I met Nataly through our Art Director, Hope. She introduced us via instagram and we met at Wizard Con last year. She was with a few of the girls that would soon become the Chicago Bombshells cosplay group. They were doing a bunny themed marvel cosplay as a group and it was simply fantastic. I knew then and there she and the group would be featured and I am so happy to say that is what is coming at you! So, with that, let’s get to know the fabulous our first Cosplayer of the month for Kwinn….Ms. Nataly Padilla!
What was the first convention you attended and what was the most memorable part of that convention?
The first convention that I ever attended was Wizard World Chicago in 2010. I definitely knew comic book conventions were a thing that existed, but I never fully knew what to expect. To my surprise, mixed in with the army of Stormtroopers, I saw cosplays from Harry Potter to Street Fighter, with the occasional Master Roshi thrown in. Seeing that cosplay included so many different genres of nerd culture, is what made my first convention memorable.
What was the first cosplay you did and why did you choose it?
My first cosplay was actually a costume I had made in 2011 but never had the courage to wear until C2E2 2014, and that was Jack Kirby’s Thor, with iconic bright blue tights, and neon yellow high boots. I’ve always been immersed in mythology and knowing there was a character that encompassed my love of comics and myth together is what really drove me to pick it as my first true cosplay.
What is the most challenging or expensive cosplay/prop/project that you’ve worked on?
I have one costume that falls into both the most challenging and expensive cosplay I’ve worked on to date. Khal Drogo. It involved all sorts of materials and techniques I was inexperienced in. There was leatherwork, intense makeup, and prop making which I had never done. But through trial and error, research, and multiple Youtube tutorials, it’s one of my best accomplishments, with hope that I will revisit it some day.
If you had to choose one just one cosplay to do for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
My Dawn of Justice Aquaman would be the one I’d choose to do for the rest of my life. It’s the cosplay I am most proud of. I try to go for accuracy with all of my cosplays, but this one had it’s own challenge of just one picture of Jason Momoa in his armor that existed in the time I had made it. I feel empowered while wearing, and it’s also a cosplay I haven’t seen too much of at conventions, making me feel a little bit original.
What are some of the best things you’ve learned about yourself since you started cosplaying?
If cosplay has shown me anything about myself, it’s that I’m innovative in my builds and try to make the best use with cheap finds. I have a knack for being thrifty, making my Wonder Woman shield with nothing more than a Dollar Store party platter, craft foam, and different shades of gold paint. I like to think outside the box, and cosplay keeps me on my toes and my imagination racing.
Who inspires you to be a cosplayer?
So many people inspire me to cosplay. The girls in Chicago Bombshells inspire me with their kindness, confidence, sheer determination, and team work to be a better me and to let loose when it comes to being in the spotlight. I inspire myself to push my own boundaries of what I can achieve and to diversify my cosplay collection. Last but not least, my parents. They are the biggest fans and supporters I have. They see my failed attempts and give me the feedback I need. All the love and support of two nerdy parents is what helps me to keep having fun while cosplaying.
What is your advice to those just getting into cosplay?
Cosplay is there for everyone, no matter what size, color, or orientation. The cosplay community is one big, exciting family and it’s there to welcome you with open arms, from beginner to expert. Never be afraid of cosplaying a character you love, because someone is bound to be blown away and awed with seeing their own favorite character come to life.
Where can we find you online?
You can find me on Instagram @vandathielcosplay
You can also find me with the Chicago Bombshells on Facebook or on Instagram @chicagobombshells.