This SMC Interview features up and coming Canadian cosplayer Lyddie Kyddie. If you’ve ever had the chance to interact with Lyddie you know she is one of the sweetest people you’ll ever have the opportunity to meet in the community (She is Canadian after all). Check out the interview below and make sure you give Lyddie Kyddie a follow on your favorite social media platform of choice.
Location: Toronto, Canada
Links: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Patreon |
SMC: Why did you start cosplaying?
Ever since I was a toddler I’ve been around gaming. My mom used to play DOS and Atari games all the time and very quickly passed on the love for video games to both my sister and I. We had every new console as they came out and with it, all kinds of embarrassing crushes on different characters through the years, haha. The fantasy world was one I wish existed and wanted so badly to be a part of – I had a good friend group growing up but never really fit in with the other kids regardless, so the idea of escaping to the fictional world was always so appealing to me. I eventually discovered anime through Pokemon and Digimon and that furthered my love of all things nerdy and fantasy, but I still always felt kind of alone – like I was one of the few who was interested in this kind of stuff, until one day in a college camp I attended when I was 15, I met 2 girls who told me how there was, in fact, an entire community of thousands of people who had the same interests and attended conventions (which I had never heard of before). My mind was blown and I knew right then and there I had to attend the next local con and that I sure as hell was giving this “cosplaying” thing they talked about a try!
SMC: What was the first convention you attended in cosplay?
My first convention was Anime North in Toronto. I had such a blast. It was a life-changing experience. I remember when I first walked into the vendor hall I got so dizzy from being overloaded with excitement that I had to leave for a few minutes to collect myself before going back in, haha. It was a dream come true to me.
SMC: What has been your most memorable convention moment?
Definitely that first convention I went to. I cosplayed as Summoner Yuna from Final Fantasy x ( my favourite game ) and I will never forget the feeling when someone yelled at me from across the room “HEY YUNA!!!” and came running up to me for a picture. The look of excitement on their faces to see me bringing on of their favourite characters to life was inspiring to me. I was continually in awe the rest of the weekend as hundreds of people had the same reactions – they were genuinely so happy and excited to see and take photos with “Yuna” that I knew right then and there that this was something I wanted to do for years to come.
SMC: What is your favorite thing about cosplaying at a convention?
I love being able to bring a character to life and, in a sense, enable fellow fans to feel this nostalgic connection of being able to meet their childhood heroes in person. As previously mentioned, it’s seeing the way my cosplays make other’s light up, that makes it worth all the work and battling the heat on those boiling con days xD
SMC: Where can fans expect to see you next? (2019/20 Schedule?)
I was supposed to be at Fan Expo this year buy sadly other commitments came up. Otherwise, I haven’t actually gotten to look over and set an upcoming convention schedule yet. But I will for sure be at Anime North again in the spring – I never miss it!!
SMC: What cosplayers inspire you?
There’s so many it’s hard to even begin to list them all. But some of my inspos and motivation come from @luxlocosplay, @daniellebaloo, @Lie_chee, @itsrainingne0n, @jessicanigri, @yayahan, @alysontabbitha and @ashlynnedae
SMC: Which is your favorite cosplay you’ve created?
I’ve always loved my Poison Ivy creation. It was the first cosplay I fully made by hand and I’ve always been so proud of it and the work I put into it. I plan to pull out that cosplay again soon and re-shoot the look
SMC: What cosplay are you best known for?
I would say a variety because I do so many different characters. But I think my original biggest would be Yuna and Harley Quinn. They were my starting point and where I built up the first of my social media pages and followers.
SMC: If money was no object what would be your dream cosplay creation?
Soooooooo many armoured cosplays! I wish my skill set and budget was there now because there is an endless list of characters I wish I could cosplay. Two big ones I’ve always wanted to do include a femme version of Nightmare from Soul Caliber and Angewomon from Digimon.
SMC: Do you have any new cosplays currently in the works?
Always! I have a list of projects in the works. Some are secrets because I release my early cosplay reveals and announcements to Patreon! But a couple of known ones I am currently doing are KDA Akali, swimsuit Bulma and a classic Misty cosplay!
SMC: What are your cosplay strengths? (Tailoring, fabric painting, worbla armor, in-character performance etc.)
I wish my strength was armour crafting and wig styling, haha. I am just starting to learn and practice both of those now. I think my biggest strength is my overall creativity and visionary eye to make something out of anything. I also love to paint and am very experienced with acrylics! I’ve always had a skill for being able to freehandedly “photocopy” an image while painting from a reference picture or two.
SMC: What’s one thing you wish you knew about cosplaying before you got started?
That it existed! I wish I knew that years before I finally learnt about it haha. In all seriousness though, I’m not really sure. I didn’t know much about it at all so it was a very positive, and organic learning experience for me.
SMC: Any advice for people interested in cosplaying for the first time?
I think my biggest advice I give anyone starting out is to choose attainable first cosplays – meaning don’t overload yourself and get over ambitious right from the start. It’s always the best if you can choose a character you want to cosplay that you are both passionate about and that fits in your skillset. It’s also a great idea to go for someone who slightly resembles you already (whether that be something as simple as hair colour to avoid using a wig right off the bat.) I find this an encouraging starting point because it’s a good way to practice and your overall skillset won’t come into as big a factor if you already resemble the character. Being encouraged is the best way to get on the right foot – Lots of practice and research too. Take things one learning step at a time. If you want to learn how to style wigs, focus on that. If it’s makeup, start there and grow as you go. I also encourage anyone to start out with a bought cosplay that you can either wear right out of the package or one that you only have to make minor alterations to so you can practice small details and accessories. This is always a great introductory to cosplay so you, again, don’t become overwhelmed and discouraged trying to meet con crunch by making your first ever cosplay completely by hand. Build up to it as you go!
SMC: What is something your fans may not know about you? Other hobbies?
I loovvvveee gardening – both flowers and veggies. I grew up on a farm and it was the best feeling ever being able to grow and eat a dinner entirely comprised of your own homegrown food. I’m also an avid snow bunny. I love winter to be able to go snowboarding and snowmobiling all season. If you can’t beat the cold, join it and have fun with snowy sports is my all Canadian motto.
SMC: What part of “geekdom” is your favorite avenue of entertainment (i.e. comics, movies, video games, anime, etc?).
Definitely anime and Video games ^^ Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts are my favourite game series’ and the Legend of Dragoon and Banjo Kazooie are my all-time favourite games.
SMC: Any favorite TV shows, movies or cartoons?
One piece, Avatar and the original Pokemon and Digimon series are all favourite animes/ shows!
SMC: What is your gaming system of choice?
PS4 or anything Nintendo ^^ Super sad I don’t have a Switch yet, but it is my very near future target haha.
SMC: What are you currently playing / upcoming video game releases?
Kingdom Hearts 3 and Stardew Valley are my current 2 go-to games! I’m looking forward to Borderlands 3 and Link’s Awakening coming sooooon <3
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Happy Canadian, as well as a hardcore video game addict. Spends all day and night trying to come up with new ideas for Share My Cosplay. Need help with something feel free to contact me.