Name: Kristen Lanae
City: Minneapolis, MN
Twitter: www.twitter.com/kristenlanae
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristenlanaecosplay
Photographer(s): Myself and my sister Kayla Cantrell (www.facebook.com/misskayluuhscosplay)
What was your first Cosplay Experience?
My very first cosplay I made was Lara Croft, the version from the newest video game that’s out. I didn’t know how to sew or know what I was doing at all, but luckily her costume is super simple. She just wears normal clothes I already had, including a white and blue tank top and some cargo pants. So I just kind of threw it together from my closet. I didn’t actually wear that one to a convention but I had photos taken of it. Being my first time, it felt so awesome being in costume. I wasn’t at a convention but I had tons of fun running around in the park and pretending I was Tomb Raider, haha! It was a great experience even though the costume was no where near perfect.
How long have you been Cosplaying?
I have been cosplaying since the summer of 2013 so I’m still quite a newbie.
Who or What inspired you to take up Cosplaying?
I was inspired to Cosplay when I attended my very first comic convention. It was the 2013 Phoenix Comic Con. Before that, I had heard of Cosplay but didn’t really know much about it or have interest until I saw Cosplay in person! It just looked incredibly fun to get to dress as and be your favorite character for a day. Not to mention I’ve always been a crafty/artsy person so it seemed right up my alley. I made my very first cosplay a month after I went to that first con. I made a Lara Croft costume!
If you had to pick a favorite Cosplay you have worn or have seen someone else wear, what would it be?
Well out of the costumes I have worn, Babydoll from Sucker Punch is probably my favorite. I put so much time, money, and effort into that costume. Sucker Punch is also one of my all time favorite movies.
A favorite cosplay that someone else has worn is definitely FemShep! I recently just played the series for the first time so I’m completely obsessed with anything Mass Effect. I’m actually currently taking on my own FemShep costume at the moment. I can’t wait to complete this one!
If you had unlimited funds and resources, what Cosplay would you create?
I’d still be making my current dream project, FemShep. The only difference is that I’d probably buy and use higher quality materials for some of it if I had unlimited funds. I’d like to be able to use some worbla on parts or cast and mold custom parts but both of those materials are quite pricey. I’m sure after I make the initial version I’ll slowly upgrade and rebuild parts of it until it’s perfect (in my eyes)
What advice would you offer others who are aspiring Cosplayers?
The main thing people always say is keeping them from cosplaying is not having skills like sewing, painting, etc. My biggest advice is use Google! Seriously. You won’t believe the amount of information and tutorials out there on Cosplay. There are also insanely talented prop and costume makers who are putting out books/guides on how to do everything as well, such as Bill Doran and Kasumi Cosplay. Of course buying or commissioning a costume is always an option too. Don’t let people talk you down for purchasing rather than making a costume. You are allowed to Cosplay however you want! There is no wrong or right way.
To learn more about Kristin Lanae feel free to follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kristenlanae or her Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristenlanaecosplay
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