CosplayBytes

I am incredibly excited to have the wonderfully talented EmrisCoscept back on the show to talk about her latest adventures in both creating art in addition to their time at SakuraCon a few weeks back. From hearing of the area's expansion to the amount of money Emris spent in Artist Alley, she talks about being able to meet so many new people due to the shared common love of things like One Piece. Not only that but you'll hear of many tangents and rants about both of our shared loves like Final Fantasy with XVI's imminent release, how I'll eventually go back into XIV, Emris' passion for loving Star Wars & One Piece, and Nightwing cause if you saw the last time Emris was on, then you'll absolutely know <3. There's also a discussion about chasing cos-fame, my own thoughts about truthfully feeling forgotten since my blogging days ended and Emris only taking on projects they truly love. There's a LOT in this episode and I hope you enjoy our ramblings :)

Go check out Emris' work at the link below!

I'm hoping that this pep talk with Anya Braddock in this episode helps out anyone within the cosplay/content creation space. It was really great chatting with her as we dive into her cosplay origin story alongside the plethora of conventions she's been to from 2022 into 2023. Whether it's through vending with her own work, to teaming up with brands like Sleepi, Anya goes into detail about some of these more recent conventions in addition to laying out her plans for the remainder of the year. We talk about the giant friend group trip she did a few months back where photoshoots were aplenty. However as I was researching topics, one thing that stood out for me was her networking skills so that ends up becoming a focal point for the episode. Anya shares her methodology in how she views and handles networking with people, parts of the con where it's done and her overall desire to create safe yet awesome content with other people. She also gives insight into handling dead air during Twitch streams as well as imposter syndrome. A lot of these are hitting me hard personally as I'm trying to navigate these bad brain days I have wondering about my own content or even comparing myself to other creators in this space. I'm hoping to take these lessons to heart for the rest of the year and I hope it helps you out too in some way :)

Follow Anya's work here:

I got to have an amazing chat with Spectra in regards to not only his time at PAX East & Anime Boston this past weekend, but also his cosplay journey overall. Starting around the same time as I am, Spectra goes into detail about his first convention alongside his friend group and the Deadpool outfit he eventually wore as his first cosplay not long after. He then goes into detail about the armor work that he's done in addition to the many panels over the years at conventions like PAX, Anime Boston and many more. The episode starts out with a heartfelt/lengthy chat about content creation efforts and I gotta say, his words were extremely inspiring and I'm even more excited to where things take him later this year. Detailing hopeful visits to Dragon*Con, HolMat and even FanExpo Boston are just some of the conventions he's hoping to visit this year. He also goes into his Twitch streaming efforts and desire to do things that make him happy/feel fulfilled as he puts it! Spectra also talks about how the cosplay/content creation seen has changed with its treatment of POC individuals. Such a fun time and I hope you all have a blast tuning in!

If you want to view more of Spectra's work, click here:

I'm very excited to have Mink the Satyr on this episode for an in-depth look at our time during PAX East 2023 this past weekend! Not only did Mink do several panels, but I also talk about the many games I played . Mink also shouts out games she played on certain days in addition to detailing each of the panels she attended. Later on, we also get into a conversation about the declining presence of cosplay and what it could possibly mean in terms of the hobby's presence at PAX East or other similarly hyper focused conventions about a singular topic. Other topics include the food I ate at a variety of restaurants, THE LONG WALK TO MY HOTEL and hopes/goals for next year!

Follow Mink at her various sites through the link below!

For this episode, I am joined by the insanely talented k8Sarkissian as we go through so many topics. From her cosplay origin story to various moments in wishing she didn't miss out on certain shows like Sailor Moon and even the original Pokemon anime. We soon dive into her time going to both Katsucon and WaifuExpo (which was a newly created 18+ convention done by Bishoujo Mom!) which involves conflicting thoughts on the former and a whole lot of hentai with the latter. Kate goes into detail about her cosplays made for each event along with what her favorite part of the cosplay process is. She also reflects on how the pandemic changed the hobby and that we both find it interesting in how the cosplay landscape has changed. Sort of like the "old guard" passing the torch to the new generation of cosplayers that are getting their start today. Kate also talks about her time being a lewd content creator and how amazed she saw that cosplay bridged herself and many others into sex work. This was an insanely fun episode to record so I hope you enjoy <3.

