This week we’re shining our spotlight on NJ cosplayer Flora, AKA sunfloradesuu (she/her)!
How long have you been a cosplayer?
I started cosplaying in 2012, but only took it more seriously in 2013, literally after I got married and returned from my honeymoon! I was determined to throw something together for Otakon that year! (as Maya Fey from Ace Attorney)
What got you into cosplay?
When I attended my first Otakon in 2007, I was enthralled and loved seeing all the cosplayers. I took many photos of the cosplayers on my small digital camera, but never felt brave enough to cosplay myself until half a decade later. Also having an adult job made cosplaying a more realistic hobby.
Do you make, buy, or is it a combination? I do a mix of both!
Initially I didn’t really know where I could purchase cosplays besides eBay, and was worried about sizing and quality (to be honest I still am haha). So I taught myself how to use a sewing machine, and struggled my way through making some of my cosplays. YouTube and online tutorials were a great help!
First cosplay?
Aya Shameimaru from Touhou Project! My earliest version consisted of lightly modified clothes, and a few accessories and props that my sister and I put together. I have since upgraded/remade that cosplay a few times at this point. I love cosplaying Aya since she is a photographer, and I enjoy roaming conventions and taking photos!
Latest cosplay?
My latest cosplay I made was a crossdressing version of Kanji Tatsumi from Persona 4! The outfit is essentially the iconic Marilyn Monroe white dress, and I didn’t really expect people to get what I’m dressing up as unless they knew what happened in the game, and stood with my friends also in Persona 4 cosplay haha. It was a very quick sewing project I started after Otakon and completed in time for AnimeNYC.
Favorite thing about being a cosplayer?
My favorite thing about being a cosplayer is being able to express my love of a series/character. It also creates an opportunity to connect with others who also share the same interests and make new friends! I love getting excited about my favorite fandoms with other people!
Least favorite thing?
Getting ready and putting on makeup. Prior to cosplaying, I had very minimal experience with makeup. It took me many attempts to get the hang of applying eyeliner. Trying to look presentable is hard.
What are your top 3 fandoms?
My top favorite 3 fandoms are Fire Emblem (mainly Three Houses), Persona (specifically 3-5!), and Touhou Project! ….Also no one asked but my current brain rot is Idolish7!
What cosplay are you planning next?
I have a lot of ideas but I haven’t narrowed it down at the moment. I do plan to remake my Fire Emblem Three Houses Ignatz vest at the very least, since the initial one I made was rushed and does not fit super well.
What’s one piece of advice for new cosplayers?
Plan ahead, take it easy, and have fun with it! If you want to make friends, go to meetups of your favorite series. Even if you’re not wearing the cosplay from that series, you can still bond over sharing a common interest! If you’ve made your cosplays, try entering them in contests, even if you’re not super confident in your cosplay. You will meet plenty of new people and make great connections!
Where can people find you on social media?
My IG is sunfloradesuu, and Twitter is Sunfloradesu! If you are interested in checking the hall cosplay photos, feel free to check my linktree ([also] found on my IG!) to all the links to my google gallery of photos! You might find yourself in those! 
I have photos going back as far as Otakon 2007!
Below is a gallery of some of our featured subject’s cosplays! (All photo credits use the photographer’s Instagram handle.)
