Name: Liz Vickery aka Leaping Lizard Cosplay
City: Key West, FL
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeapingLizardCo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leapinglizardcosplay
What was your first Cosplay Experience?
It all started back in 2006: my friends were doing a One Piece cosplay group for Metrocon, and they asked me to join. Chopper, being the adorable companion he is, was an instant choice. I didn’t really understand what cosplaying was, but after experiencing it, I fell in love.
Here I was, surrounded by like-minded people – people who loved the same things I did. It was so easy to just walk up and start a conversation with anyone; being an extrovert, I loved it. Before college, I knew only a few people who shared the same interests as me, and even in college, I still had a small group. It was the first time I was really surrounded by thousands of my fellow nerds, geeks and freaks. I felt welcomed instantly, more so than anywhere else in my life. No one judged me or called me names. If anything, I got tennis elbow from the multitude of high fives. 😀 It didn’t matter if I was a woman, a cosplayer, a gamer, an anime enthusiast – all that mattered was that I was accepted for me; there was no one questioning me or what I did. As a result, cosplay has turned into my personal safe haven for everything I hold dear and cherish.
So I ask you, “How could someone not fall in love so quickly?” How long have you been Cosplaying? Since 2007. I’ve made a couple of cosplays here and there, but I’ve been really gunning to make this a full time gig since June of last year.
What is your favorite cosplay you have worn/created?
My favorite cosplay that I have worn, hands down, was Freakazoid. From a costuming point it was a very simple cosplay and was very low stress to make. As a kid I adored the show. To just be able to run around like a big goof screaming at the top of my lungs was the best. Others saw me and even participated. People were running along side of me, some were yelling out quotes, and others even reenacted dialogue with me. That’s one of the beauties of cosplay that you can really just let yourself go. For that experience, I have to say Freakazoid was my favorite to wear.
My favorite cosplay that I created would have to be Succubus Catherine. The time I spent making her, made me incredibly attached. I loved the final result and I was ecstatic that so many people appreciated her as much as I did.
If you had unlimited resources, what Cosplay would you create?
I say that it would easily have to be Screaming Mantis from the video game Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. I want to make the full mechanical suit on stilts with robotic arms moving and manipulating the two puppets. I’d also like to have the outfit to allow me to easily come out of it, while wearing the full screaming mantis body suit. It’s definitely a dream at this moment, but I’m slowly building up my skills to complete her cosplay one day.
What advice would you offer others trying to break into Cosplay?
DO NOT LET ANYTHING HOLD YOU BACK! You are a beautiful individual, and cosplay anyone you desire. Your physical appearance is an art form and does not limit you to choosing things. Cosplay is about becoming anyone or anything. If anyone tells you otherwise, brush it off.
I tell everyone to do me one favor and make sure to have fun! If you aren’t having fun, you are doing it all wrong. Take a step back, breathe, and carry on.
I have to also say to someone exploring cosplay that you must understand that this community is very accepting, and it doesn’t matter if you purchase your cosplay, modify clothing, or sew it from scratch. It’s about meeting like-minded people and having fun.
And lastly, if you’ve got any questions, then come harass me! 😀 I love to help anyone and everyone in this amazing hobby. If I can’t find the answer, I can find someone who can.
Here is a list of some of my sites. Leaping Lizard contact information:
Store: http://leapinglizardcosplay.storenvy.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leapinglizardcosplay
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeapingLizardCo
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/leapinglizardcosplay
Instagram: http://instagram.com/LeapingLizardCosplay
Tumblr: http://leapinglizardcosplay.tumblr.com
Deviant Art: http://leapinglizardcosplay.deviantart.com
Website: http://leapinglizardcosplay.wordpress.com/
Final thought..
Geeks with Wives, I’d like to thank you for having me! And as someone trying to break into this industry, I truly appreciate any and all the help I can get. I’m truly humbled by this chance. One of my personal goals is to paint this community in the most positive light. I enjoyed this opportunity to share my passion and experiences with you and your readers. Thank you for your time!
Interested in being a Featured Cosplayer? Email casey@geekswithwives.com!