay tutorials
www.facebook.com/Kamuicos
The also world famous Gladzy Kei Art and Cosplay, illustrator and character designer
www.facebook.com/GladzyKei
Last but not least, Bill and Britt as Punished Props, all things foam, props, and cosplay tutorials
www.facebook.com/punishedprops

SMC: Which is your favorite cosplay you’ve created?
Sisa Cosplay: I would have to say my Sheik from Hyrule Warriors has been one of my favorite cosplays. Second place would have to be Pyrrha Nikos from RWBY. I love both so much and learned a ton from making them!

SMC: What cosplay are you best known for?
Sisa Cosplay: Again, I would have to say my Sheik from Hyrule Warriors. What really brought a lot of attention to it was the prop electronic harp I created with all the electrical/programming help in the world from my friend Jason Armstrong who is an electrical and mechanical engineer. I built the harp while Jason did the major programming and wiring to make the harp play all the songs from Ocarina of Time. I have a video of it in action on my Facebook page and on YouTube. It became viral for a while a few years ago!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr1-KuRlknA&t=2

SMC: If money was no object what would be your dream cosplay creation?
Sisa Cosplay: I have a running list of all the cosplays I want to create but there is one that my heart is set on. I fell in love with her at RTX 2015 when I came across her poster. At first glance, it doesn’t look like anything too outstanding but when you look closer, the beauty is in the details. My cosplay dream is the Princess by the artist Pertheseus. She is an original Zelda design that incorporates aspects from multiple games from the Legend of Zelda franchise. She is armed with a sword, quiver, and shield but still possesses the elegance of a princess. I even contacted Pertheseus to discuss his inspiration of all her fine details so I could one day bring her to life. I’ve literally had dreams of creating this cosplay. One day, I’ll set aside the time and money to truly invest, heart and soul, skill and patience, into creating the Princess.

SMC: Do you have any new cosplays currently in the works?
Sisa Cosplay: I’m currently working on a Zelda cosplay from Skyward Sword. I’m excited to finally create one of the many versions of Zelda and to have another comfortable cosplay. I’ll be debuting this at SiouxperCon in May.

SMC: What are your cosplay strengths? (Tailoring, fabric painting, worbla armor, in-character performance etc.)
Sisa Cosplay: I feel my strengths lie in armor and prop making. I still have a ton to learn but I enjoy making huge and elaborate props and armor much more than sewing.

SMC: What’s one thing you wish you knew about cosplaying before you got started?
Sisa Cosplay: How expensive it can be and how to budget wisely.

SMC: Any advice for people interested in cosplaying for the first time?
Sisa Cosplay: Give yourself plenty of time to work on cosplays. They always take way longer than you expect. Also, be patient when you’re trying out new things. It can be easy to get frustrated when you make a mistake and have to redo a piece of your cosplay. But simply learn from your mistakes and try again. It’ll be much better the next time.

SMC: What do you do in the real world for a job? (Be specific as you like)
Sisa Cosplay: I currently work as a representative at NelNet, a loan servicing company founded in Lincoln, Nebraska. I work in a department where those who are disabled can apply to have their student loans discharged. Before that, I was (an technically still am) an orthodontic assistant for a few years and even went to school for it. So, yay teeth things!

SMC: What is something your fans may not know about you? Other hobbies?
Sisa Cosplay: I’m actively involved in community theatre doing everything you could possibly imagine at the local Lofte Community Theatre. I’ve been heavily involved since 2010 and have done everything from acting, dancing, singing, prop making, costume sewing, stage managing, running lights and sounds, designing websites, choreography, you name it! It’s my other love besides cosplay but they go hand-in-hand in a lot of ways.

SMC: What part of “geekdom” is your favorite avenue of entertainment (i.e. comics, movies, video games, anime, etc?).
Sisa Cosplay: I love anything Legend of Zelda! And no, I haven’t played ALL the Zelda games…yet! Also Pokemon! Pokemon was my entire childhood growing up.

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