Leo Nocedo : How did you discover cosplaying?
Daisy Roth : I sort of always enjoyed cosplaying. I love Halloween and the Jewish holiday Purim. You also wear costumes on Purim. I also grew up across the street from an annual Renaissance Festival, which I frequented, and I went trick-or-treating into my twenties. After I had my son, I would make us superhero costumes to play in. One day someone told me what I was doing is called cosplay, which is a whole thing. And that brought to where I am today!
Leo Nocedo : What was your first cosplay?
Daisy Roth : The first cosplay I did after I found out it is called cosplay is Arkham Harley Quinn.https://www.daisychaincosplay.com/harleyquinn/images/arkham-harley-quinn/arkham-harley-quinn-03.jpg My first photoshoot was also Arkham Harley Quinn.https://www.daisychaincosplay.com/harleyquinn/images/arkham-harley-quinn/arkham-harley-quinn-02.jpg
Leo Nocedo : What are your next?
Daisy Roth : I am going to do a Piggy (from the Roblox game) for Thanksgiving. My son loves that game, and it was his idea. After that, I am not 100% sure. I would like to do a Cowgirl Harley Quinn. I think that would be cute, but I might change my mind. I also have an elf costume I made and have not taken pictures of yet. I would eventually like to do a Warrior Harley Quinn and maybe a Solider Girl or Venom.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
Daisy Roth : I do not enter too many contests of any kind. It just really isn’t my thing. However, I did enter Miss Comicfest and won! There was a talent portion, and I am good at contests with talent portions. I dressed as “Iron Daisy” (My original Iron Woman variant with a helmet made by <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/jessie_melero/“>Jessie Melaro</a>), and I moved my pecks in time to Iron Man by Black Sabbath. https://www.daisychaincosplay.com/irongirl-daisy/iron-man-inked-geeked-07.jpg Here are the judges reacting.https://www.daisychaincosplay.com/irongirl-daisy/FB_IMG_1460771004635.jpg
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer sewing, armor making, or wig working?
Daisy Roth : I like sewing and making hairpieces. I like to make armored stuff sometimes, but I don’t have the time to do a lot of armored cosplays. I don’t have a lot of tools, so it takes a while. I also hand sew costumes and use very affordable supplies without a lot of tools. If anyone thinks they can not afford to cosplay, reach out to me! After my son’s dad ran off with all the money and valuables, I was VERY poor for a moment. For $2.75, I made my son and I’s Halloween costumes.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to do photoshoots at cons or at specific locations?
Daisy Roth : I prefer studios or the beach, depending on the costume and the weather.
Leo Nocedo : Is there a type of character you cosplay frequently?
Daisy Roth :Yes! Harley Quinn. I have done many versions of Harley Quinn. There are a bunch on my website at Harley Quinn Cosplays. Suicide Squad Movie Harley QuinnPhoto by Don Cross Photographyhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/harleyquinn/images/suicide-squad-movie/harley-quinn-cosplay-05.jpg School Girl Harley QuinnPhoto by Fred Staten Studioshttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/harleyquinn/images/school-girl-harley-quinn/Harley-Quinn-School-Girl-02.jpg American Girl Harley Quinn(Taken by me in my bedroom)https://www.daisychaincosplay.com/harleyquinn/ Suicide Squad Comics Vol. 4 #3 Harley QuinnPhoto by Elite Imageshttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/harleyquinn/images/suicide-squad-comics/suicide-squad-comic-harley-quinn06.jpg 8: Do you have any favorite cosplayers? Yes! Sushii XhyvetteMe and Sushii Xhyvette at Dragon Conhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/street-fighter/images/20160905_171255.jpg Gothic SushiMe with Gothic Sushi going to Fetish Factory’s Coskink partyhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/borderlands-psycho/images/coskink-borderlands-psycho-02.jpg Ivy CosplayMe and Ivy CosplayPhoto by MC Illusionhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/pokemon/images/misty-and-female-ash-cosplay-02.jpg Princess LymariMe and Princess LymariPhotographer: Victorieux Photographyhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/vampirella/images/vampirellas-megacon-01.jpg
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most detailed cosplay you’ve ever done?
Daisy Roth : I made my son an FNAF Spring Bonnie head. As usual, I do not have cool tools, so getting it into the proper shape took some time. After shaping it, it was smooth sailing. I used one of those Christmas ornaments from Michaels that open into two parts as the eyes. I painted the ornaments and used the LED lights from Dollar Tree Halloween spiders to have the eyes flash. And I put yellow felt over the foam with Loctite Spray Adhesive.
Leo Nocedo : What are your top 3 craftsmanship tips?
