Cosplayer Interview

Cosplayer Of The Week: Ivy Ann Crain AKA Murderdoll Cosplay

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.

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