Cosplayer Interview

Cosplayer of the Week: Michael Stearns

Leo Nocedo : How did you discover cosplaying?
Michael Stearns : Cosplay didn’t exist when I was younger but I always had a passion for making outfit and dressing up i also got to enjoy dressing my daughters up as well, which later down the line my children invited me out to a comic convention and a whole world of opportunity opened up for me to create.
Leo Nocedo :What was your first cosplay?
Michael Stearns : Assassins creed
Leo Nocedo :Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
Michael Stearns : Im not one for contests I very much enjoy the love for the craft itself but my daughters have forced me into them on occasions
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer sewing, armor making, or wig working?
Michael Stearns : Armor making is my strong suit but I do all.
Leo Nocedo :Do you prefer to do photoshoots at cons or at specific locations?
Michael Stearns : I’ve done both but photoshoots at specific locations can really bring the character to life.
Leo Nocedo : Is there a type of character you cosplay frequently?
Michael Stearns :   Captain hook or a pirate, it’s a pirate life for me!
Leo Nocedo :What’s the most detailed cosplay you’ve ever done?
Michael Stearns : Probably my most recent with every cosplay I do I continue to challenge myself more each time.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever cosplayed with a family member?
Michael Stearns : My daughter and son in law dress up with at multiple events
Leo Nocedo :What are your go-to stores for cosplay materials/full cosplays?
Michael Stearns : Dollar stores, thrift stores and recyclables love making things out of nothing and saving money at the same time
Leo Nocedo :Do you prefer to buy pre-styled wigs or style your own?
Michael Stearns : Pre-styled is easier but I usually rock my own hair if I can.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever had someone mistake you for a different character?
Michael Stearns : All the time, but I think we’ve all experience that, but I kinda like it because it gives me the option to possibly reuse the outfit for something else.
Leo Nocedo :What’s the biggest con you’ve cosplayed at?
Michael Stearns : Comic con orlando or tampa tend to be the largest in my area
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer cosplaying characters with props, or characters that you don’t need to carry a prop around all day?
Michael Stearns : I love making props so I would say yes.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever lost a cosplay piece at a con? Yes. Its happens to the best of us.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever bought a cosplay piece at a con?
Michael Stearns : I prefer to make my own, but if I can’t replicate it I don’t mind supporting local businesses
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to cosplay solo or in a group?
Michael Stearns : I like both
Leo Nocedo : If you had a chance to meet your all-time favorite cosplayer, what would you say to them?
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever done a cosplay panel?
Michael Stearns : No
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy or make cosplays?
Michael Stearns : Definitely make!
Leo Nocedo : If you could tell your past self anything about cosplay, what would you say?
Michael Stearns : Start now, you will only get better with time.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult character makeup you’ve done?
Michael Stearns : Have not done makeup yet.
Leo Nocedo :: What, in your opinion, makes a cosplayer a “pro” cosplayer?
Michael Stearns : Anyone can cosplay and anyone can be a pro at cosplay depends on how you level your success some say a cosplayer is a pro if it makes you money, but I don’t think so I think a pro is someone who continues to actively improve their craft.
Leo Nocedo :What is your favorite part of cosplaying?.
Michael Stearns : Meeting such amazing people
Leo Nocedo : Make up your own question!
Michael Stearns : Do you need to be creative to cosplay?
Michael Stearns : anyone can learn creativity if they allow their imagination do so everything else is learned over time and you only improve once you start whats so amazing is that cosplay allows different peoples perspective of a character to be shown in what they choose to create and when you see the finished canvas that just allows more creation to be made. It’s what makes cosplaying so much fun

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