Leo Nocedo : How did you discover cosplaying?
David Mansfield : A friend of mine invited me to Metrocon in Tampa about 6 years ago. I never heard of cosplay before, so, figured why not sounds like fun. 3 days later I was hooked!
Leo Nocedo : What was your first cosplay?
David Mansfield : I attempted my own version of a Jedi Knight, wasn’t too bad but it was welcomed with open arms so to speak.
Leo Nocedo : What are your next 3 cosplay plans?
David Mansfield : For 2021 I’m doing a medieval Iron Man Knight, an Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. security agent based off of a Marvel mobile game and Red Gaurdian from the upcoming Black Widow movie.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
David Mansfield : Several…won a few lost a few
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer sewing, armor making, or wig working?
David Mansfield : Definately armor making! Props too
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to do photoshoots at cons or at specific locations?
David Mansfield : I like both. preferably specific locations.
Leo Nocedo : Is there a type of character you cosplay frequently?
David Mansfield : I’m well known for my Tony Stark / Iron Man cosplays
Leo Nocedo : Do you have any favorite cosplayers?
David Mansfield : My con family
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most detailed cosplay you’ve ever done?
David Mansfield : My MK 43 Iron Man suit…lots of time and $$$$ into that one!
Leo Nocedo : What are your top 3 craftsmanship tips?
David Mansfield : 1…measure twice – cut once….2> RESEARCH YOUR CHARACTER FOR DETAILS 3>take your time making things, mistakes will happen, learn from them and improve as you learn…experience will come soon enough.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay you’ve done?
David Mansfield : Tony Stark…who wouldn’t want to be a Genius, Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist?!
Leo Nocedo : What is your worst cosplay “horror” story?
David Mansfield : It was my first time at SyFy Bartow wearing my Iron Man suit. I had entered the cosplay contest and throughout the day my suit started falling apart and malfunctioning. I spent roughly half the day out of the trunk of my car fixing it, it rained and the humidity was terrible. No sooner I got things fixed & putting things on my faceplate on the helmet got caught and got ripped off breaking the hinges…I was beyond mad! Fixed that, day for cosplaying got wasted unfortunately, but, I did mange to get into the cosplay contest last minute and won best in show even with things still messed up!
Leo Nocedo : What’s your funniest cosplay story?
David Mansfield : There was a young lady who fan-girled out so hard thinking that I was actually Robert Downey Jr. She was literally freaking out! I tried to explain that I was just a cosplayer but her mind was made up! So I agreed to get some photos with her to make her happy…guess I was too convincing.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the best in-character interaction you’ve ever had?
David Mansfield : Meeting up with actual celebrity guests & them thinking I was actually RDJ.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever cosplayed with a family member?
David Mansfield : Only my con-family
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay photo of yourself?
David Mansfield : Me in my armor & a couple of Dr. Strange composites my friend did for me.
Leo Nocedo : What are your go-to stores for cosplay materials/full cosplays?
David Mansfield :Thrift stores! Google helps too.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy pre-styled wigs or style your own?
David Mansfield : I don’t wear wigs…too hot!
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever had someone mistake you for a different character?
David Mansfield : OMG yes! Several times!
Leo Nocedo : List all the cosplays you’ve done.
David Mansfield : Iron Man/Tony Stark, Dr. Strange, Stormtrooper, Xwing Pilot, Jedi, medieval King, Mediwval Knight, Stannis Baratheon from Game of Thrones, Medieval Iron Man Knight, Mario from Mario Kart, Ghostbuster, S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent, Star Trek Klingon Warrior, Jake Lonergan from Cowboys & Aliens movie, Steampunk Victorian Gentleman, Ready Player One character (me) & Percival Graves from Fantastic Beasts…think that covers it so far.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the biggest con you’ve cosplayed at?
David Mansfield : DRAGONCON!!
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer cosplaying characters with props, or characters that you don’t need to carry a prop around all day?
David Mansfield : Probably without but I don’t mind it either way.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever lost a cosplay piece at a con?
David Mansfield : Never…I’m very mindful of my stuff.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever bought a cosplay piece at a con?
David Mansfield : Yep…just a few that I couldn’t find in stores or online.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to cosplay solo or in a group?
David Mansfield : Definitely in groups!
Leo Nocedo : If you had a chance to meet your all-time favorite cosplayer, what would you say to them?
David Mansfield : Sorry I really don’t have one. If I did I’d probably just say nice job on things…never really thought about it to be honest.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever done a cosplay panel?
David Mansfield : A few
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy or make cosplays?
David Mansfield : Both
Leo Nocedo : If you could tell your past self anything about cosplay, what would you say?
David Mansfield : Get started cosplaying now! You’re going to discover a whole new world!
Leo Nocedo : What is your ultimate dream cosplay?
David Mansfield : Already done it… Iron Man
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult cosplay you’ve ever done? (Craftsmanship, wearing of, ect)
David Mansfield : Definitely my Iron Man armor…ughhh the struggle is so real!
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult character makeup you’ve done?
David Mansfield : Klingon Warrior
Leo Nocedo : What, in your opinion, makes a cosplayer a “pro” cosplayer?
David Mansfield : If you’re getting paid to do it…you’re pro status in my opinion
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite part of cosplaying?
David Mansfield : Getting to be someone else & just escaping the everyday chaos. It’s like a mini-vacation.
Leo Nocedo : Make up your own question!
David Mansfield : Would I ever give this up? NOPE! I will be doing this for the rest of my days. My only regret is not doing it sooner!
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.
