This week we are shining our spotlight on NYC Cosplayer Max Cat, AKA Spufflez (he/him/she/her)!
How long have you been a cosplayer?
I’ve been cosplaying since 2012, but the first time I made my own cosplay from scratch was in 2013.
What got you into cosplay?
My very first convention was New York Comic Con 2011. I saw some really amazing cosplayers during my time at the Javits Center, and that’s what really got me motivated to start cosplaying myself. I did buy a Halloween costume of Kiba Inuzuka from Naruto back during high school, but I didn’t really get into cosplay until after going to my first convention during undergrad.
Do you make, buy, or is it a combination?
I make some of my cosplays, but I’m not against buying them if they’re readily available. The older I’ve gotten, the less free time I have for crafting and sewing. I do enjoy a good sewing session with my friends, but if I want to cosplay as a popular character whose outfit is easily accessible, I’ll opt to buy it instead of making it myself. However, I do really enjoy modifying existing clothes for my cosplays. I’ll often use pieces from my wardrobe and change them up a bit so they work with the look I’m going for.
First cosplay?
If we’re counting Halloween costumes, then Kiba Inuzuka from Naruto. However, I would say that my first proper cosplay when I began going to conventions was Yukari Sakuragi from Another. That outfit was put together using clothes that I bought from both local stores and online shops. I used my real hair and glasses for that cosplay.
Latest cosplay?
My latest cosplay was Hilda from Pokémon Black and White. Most of what I used for that cosplay was bought, but I did paint both my shoes and my hat to make my outfit more accurate to canon. I’m looking forward to cosplaying as Hilda when I visit New York City later this year so I can get some photos that really scream “Unova.”
Favorite thing about being a cosplayer?
I love going to events and meeting new people who enjoy the same series as I do. Making friends in the cosplay community has been the most rewarding part of this hobby, by far. I’ve met some really amazing people over the years and have made friendships that have lasted well over a decade now. I’ll never not be amazed at how welcoming and kind the cosplay community is.
Least favorite thing?
Wanting to cosplay as so many different characters and having way too many ideas for projects, but not enough time or energy to get them all done. My list of dream cosplays continues to grow, but at the very least I’ll never get bored!
What do you do for work outside of cosplay?
I volunteer for a local anime convention and stream. I also dabble in photography and editing. I am disabled and spend a lot of time in and out of the doctor’s office, so I work on my own content whenever I get the chance.
What are your top 3 fandoms?
Only three?? When it comes to cosplay, Fairy Tail is definitely my top fandom. I met the majority of my convention friends at Fairy Tail photoshoots and meetups. Now if we’re talking about gaming, then Pokémon is most definitely my favourite fandom. I’ve met so many of my online friends through blogging about Pokémon and have been “the Pokémon girl” since my days in elementary school. If you get me started, I’ll never stop talking about Pokémon. As an anime fan, I would have to say that Naruto is my top fandom. Naruto was my very first manga back in middle school, and it holds a very special place in my heart. All three of these fandoms and the wonderful people in them have helped me get through very rough periods in my life, so they all mean quite a lot to me.
What cosplay are you planning next?
I want to finish up my Himiko Yumeno cosplay from Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony. Before I was hospitalized last year, my friend, Re-L Cosplay, and I were working on the special 10th anniversary outfits from Danganronpa. We got around halfway through making our cosplays before MAGFest, but due to health reasons I was unable to finish up Himiko. I’d like to complete her outfit and bring her with me to Anime Central this year!
What’s one piece of advice for new cosplayers?
It’s okay to make mistakes! Your very first cosplay isn’t going to be perfect, but that doesn’t take away from how incredible your outfit is going to make you feel when you put it on and wear it to that convention you’ve been dreaming about going to. You should be proud of the work that you put into your first project and wear it with pride. Cosplay is all about fun, so as long as you’re having a good time, you’re already winning.
Where can people find you on social media?
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Twitch, DeviantART and YouTube under the name Spufflez. I have a cosplay blog on Tumblr, too! You can find my cosplay blog under the username Mahoushojo. I also have a personal Twitter under the username Pyroar!
Below is a gallery of some of our featured subject’s cosplays!