Starner Cosplay was an absolute sweetheart in joining me again for the final episode of 2022! Most of our discussion was around her time at Holiday Matsuri which took place a few weeks ago (from the publish date!) and how much it's changed from previous years. Including discussion on just how much of a "hallway con" it is to some of its many 18+ events like the Hottest Man in Anime competition as well as the Men's Maid Cafe 0-0. Starner wore Supergirl for this year and noted how surprised she was at the cosplays reception XD. She also talks about other insane events from the con as well as us both looking back on this past year for us content creation-wise. Starner may have given me an idea on how to take this show to a new level so stay tuned! I hope you all had a fantastic holiday season and thank you from the bottom of my heart for continuing to support this show and what I do :)

Longtime viewers will know that whenever Mink the Satyr and Legend of Larcy are on the same episode, chaos ensues. That is still the case, and cosplayer/streamer GrinningHazard joins in having to witness what I have to deal with XD. For this double dose episode, Grinning and Mink detail their entire trip to TwitchCon in Amsterdam. I was not expecting however the drastic mood that they felt due to Twitch's treatment between Partners and those who weren't. It was extremely disappointing to hear, though that didn't stop them from meeting so many new friends in addition to obtaining "mentors" in a way to help furthering streaming as a career. Not only that, but Grinning and Mink were invited by the folks over at Guerrilla Games due to their impeccable cosplays from Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West. Later on, Larcy details the unexpected responsibilities she was given when signing up to be a cosplay judge at PortCon. Another unexpected development I came to learn 0-0. Plus, we chat a bit about Larry's recent foray into cosplay photography throughout the New England area!

Within the first 5 minutes, I knew Starner was going to be such a delight to talk to and you get to see just how/why with this episode! You DEFINITELY see the age difference between us as Starner goes in detail about her origins into this hobby. Being in the 5th grade and learning about cons whereas I was in college at around this time frame 0-0. With anecdotes like running around the playground Naruto style (which honestly who hasn't!) to her affiliation with more anime themed cosplays but of COURSE I had to poke her brain regarding her favor towards DC Comics and the many many iterations of Harley Quinn that Starner has done over the course of her cosplay career. She's definitely juggling many aspects of content creation in addition to a day job so you get to learn all about that too. Plus, stick around the end for a heartfelt tale with Starner disability struggles <3

What was going to be a crowded show ended up being a really lovely conversation with Midge Scully and HyperChai! Particularly, this is the second part of my PAX East 2022 coverage (apologies for the wait!). I got to spend time with the two of them at the con and we talked about all the things we each did during that weekend. From all the game previews I had to the ones that Midge and HyperChai tried out. They also talked about their shopping spree (as one does of course!), attending the Undertale concert Thursday night along with cosplays! Also included were chats about FF14, Stray and realizing we're all going to be at the upcoming Final Fantasy 35th concert in November XD. The couple also got to attend ConnectiCon and despite the multiple changes that con has gone through over the years, they had a great time. Mentioning the con's signature Deathmatch event where cosplays are pit against each other and won through audience cheers. Spoiler: The L Block from Tetris emerged victorious! 

Today I'm excited to have the opportunity to have Maru on again as we dived into her time going to both Fanime and Anime Expo which took place in May and July respectively. Throughout our chat, we dive more into Maru's gaming obsessions which extend through her outfits she wore such as the Dancer class from FF14, Jessie in booty shorts from FF7 Remake, Mature Tifa and so many others. From practically selling me on trying Elden Ring at some point to even having heartfelt chats about being a full time content creator. I mull over my thoughts about changing my own stream schedule again and seeing if I really enjoy it enough to pursue it harder as well. We even go into what makes Maru decide on future projects at this point and how she wants to challenge herself with each new build <3. This was such a fun time and I apologize for the wait. Really hope you enjoy it! :)

For today's episode, Kayjora Cosplay joins me once again as we talk about her time at MegaCon in Florida a few weeks ago! Through working with Misty Mountain Gaming, Kayjora was able to work at their booth to help sell merch from both the company in addition to her own cosplay prints. Throughout our chat, we talk about Kay's cosplays that she wore. Each of which are standout in terms of its craftsmanship from Rani's massive hat from Elden Ring, to the sexier side of the Witch King from LotR. We go into more details regarding to MMG's line of products, Kayjora's personal favorites alongside participating in tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons. Many other cosplayers/influencers are a part of Misty Mountain's Influencer group so there were some familiar names there when it came to looking at who populated that group. Kay chats about her high points at the con PLUS a look at her upcoming cosplays and how she views each new project. Enjoy! <3

My PAX East coverage continues with a chat alongside Mink the Satyr! It really was a treat getting to spend each day with her as she was rocking Pokemon cosplays for each day. We took a look at how the overall convention was coming back after the pandemic shut everything down. It was sort of surreal as this was my last convention in 2020 so to see my friends after 2 years, it hit me hard emotionally. You'll hear about some of my experiences with my Media appointments I had with game previews being saved to a future episode. Mink also had her hands full with multiple panels so you'll get to see how those went as well. This was the first big convention for the both of us with Mink of course having done low-key conventions throughout the last 2 years, so we reflect on how it's been for the both of us. All the loot/swag I bought, my favorite moments and so much more is discussed here! Hope you guys enjoy :)

