Leo Nocedo : How did you discover cosplaying?
Heidi Vavrik : Through my husband and local Comic Book Store : Dark Side Comics and Games
Leo Nocedo : What was your first cosplay?
Heidi Vavrik : Harley Quinn-I would go full makeup and modern day clothes to complete the look. I didn’t really do a Movie/Comic accurate costume.
Leo Nocedo : What are your next 3 cosplay plans?
Heidi Vavrik : Lilo from Lilo and Stitch, Angel Dust from Deadpool, and my Sith OC. I also have a couple more DC one’s on my list 
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
Heidi Vavrik : Yes, Clearwater Comic Con 2018 I believe. My group was also on stage at TBCC 2019.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer sewing, armor making, or wig working?
Heidi Vavrik : I would say sewing. Right now I am doing that by hand because I don’t have a machine yet. I do want to start learning Armor making though. I would love to do my character from World of Warcraft: Deathhealer an Undead Shadowpriest.
Leo Nocedo :Do you prefer to do photoshoots at cons or at specific locations?
Heidi Vavrik : I would say Specific Locations, but depending on the Convention area….the Photographer can find some awesome spots nearby.
Leo Nocedo :Is there a type of character you cosplay frequently?
Heidi Vavrik : Lark- Bodyguard of Oswald Cobblepot (The Penguin)
Leo Nocedo : Do you have any favorite cosplayers?
Heidi Vavrik : Too many to list. Most are from Florida. I would def say….my husband Ozzie J Cosplay, Everyone in my Family The Gotham Underground, and many of the awesome people I have met at Conventions of Florida…I don’t want to leave people out. Everyone has inspired me in some way!
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most detailed cosplay you’ve ever done?
Heidi Vavrik : Lark- I personalized my vest, I also personalized my gloves and Hat for a Steampunk version. I like to have variety with her.
Leo Nocedo : What are your top 3 craftsmanship tips?
Heidi Vavrik : 1. Do your research! Don’t be afraid to watch some vids, ask questions in the Cosplay community or try it on a “scrap” piece before commiting. 2. Don’t get frustrated. If you do take a break! 3. KEEP YOUR STUFF ORGANIZED. So you can always find it and you don’t end up spending more money on things then you need to. I can’t tell you how many times i’ve had to buy scissors because I lose those all the time!
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay you’ve done?
Heidi Vavrik : Baby Doll from DC animated series. People love to see her!
Leo Nocedo :What is your worst cosplay “horror” story?
Heidi Vavrik : I guess a contact fell out and it was not noticeable. It was only a slight variation of eye color…so no one noticed unless they were close up. The style made them kind of a grey/black so I didn’t know until I was taking my contacts out. I kept poking my eye with my finger only to realize there was no lens! I started to freak out because I thought it may have gotten lodged up in my eyelid or stuck somewhere I couldn’t see in my eye. I didn’t have any pain and I got so scared I googled how to get out…well nothing showed up. I still haven’t found the contact but my eye is good. Now I am a bit sad I need to replace the contact but so Thankful it wasn’t a serious situation.
Leo Nocedo : What’s your funniest cosplay story?
Heidi Vavrik : Anytime I am with my Cosplay family and we get to make Tiktoks or have a Dance Party!
Leo Nocedo : What’s the best in-character interaction you’ve ever had?
Heidi Vavrik : I got invited to do a Cosplay event with a friend at Barnes and Noble. I dressed as Harley Quinn and when I came in everyone’s reaction was amazing. There were lots of kids and we played trivia games, they asked questions and we had a great time. It made me feel warm and fuzzy and having them smile and take pics with me really helped me with my confidence.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever cosplayed with a family member?
Heidi Vavrik : Yes. All the time!!!
Leo Nocedo :What is your favorite cosplay photo of yourself?
Heidi Vavrik : I have a couple one by Ego Photography and One by Cat’s Meow Tampa.
Leo Nocedo :What are your go-to stores for cosplay materials/full cosplays?
Heidi Vavrik : Joann’s Fabrics, Michaels, Etsy
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy pre-styled wigs or style your own?
Heidi Vavrik : Pre styled. I was never good with Hair Styling.
Leo Nocedo :Have you ever had someone mistake you for a different character?
Heidi Vavrik : Ya Baby Doll before I got her curly wig. I was using a Blonde Harley Wig and people would call me Harley Quinn or even Wednesday Adams because of the dress.
Leo Nocedo :List all the cosplays you’ve done.
Heidi Vavrik : Harley Quinn, Baby Doll (BTAS), Lark (BTAS), Lady Gehenna (OC), Inquisitor Nali of the Sith (OC), Dr. C4T3PI114R (OC) and Yennifer from the Witcher -still working on her though.
Leo Nocedo :What’s the biggest con you’ve cosplayed at?
Heidi Vavrik : Megacon and TBCC
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer cosplaying characters with props, or characters that you don’t need to carry a prop around all day?
Heidi Vavrik : Props helps with adding variety in pictures.
Leo Nocedo :Have you ever lost a cosplay piece at a con?
Heidi Vavrik : Not yet
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever bought a cosplay piece at a con?
Heidi Vavrik : Yes! I love to support Vendors!
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to cosplay solo or in a group?
Heidi Vavrik : In a group for sure!
Leo Nocedo : If you had a chance to meet your all-time favorite cosplayer, what would you say to them?
Heidi Vavrik : I’ve met a few and I just said “ Hi, I love your Cosplays and Thank you for bringing my favs to life!”
Leo Nocedo :Have you ever done a cosplay panel?
Heidi Vavrik : Not by myself but with my Family yes.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy or make cosplays?
Heidi Vavrik : A little bit of Both. I would love to make everything…but its nice to support others as well or make it so if others like it they can get it too.
Leo Nocedo :If you could tell your past self anything about cosplay, what would you say?
Heidi Vavrik : YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE IT SOONER!
Leo Nocedo :What is your ultimate dream cosplay?
Heidi Vavrik : Maleficent….Im piecing her together. Also my Cybergoth Harley Quinn.
Leo Nocedo :What’s the most difficult cosplay you’ve ever done? (Craftsmanship, wearing of, ect)
Heidi Vavrik : The Fur on Ozzie’s Jacket! Most difficult to wear…..None of them yet!
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult character makeup you’ve done?
Heidi Vavrik : Harley Quinn. Very time consuming!
Leo Nocedo : What, in your opinion, makes a cosplayer a “pro” cosplayer?
Heidi Vavrik : One that can not only embody the Character but one that can also have the charisma that you want to see them again and again!
Leo Nocedo :What is your favorite part of cosplaying?
Heidi Vavrik : Dressing up, Getting out of my head, and seeing friends. I also love it when I can make someone’s day because of it.
Heidi Vavrik :If you want to get into Cosplay. Where do you begin? 1. Pick your character…someone you can relate to on a personal level or you are a big fan of! 2. Find something in your closet, a Halloween costume you can alter, or you can buy a costume/outfit and bring your character to life! 3. Go to a Free Comic Book Day, A local Cosplay Event or a Small Con and show it off! 4. As time goes on you can alter, upgrade, invest, craft and add to your character…or you can choose another. This process at least gets you exposed and won’t overwhelm you!
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.
