This week we’re shining our spotlight on Pittsburgh cosplayer Bonsmara, AKA Pixxi (she/they)!
How long have you been a cosplayer?
I’ve been cosplaying in general for around 11 years, but I started taking cosplay really seriously about 6 years ago!
What got you into cosplay?
I used to attend conventions with my dad back in the day and would always be obsessed with seeing cosplayers in their stunning costumes. Also being generally into geekier things really helped! DC comics and movies are what really pushed me into cosplaying though!
Do you make, buy, or is it a combination?
It’s a pretty decent combination! Being a mid/plus-sized cosplayer often means that things are not being made in my size, which leads me to thrift a lot of my cosplay materials, as well as sewing and crafting the rest!
First cosplay?
My first cosplay that wasn’t an OC (original character) was a female version of Castiel from Supernatural!
Latest cosplay?
I did a couple of new cosplays for the most recent convention I attended, which were Angel Panty Anarchy from Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt (left on desktop, above on mobile), and Queen Chrysalis from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
Favorite thing about being a cosplayer?
My favorite thing about being a cosplayer is making new friends! At my core, I’m an immensely anxious and socially awkward person. Cosplaying allows me to pretend to be someone else, which is super cool. It helps me to step out of my shell, and I’m so grateful to have met so many amazing people through cosplaying and conventions!
Least favorite thing?
My least favorite thing about being a cosplayer is how frustrating it often is to find cosplays in my size. It upsets me not only for myself, but also for other cosplayers who are my size or bigger, who may not have the means to make their own cosplays.
What do you do for work outside of cosplay?
I work fulltime as a bookseller at a used book store! On the side, I also do cosplay photography, as well as doing the social media/marketing for Underworld Productions (my partner and I’s production company!).
What are your top 3 fandoms?
Tough question! Right now, I’d have to say Chainsaw Man, Lollipop Chainsaw, and horror movies!
What cosplay are you planning next?
I have a few cosplays I’m planning on doing next! Some ones I’m really excited for are Murdoc Niccals (Gorillaz), Karlach (Baldur’s Gate 3), and a revamp of my Red Hood cosplay (DC Comics)!
What’s one piece of advice for new cosplayers?
It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a ton of money or materials; just go for it! A lot of my favorite cosplays I’ve done have started as closet cosplays, or have been super low-budget all around! Also, try not to compare yourself to more popular cosplayers! We are all amazing in our own right!
Where can people find you on social media?
You can find me on Instagram! @bonsmaracos for cosplay, and @bonsmaraphotog for cosplay photography! I also have a TikTok, @bombsmara, but I use that pretty infrequently!
Below is a gallery of some of our featured subject’s cosplays! (All photo and cosplayer credits use the photographer/cosplayer’s Instagram handle.)