In this episode, I got to sit down with one of my favorite creators/body-painters Intraventus for a chat about Creative Burnout. Specifically when it came to Intra's struggles throughout 2021 as a body painter. I always marveled at her ability to do so many of her body paint streams for 4+ hours in the evening but as evident by the title, this soon took a toll on her. We talk about the strategies she used to recover from doing her variety streams in addition to touching on her current obsession with Elden Ring. Intra and I also take a frustrating look at TikTok's treatment to sex workers and cosplayers. How difficult it can be for individuals like Intraventus that sadly view the platform as a giant boon of new OnlyFans subscribers alongside Twitch subs too. It's unsure if TikTok will ever change or get better with its treatment. Until then, I truly hope you guys enjoy this chill chat. I got worried very early on that I didn't prepare well enough so I hope that this talk offers some interesting insight :)

I am overly excited to be joined by best girl/cosplay waifu Jaycee Cosplay as we talk about her time at Katsucon back in February. It was interesting to hear how the con has changed as we sort of enter a return to normalcy in the events circuit. Jaycee talks about the cosplays she brought along for the trip, adventures in rooming with some close friends of hers along with many hilarious moments about her being "an old lady" and wanting to be in bed at a reasonable time. So while there wasn't any after-party info/insight, Jess DID talk about her time in the dealers room and artist alley. From plushie/figure hunting to probably spending a crazy amount on art prints. I also got to have a chat with her regarding anxiety and how while this was such a fun time for Jess, she's most likely heading back into her cosplay/convention retirement hole (as she put it). Designing cosplays and shooting them outside of convention means however is still on her plate. PLUS WE TALK ABOUT COOKIES <3.

In another addition of What's New With, I'm joined by the ever so wonderful Phalafel Cosplay. Since our last recording in 2019, stuff has changed a lot for her in terms of her creativity with both cosplays as well as her venture into makeup looks with her Animal Crossing series. So much so that it has led her to opportunities with ColourPop! She references her current cosplay of Noelle from Genshin Impact and how that process has been. Twitch streaming has also been an amazing time for her with the community Phalafel has fostered through playing a variety of games plus crafting and just chatting. With her upcoming 12 hour stream celebrating one year, Phalafel has been able to keep her creativity flowing through the aforementioned outlets PLUS making videos on TikTok. We also talk about Sora making it into Smash Bros, how conventions are opening back up plus favorite methods of cosplay!

For the pivotal 69th (nice!) episode, Mink the Satyr joins me in a completely different way. Emulating/acting through her V-Tuber persona, Mink takes the floor in describing the process of illustrating and rigging an original character model to entertain. Mostly in the streaming capacity, she stresses how cost effective the whole venture can be. All on the idea of how all out do you yourself want to go with your character model. We talk about the origins around v-tubing with groups/companies like Hololive and Mink building up a new PC to help in assisting with this new avenue. Afterwards, we do a deep dive on the latest Nintendo Direct and its wild showcase from Kirby's new game, Smash Bros' final fighter debuting in October and the hilarious (upsetting?) cast reveal of the Mario Bros movie by Illumination! Also included is our thoughts of upcoming conventions and how they're faring with the pandemic. Cons resulting in COVID cases surging after the fact and how some haven't been taking necessary precautions. This is a long one so I hope you all enjoy :)

I got to chat with the incredible Alice Pika about a multitude of topics in this latest episode! From her early days of gaming and watching anime, to the content creating that she's been up to today. We reflect on what it's been like being somewhat involved with Etika's community, alongside her convention and cosplay history. Alice mentions several past cons such as Anime Expo, PAX East and NYCC! We also talk about a variety of games from Persona, Zelda, and Smash Bros. Alice opens up about her mental health and how it affects her cosplay and streaming efforts. What she's looking to do as she hopes to become more involved with streaming and possibly even holding panels at conventions. There's also talk about the workplace toxicity that has been made light at Activision/Blizzard while discussing similar situations previously brought up.

I'm happy to announce the start of my PAX East Online coverage! I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Dr. Anthony Bean and discuss his offerings over at Geek Therapeutics! A site that allows people to come and make their lives better through therapy alongside the connections we can make utilizing pop culture. Here, Anthony gives a full rundown on what it's like being a consultant for the company, the many certifications they offer, plus a slew of other outlets. This includes podcasting, a line of psychology books as well as teases into future Kickstarter offerings. You'll also get a look inside Anthony's favorite game series AND a look into my own personal struggles with therapy, why Nightwing means so much to me as a character and how I relate to him! This was an insightful conversation and I hope it helps you all in some way, shape, or form.