Leo Nocedo : How did you discover cosplaying?
Ivy Ann Crain : I’ve always dressed up but it wasn’t until I moved to the States in 2012 and went to my first con, that I saw people dressing up as characters for fun and got really excited.
Leo Nocedo : What was your first cosplay?
Ivy Ann Crain : First real cosplay was Jessica Rabbit but closet cosplays were Marceline from Adventure Time and Misty from Pokemon.
Leo Nocedo :What are your next 3 cosplay plans?
Ivy Ann Crain : Power Girl, Neytiri, Captain Planet
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
Ivy Ann Crain : I have been in a cosplay contest as participant and also as a judge.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer sewing, armor making, or wig working?
Ivy Ann Crain : I do a little bit of everything, but I struggle with styling wigs.
Leo Nocedo :Do you prefer to do photoshoots at cons or at specific locations?
Ivy Ann Crain : I prefer shoots at specific locations.
Leo Nocedo : Is there a type of character you cosplay frequently?
Ivy Ann Crain : I cosplay Morrigan from Darkstalkers frequently.
Leo Nocedo :Do you have any favorite cosplayers?
Ivy Ann Crain : Yes! Alyson Tabitha and Yaya Han
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most detailed cosplay you’ve ever done?
Ivy Ann Crain : My Mandalorian Sabine Wren
Leo Nocedo : What are your top 3 craftsmanship tips?
Ivy Ann Crain : Take your time, be patient, and get the right tools.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay you’ve done?
Ivy Ann Crain : Right now, Sabine Wren
Leo Nocedo :What is your worst cosplay “horror” story?
Ivy Ann Crain : I haven’t had any horror story but any time something breaks is horrifying.
Leo Nocedo :What’s your funniest cosplay story?
Ivy Ann Crain : I did a burlesque show and had a wardrobe malfunction. Forgot the burlesque part and just danced around.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the best in-character interaction you’ve ever had?
Ivy Ann Crain : Best interaction is with my horror con family. We always have a lot of fun.
Leo Nocedo :Have you ever cosplayed with a family member?
Ivy Ann Crain : Yes! Both my kids and husband.
Leo Nocedo :What is your favorite cosplay photo of yourself?
Ivy Ann Crain : I am very picky. Probably the Tifa ones.
Leo Nocedo :What are your go-to stores for cosplay materials/full cosplays?
Ivy Ann Crain : Goodwill, Hobby Lobby and JoAnns
Leo Nocedo :Do you prefer to buy pre-styled wigs or style your own?
Ivy Ann Crain : I style my own wigs.
Leo Nocedo :Have you ever had someone mistake you for a different character?
Ivy Ann Crain : Yes. People mistake Felicia for a bunny.
Leo Nocedo :List all the cosplays you’ve done.
Ivy Ann Crain : Morrigan, Felicia, Sabine Wren, Elvira, Pinhead, Chucky, Bride of Chucky, Marceline, Misty, Tifa, Jasmine, Ariel, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and many many more. I could say I have more than a hundred characters I’ve done.
Leo Nocedo :What’s the biggest con you’ve cosplayed at?
Ivy Ann Crain : DragonCon, San Diego Comic Con
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer cosplaying characters with props, or characters that you don’t need to carry a prop around all day?
Ivy Ann Crain : Both. Although I am very clumsy so most of my characters don’t have props.
Leo Nocedo :Have you ever lost a cosplay piece at a con?
Ivy Ann Crain : Not really.
Leo Nocedo :Have you ever bought a cosplay piece at a con?
Ivy Ann Crain : Not really.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to cosplay solo or in a group?
Ivy Ann Crain : I like to cosplay solo. I like to do things at my own pace. Plus I’m very shy.
Leo Nocedo : If you had a chance to meet your all-time favorite cosplayer, what would you say to them?
Ivy Ann Crain : I have met her and told her thank you for being an inspiration for me to be a cosplayer and entrepreneur.
Leo Nocedo :Have you ever done a cosplay panel?
Ivy Ann Crain : Yes. All the time. Love it!
Leo Nocedo :Do you prefer to buy or make cosplays?
Ivy Ann Crain : I prefer to make them.
Leo Nocedo : If you could tell your past self anything about cosplay, what would you say?
Ivy Ann Crain : I would tell her to start earlier, watch more tutorials, be more patient, and less shy.
Leo Nocedo : What is your ultimate dream cosplay?
Ivy Ann Crain : Kerrigan from Starcraft. I’ve been working on it for like 3 years and it’s like 10% done.
Leo Nocedo :What’s the most difficult cosplay you’ve ever done? (Craftsmanship, wearing of, ect)
Ivy Ann Crain :There are two: Demona from Gargoyles and Sheeva from Mortal Kombat.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult character makeup you’ve done?
Ivy Ann Crain : and Sheeva because I partially shaved my head for both, and Pinhead because it took me 5 hrs doing that makeup.
Leo Nocedo :What, in your opinion, makes a cosplayer a “pro” cosplayer?
Ivy Ann Crain : INTEGRITY, humility, craftsmanship, wholeheartness, and compassion. I don’t think numbers, popularity, or recognition make someone a “pro”. I know a lot of “pro” cosplayers with barely any following.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite part of cosplaying?
Ivy Ann Crain : I love becoming the character because I identify with most of the characters I do.
NocedoPhoto Media Group
NocedoPhoto Media Group is an innovative and creative consortium that unites photographers, writers, cosplayers, event promoters, vendors, costume and prop makers, and other creatives under one roof to use their collective skills to maximize their distribution and presence on digital media platforms. Their goal is to create a well-rounded and successful network for all involved.