Daisy Roth : 1) You do not have to do things the way the “cool kids” do it. As you can see from #9, I use many inexpensive and easily accessible items to make cosplays. With a little creativity, you can figure out how to turn household items into beautiful cosplays. I also think it is more fun that way. It is like a hidden object puzzle game. 2) I like making stencils to trace. I Google an image of the shape I want, then using ctrl+ and ctrl- I get it the right size. With a soft pen that won’t damage the screen, I place copy paper on the computer screen and trace it. Then I glue it on cardstock and use an Exacto knife to cut it out. You don’t even need to use a printer or printer ink! But if you prefer, feel free to print it instead of tracing. 3) If you are on a tight budget, felt is king! It is very affordable, and you can even paint it to achieve different looks. I made the gold bat logo on this Dark Knight Batgirl costume out of felt. I used the stencil method in #2 then traced the stencil onto the felt. I used the thicker felt, that was $1 per sheet (if you buy by the yard, it is a lot less). Then I painted it with gold fabric paint that cost about $1.https://www.daisychaincosplay.com/batgirl/images/dark-knight-batgirl-08.jpg
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay you’ve done?
Daisy Roth : It is tough to pick one. Can I pick the top three? School Girl Harley QuinnPhoto by Fred Staten Studioshttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/harleyquinn/images/school-girl-harley-quinn/Harley-Quinn-School-Girl-01.jpg Borderlands PsychoPhoto by MC Illusionhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/borderlands-psycho/images/female-borderlands-psycho-mc-05.jpg Lady Deadpool (Even though I didn’t make it. I was painted.)Photo by MC IllusionBodypaint by JP Designshttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/lady-deadpool/images/lady-deadpool-body-paint-03.jpg
Leo Nocedo : What is your worst cosplay “horror” story?
Daisy Roth : I can’t think of one. I think I am too happy a person. There seems always to be some issue with a costume at conventions, but I think solving it on the fly is part of the convention fun! There was this one time I brought a new boyfriend with me to Dragon Con. I was also there with a bunch of my cosplay friends, thank g-d! He was crazy and got jealous of the attention I received. When I danced on the pole at the Cosplay Deviants after-party, he went mad. I drink once every like 1-4 years, and that night I drank. So I am drunk, and we end up breaking up. (Me at Dragon Con as Stripper Misty)https://www.daisychaincosplay.com/pokemon/images/misty-pokemon-cosplays-02.jpg I was all confused the whole time. I was talking to my friends about it, and he came out and started yelling extremely nasty things at me. My friends broke it up and said he couldn’t stay at the air BnB with us because they did not feel safe. He changed our flights to go home early the next mornings, but my friends told me not to worry; they would get me home. I could stay! The night of the breakup, I was drunken sad, and mopey for about two hours. Then it hit me! I am at Dragon Con, I came to party, and I do not go away to conventions without my son very often. I am not going to let some ass ruin my trip. I had the trip planned with my friends before I even met him. I made the decision not to be sad and to have fun. And I had a blast! Best way to get over a breakup!
Leo Nocedo : What’s your funniest cosplay story?
Daisy Roth : I think the breakup I discussed in #12 is probably the funniest. Well, if, like me, you have a good sense of humor, it is funny.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the best in-character interaction you’ve ever had?
Daisy Roth : I had a first date right after a photoshoot and showed up in Harley Quinn cosplay. I didn’t even think about it until I arrived and he looked scared. After we ate lunch, he invited me to the comic book store. He bought me a bunch of stuff at the store but never called me again. I think he was scared and just bought me things that he thought would pacify me, so I didn’t hurt him.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever cosplayed with a family member?
Daisy Roth : Yes! With my son. Many times!
Leo Nocedo :What is your favorite cosplay photo of yourself?
Daisy Roth : At the moment, I like this one a lot:https://www.daisychaincosplay.com/harleyquinn/images/sex-metal-harley/sex-metal-harley-quinn-08.jpg If that one is too risque, I can go with this one:https://www.daisychaincosplay.com/harley-quinn-school-girl.jpg
Leo Nocedo :What are your go-to stores for cosplay materials/full cosplays?
Daisy Roth : Michael’s, Joanne Fabrics, Dollar Store, and Walmart.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy pre-styled wigs or style your own?
Daisy Roth : I prefer to get weave and style the hair myself, but I use pre-styled wigs sometimes for the sake of time. I have a small head and feel like wigs do not look very natural on me. Here is an example of hair I styled myself:https://www.daisychaincosplay.com/fantasy/halloween-daenerys.png Here is a wig:Photo by BN Photographyhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/vampirella/images/vampirella-cosplay-01.jpg
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever had someone mistake you for a different character?
Daisy Roth : Yes. At work this year, we had a superhero day a couple of weeks before Halloween. If you dressed up as your favorite superhero, you got entered into a raffle for a paid day off. I wanted to do something not too complicated because I am not a morning person. I did not want to spend an hour doing hair and makeup. I used a black wig and went as Zombie Tramp from holiday cover. I got mistaken for Harley Quinn. https://www.daisychaincosplay.com/zombie-tramp/images/PicsArt_10-05-04.52.23.jpg However, the story does have a happy ending. I won the paid day off!
