Name: Rachel “Reilena” Day
Location: Orange County, CA, USA
Instagram: @reilena
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReilenaCosplay
Photographer(s): Saffels Photography, MNL Photography, Anna Cosplay Photography, Antony, Gomes Photographe, Greg De Stephano Photography, Zack Podratz Photography and Five Rings Photography.
What was your first Cosplay experience?
My first slight attempt at maybe cosplaying was at Blizzcon 2007. I knew nothing of cosplay at all I just saw some people dressed up at a convention I went to once and decided to take a stab at it with one of my friends. I didn’t realize that you were supposed to actually make a game-specific character, so my friend and I just made blue and green accented elf-looking outfits!
They didn’t look like WoW elves at all, but we had a blast anyways. I wouldn’t cosplay again after that until PAX Prime 2013.
How long have you been Cosplaying?
Technically since October 2007, but really more like August 2013.
Who or what inspired you to take up Cosplaying?
The person who bought me back to cosplay after my wild and uninformed attempts in 2007 was my sister-in-law, Doom Princess Cosplay! She really inspired me to get my stuff together and try this whole convention thing out again. We cosplay a lot together even now and she truly is my inspiration for all things cosplay. We keep each other going!
If you had to pick a favorite Cosplay you have worn, or have seen someone else wear, what would it be?
My favorite cosplay that I have worn personally is probably one of the least technically difficult costumes I’ve made, my Mad Max inspired outfit. I’ve never felt as badass as I did in that costume out in that desert riding along on that truck full of flame throwers. Guh! Words cannot describe the feeling.
My favorite cosplay that someone else has worn is a really difficult question to answer. So many of my friends and role models make such amazing costumes that really inspire me to keep reaching to do better. To name a few, Meagan Marie’s Gladiator Wonder Woman is likely my favorite version of the character ever. Doom Princess’ Skeleton King was fantastic. I love that no one knew it was a girl under all her makeup and armor, flawless! And just to call out one more amazing crafter and costume is Henchmen Props’ Reaper.
I’ve seen the level of detail and care he has taken with that costume every step of the way and I am always impressed.
If you had unlimited funds and resources, what Cosplay would you create?
If I had unlimited resources I would want to make a full Zerg Style Kerrigan from StarCraft. She has been my favorite female in a video game for a very long time now and I would love to do her justice. Wow, those skeletal bug-like wings and the creep-covered body suit. That would be my dream. Maybe it will happen someday.
What advice would you offer to those who are aspiring Cosplayers?
First things first, do this because you love it. Don’t reach for fame, reach for fun. As long as you are truly have fun with it, this world will open up so many great opportunities to you. Passion is everything in art. Love what you create!
To learn more about Reilena Cosplay, follow her on Instagram: @reilena and check out her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ReilenaCosplay
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