Let’s kick off the holiday season with a present; a new Cosplayer of the Month! This model has brought her love of all things nerdy into her work. Whether you’re a fan of DC, Marvel, or villainesses in general, you are sure to enjoy her cosplays. Allow me to introduce to you, Evilyn 13!
What is it like to have fan art drawn of you?
I love fan art, I love art in general, so I find it super flattering when an artist takes the time to draw me when there are so many inspirational things we are surrounded by in life. I like to share fan art whenever I can, however, some artists are shy and like to be anonymous, which I can understand, as even I can be my own worst critic.
One of your many skills (besides cosplay) is DJ-ing. How did you get into that?
I have always loved music and would go out to live shows and events around town. Then I met my boyfriend, who is a DJ and he actually taught me how to DJ on CDJ-100’s back in the day. Technology is so amazing now though that I don’t have to carry around books of CDs anymore, so I get to give my superhero muscles a bit of a break.
How do you survive wearing latex cosplays?
LOL! I actually love wearing latex! Its a love or hate relationship for some people and I can understand why. I love it because I’m always cold and it keeps me pretty warm in those gigantic overly air-conditioned convention centers. I do have to use a lot of lube to get into the latex catsuits because they are so tight, which can be a comedy of errors when traveling and staying in hotels. Especially when you get your bag checked at the airport and they want to know why you have so much lube with you. I promise you, officer, that is a dressing aid!
What’s the most memorable event that has happened to you at a convention?
Probably meeting people. The reason I went to my first convention was to meet Elvira, who I have admired since I was a kid, so meeting her in real life was awesome, especially because she is so nice. Another memorable moment was when I met Evangeline Lily when I was dressed in my Wasp outfit and she bowed down to me in my photo op. I wasn’t expecting that, so that was super cool, and made such a great pic! I also love meeting fans and making new fans at conventions, it’s always cool to chat with people that share your geek-dom and can nerd out with you at the convention.
What are the three most essential things to have with you when cosplaying at a convention?
SNACKS! I’m always snacky, no matter where I am, and conventions can be long days with lots of talking, so it’s easy to lose track of time and forget to eat or stay hydrated, so I always keep snacks on hand. Flat shoes, I’m a bit of a diva in the fact that I like my costumes to have nice high heels, I never feel like I am fully dressed up unless I have my high heels on. I know that might sound weird, but its a thing for me, so I like to have flat shoes for walking to and from the convention so I can save my feet before I get to my booth where I can put my heels on. Phone charger, obviously there are so many creative and cool costumes and people at conventions that I want to document, so I’m taking ALL the selfies and pictures, so my phone battery dies pretty quick. I have a phone charger and extra battery pack on hand at all times, cuz you never know if someone is going to come to your booth looking to trade Pokemon with you. You have to be ready to get all the Unknowns!
Which of your cosplays is your favorite and why?
I can’t pick a favorite! I would say my top three are probably my Wasp, my classic Harley Quinn, and my Wonder Woman. I love Harley Quinn, because who doesn’t love classic Harley Quinn? She is such a fun person to play dress-up as. I love Wonder Woman because all the little girls at conventions come up to me with their eyes popping out of their heads with excitement because they think I am the real Wonder Woman and they are so adorable. I love the Wasp because I feel larger than life wearing it. The wings are pretty large, so I can really only wear it if I am a guest at a convention, otherwise, I wouldn’t really be able to navigate the floor. I’d be bumping into everyone!
How do you choose who to cosplay next?
It depends, sometimes I pick a character that I have always loved and wanted to do, sometimes I get a funny idea and get inspired, and sometimes it depends on what convention I am going to and when and who the guests will be. For example, I went to MegaCon in Orlando this year and Pee-Wee was a guest, and I have always wanted to meet him, so I dressed as a pinup version of him for my photo op. He liked my suit *squee*
What is the next event we can expect to see you cosplay at?
Conventions are all done for this year, but I do have some plans to be at Vancouver Fan Expo next year, and I always go to Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle as an attendee because it is so much fun. Other than that, I’m not sure what next year will hold, but I am excited for new cities and new opportunities.
What is your advice for those just getting into cosplay?
HAVE FUN! I mean, that’s what its all about right? Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t dress as, or if you are spending too much time or money on costumes and props, just do what makes YOU happy. There are worse hobbies you could have right? LOL
Where can we find you online?
I have a website www.evilyn13.com, which links to all my other online social media platforms, but you can also find me on Instagram @evilyn13 and Twitter @evilyn_13 and Facebook at Evilyn Thirteen.