It’s finally summer! At the dozens of cons and ren faires you will likely be attending this season you will see amazing cosplayers. Cosplayers like our cosplayer of the month: Kittumcos! An avid dancer, talented makeup artist, and an Aquarius, they have a lot to share…
If you had all the time and money in the world- what would your ultimate cosplay be?
I do my very best to do all the cosplays I’m passionate about, and thankfully they’re all under budget and take a reasonable amount of time. If I REALLY wanted to blow money on a cosplay though… cosplaying Vanitas from Kingdom Hearts, complete with his helmet, keyblade, and entire bodysuit- that would be rad.
What is one of your most memorable moments cosplaying?
Oh man, con memories tend to blend together a LOT since they’re always filled with such good emotions, but recently I was in a Miraculous Ladybug cosplay group and was approached by four kids, one by one, each wearing a Sasuke (Naruto) headband. It was ADORABLE.
What was your first cosplay and would you still wear it today?
My first cosplay is actually Axel from Kingdom Hearts, and he is among some of my favorite characters to wear. I have worn him very recently and plan on wearing him at my next con!
What is your favorite fandom/ franchise to cosplay from?
Kingdom Hearts! Or The Arcana? Both of those! Kingdom Hearts has been near and dear to me for such a long time, while cosplaying from the Arcana guarantees inclusivity to all who interact and recognize the character. It’s a very progressive game!
What have you learned about yourself since you started cosplaying?
I learned that I am capable of so much more than what I give myself credit for. Prior to cosplay, I had tremendous trouble making new friends and never understood how people could become part of a community so quickly. Once I immersed myself in the convention environment, slowly but surely, everything started to make sense. I came out of my shell more and more, and saw myself become more outgoing. I willingly expressed interest in many opportunities (like participating in contests and being a brand ambassador) and saw so many doors open for me.
Outside of being a cosplayer, what are some other hobbies you have?
I have always been in love with video games, that’s actually how I learned how to read. I also love dancing (I’m an avid Zumba-goer), swimming, and art of all forms.
What are some other cosplay concepts you are working on now or would like to work on in the future?
I’m hoping to get started on some more foam props. I started working on Handsome Jack’s (Borderlands) gun holster but had to adjust my priorities since a con was coming up. I also just finished Lars’ (Steven Universe) space cape. It was my very first independent sewing project and I am incredibly proud of how it turned out. I hope to start on Alastor’s (Hazbin Hotel) microphone stand (complete with a voice-altering amplifier since his voice sounds like a 20’s radio announcer). I’m used to focusing mainly on wigs and makeup so this will be an incredible learning experience.
Are there any cosplay’s of yours you would redo?
For me, quality is so much better than quantity. I have about ten cosplays that I am constantly reworking, rather than going and buying new ones. Since I am still new to sewing, I mainly focus on making new wigs and experimenting with different makeup or adding new props to the cosplay. If I do decide to make an entirely new cosplay, I sell an old one that I am no longer passionate about.
What is the next event we can expect to see you cosplay at?
I’ll be at Akaicon in Nashville next month!
What is your advice for those just getting into cosplay?
Try not to compare yourself to other people. Cosplay is your adventure, your time to shine. Each person is complete with an entirely different personality, body shape, color, ect. and no one else has what you have. Use that to your advantage and have fun being true to yourself when cosplaying. Create your own version of each character in a way that showcases who you are!
Where can we find you online?
You can find me on Instagram at instagram.com/kittumcos, on Twitter at twitter.com/kittumcos, and on Tik Tok @kittumcos.