Leo Nocedo : List all the cosplays you’ve done.
Daisy Roth : I don’t know if I can remember all, but I will try to think of as many as I can. 1)Harley Quinn Photo by NOSP https://www.daisychaincosplay.com/harleyquinn/images/asylum-harley-quinn/escape-asylum-harley-quinn-03.jpg 2) Lady DeadpoolPhoto by MC Illusionhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/lady-deadpool/images/lady-deadpool-body-paint-02.jpg 3) Borderlands PsychoPhoto by MC Illusionhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/borderlands-psycho/images/female-borderlands-psycho-mc-06.jpg 4) PiratePhoto by Adam Richhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/piratevixen/images/busty-pirate-vixen-cosplay-07.jpg 5) Zombie Tramphttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/zombie-tramp/images/zombietramp-132-scaled.jpg 6) Mistyhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/pokemon/images/misty-pokemon-cosplay-03.jpg 7) Detective Pikachuhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/pokemon/images/female-pikachu-body-paint-04.jpg 8) Wonder WomanPhotographer: Fred Staten StudiosRe-edit: TREXMANhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/wonder-woman/images/wonder-woman-warrior-04.jpg 9) RobinPhotographer: BN Photographyhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/batgirl/images/robin-girl-02.jpg 10) Dark Knight BatgirlPhotographer: Mike Bloodhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/batgirl/images/batgirl-the-killing-joke-01.jpg 11) VampirellaPhotographer: BN Photographyhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/vampirella/images/vampirella-cosplay-03.jpg 12) Slave LeiaPhotographer: Daniel Jameshttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/starwars/images/slave-leia/thick-slave-leia-cosplay-06.jpg 13) Bikini Storm TrooperPhotographer: MIG Photography Worldhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/starwars/images/stormtrooper/beach-bikini-storm-tropper-03.jpg 14) Darth QuinnPhotographer: Daniel Jameshttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/starwars/images/darth-quinn/darth-harley-quinn-cosplay-06.jpg 15) Jessica RabbitPhotographer: BN Photographyhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/jessica-rabbit-cosplays/jessica-rabbit-cosplay/jessica-rabbit-03.jpg 16) Iron Daisyhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/irongirl-daisy/FB_IMG_1459925244603.jpg 17) Mario 1-up GirlPhoto by Don Cross Photographyhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/gaming/mario-cosplay-one-up-girl/mario-one-up-girl-02.jpg 18) Fox https://www.daisychaincosplay.com/mario-sonic/images/20191031_204548-scaled.jpg 19) Harley Quinn Fairyhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/fantasy/12799376_1580320502284582_6160654620737098106_n.jpg 20) Evehttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/fantasy/PicsArt_05-21-12.21.27.jpg 21) Halfling Wizardhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/fantasy/PicsArt_03-12-02.39.19-scaled.jpg 22) Cammy QuinnPhoto by Don Cross Photographyhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/gaming/street-fighter-cosplay/ 23) Punk Rock School GirlPhoto by Don Cross Photographyhttps://www.daisychaincosplay.com/punk-rock-school-girl/punk-rock-school-girl-03.jpg
Leo Nocedo : What’s the biggest con you’ve cosplayed at?
Daisy Roth : Dragon Con
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer cosplaying characters with props, or characters that you don’t need to carry a prop around all day?
Daisy Roth : I like to use guns as props. I don’t know why. In real life, I never used a gun.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever lost a cosplay piece at a con?
Daisy Roth : Probably, but nothing I can remember.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever bought a cosplay piece at a con?
Daisy Roth : I have bought cosplay makeup at a con.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to cosplay solo or in a group?
Daisy Roth : A group! Everything is more fun with friends!
Leo Nocedo : If you had a chance to meet your all-time favorite cosplayer, what would you say to them?
Daisy Roth : Wanna do a photoshoot with me?
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever done a cosplay panel?
Daisy Roth : No.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy or make cosplays?
Daisy Roth : I prefer to make them, but also buy them.
Leo Nocedo : If you could tell your past self anything about cosplay, what would you say?
Daisy Roth : Don’t stop!
Leo Nocedo : What is your ultimate dream cosplay?
Daisy Roth : A Cylon from the Sci-fi channel reboot of Battlestar Galactica
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult character makeup you’ve done?
Daisy Roth : Pikachu was tough to get looking right. Harley Quinns can take a while, but I have a lot of practice and am pretty good at it.
Leo Nocedo : What, in your opinion, makes a cosplayer a “pro” cosplayer?
Daisy Roth : Making money… Like a pro-athlete gets paid to be an athlete.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite part of cosplaying?
Daisy Roth : Meeting fun and open-minded people with similar interests that I can play with.
Leo Nocedo : Make up your own question!
Daisy Roth : Who is your favorite superhero and why?Zombie Tramp. Because when a dude gets too handsy with her, she just eats him.
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.
