When deciding on the first cosplayer to interview for the inaugural Cosplay section of Kwinn Pop, we had no doubt who we wanted to ask. The awesome Bethany Maddock.
She does a one of the most spectacular Batgirl of Burnside cosplays we have ever seen and is a big fan of Mortal Kombat with the cosplay to prove it. She is a gamer, anime fan and all around badass and we undoubtedly found ourselves being a fan of hers. With that, let’s get to know a bit more about Bethany…
How did you get into Cosplaying?
I’ve been a gamer since I was a little kid with my Sega Genesis. I grew up watching the best cartoons, and became obsessed with anime thanks to Pokemon (like many kids my age). However cosplay wasn’t something on my radar, until after I graduated college and started my career. A friend of mine was a regular at Anime Boston, and encouraged me to try it out. I was on the fence about actually going to the convention, until the unexpected cancellation of a trip to Japan. (Earthquake of 2011 happened the Friday before my flight was to depart.) So, I figured an anime convention would be the best way to repair my broken heart from that disappointment. AND IT CERTAINLY DID!
What was the fist cosplay you did and why did you choose it?
I threw together an original design Sheik cosplay for my first convention, Anime Boston 2011. It’s my favorite character, but I didn’t have a lot of experience creating costumes at the time. I decided to sketch out a design that I knew I could put together, and I still think it was a pretty successful first try!
What is your favorite cosplay that you’ve done so far and what is your least favorite?
Honestly, I don’t think I have a very favorite. I work on something new and it usually becomes my fav
orite until I make something else but I know my Female Scorpion (Mortal Kombat 9) is very popular which makes me happy because I worked very hard on it. Also, least favorite? Anything that isn’t finished haha!
What is the most challenging or expensive cosplay/prop/project that you’ve worked on?
Hands down my Scorpion cosplay. I had never tried mask making before and invested a lot of money into the risk of learning a new skill. I’m very glad I did it, but I wouldn’t recommend pouring the amount of money I did into a learning experiment to anyone unless they can really afford it.
What are the three most essential things to have with you when cosplaying at a convention?
Your phone for awesome selfies with other cosplayers, water, and a positive attitude! Seriously, you’re there to have fun. Don’t take cosplaying too seriously. You’re playing dress up and meeting amazing people who love the same things you do.
What are some of the best things you’ve learned about yourself since you started cosplaying?
Self confidence! I think that’s something a lot of people struggle with throughout life. There’s always moments, that make you seriously doubt yourself. We have all felt that way at one point or another, and frankly we feel that way too much! Cosplay is a great way to step in someone else’s shoes. Try on a new look. Represent something bigger than yourself. But at the end of the day, that’s still you under that costume. You’re given a new spark of confidence. When you realize it’s not the costume that brings that to you, but rather the light you have from within. That’s when you can really learn to love and appreciate yourself more. We all need that little light to shine.
What is your advice to those just getting into cosplay?
HAVE FUN! If you’re not having a good time when you’re cosplaying, then it’s not for you. Never be so stressed, or uncomfortable where you’re not enjoying yourself.
Where can we find you online?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanymaddock/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Blmaddock
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMaddock/
