Location: UK
Links:
www.artyfakes.co.uk
www.facebook.com/artyfakes
http://www.twitter.com/artyfakes

SMC: What drove you to start cosplaying and when did you start?
Tabitha Lyons: I officially started cosplay in May 2012 though I have been dressing up since I was a little girl (larped since I was 8). I run a prop company with my dad called Artyfakes, we created a Skyrim inspired weapon range – and as soon as the photos hit the net, everyone was throwing around the word cosplay. I’d never heard of it before so I had to check it out!

SMC: What was the first convention where you cosplayed?
Tabitha Lyons: My first convention was Kapow! Hosted by Mark Miller 🙂 I cosplayed as She – hulk and entered my first Masquerade.

SMC: What has been your most memorable convention moment?
Tabitha Lyons: I’ve had so many! My most resent memorable moment was judging and sharing a panel along with Yaya Han and Riddle’s messy wardrobe at London’s Super Comic Convention.

SMC: What is the favorite thing about cosplaying at a convention?
Tabitha Lyons: Meeting everyone! I’m really bad at getting back to people on my facebook and twitter pages, so it’s nice just to talk to face to face – as I prefer that any way 😀

SMC: Related to conventions, where can fans expect to see you next in? (any schedule in particular?)
A: I am trying my best to go to both London’s MC, I will definitely be at LFCC as I have tickets to meet Stan Lee! XD

SMC: What other cosplayers inspire you?
Tabitha Lyons: There are so many crazily skilled cosplayers out there that inspire me, but the one person who inspires me the most is my dad. Not only is he always pushing the boundaries, he makes me push them to.

SMC: Which is your favorite Cosplay’s you’ve created?
Tabitha Lyons:: aghhh that’s so hard! It’s like trying to choose what Chinese to have! I loved making the Dragon born as that’s what started cosplay for me though at Artyfakes we make so many creature costumes – which I love doing ! for instance the Minotaur, Avatars, Dragons SO MUCH MORE!!

SMC: What cosplay are you best known for?
Tabitha Lyons:: I don’t know.. I would probably say Red Sonja and Rogue.

SMC: If money was no object what would be your dream costume to cosplay
Tabitha Lyons: Artyfakes has recently built my dream project a 14 foot ride on Dragon from Dragonlance along with it’s rider Skie. We are actually looking for a home for them if any one is interested let me know 🙂

SMC: What part of “geekdom” is you favorite avenue of entertainment (i.e. comics, movies, video games, anime, etc?)
Tabitha Lyons: I am definitly a gamer girl, from console to cards and table top to hitting people with rubber swords! I also am in love with my movies.

SMC: What Comic Books are you currently addicted to?
Tabitha Lyons:  to be honest none currently, they are like books to me – once I’ve started I can’t stop, and work is so crazily busy right now I don’t have time.

SMC:Any favorite TV shows, movies or cartoons?
Tabitha Lyons: So many ! I love Supernatural, castle, pscyh .. pretty much anything Marvel!!

SMC: Do you have any new cosplays currently in the works?
Tabitha Lyons: I don’t, though we have a few cool custom orders in the making which I can’t wait to get my hands on.

SMC:: Any tips for people thinking of cosplaying out there or are scared to try?Tabitha Lyons:   Cosplay is all about having fun! Life is to short not to try it, and you won’t know if it’s scary until you do it… SO DO ITTT!! it changes a conventions experience completely. I think 99.999999 percent of people who cosplay for the first time won’t go back to a con without one.

SMC: Any comments you would like to share with your fans?
Tabitha Lyons::   thank you so much for your support, when I’m having a crappy day or feel as though why am I even doing this, they are always there to pick me up. So thank you.

Photographers Credits: Red sonja, Lara Croft & Black cat by Creative Edge studios. Kyra by Magic bean studio, Juliet, Kitiara and Skie by Artyfakes Action Props. Dany by A.M.P Photography. Rogue by Many Lemons