This week we are shining our spotlight on NY/NJ cosplayer Carly, AKA Shibalove (they/them)!
How long have you been a cosplayer?
Since 2012!
What got you into cosplay?
I loved seeing cosplays, specifically Avatar: The Last Airbender cosplays, back on DeviantART. I thought it was so cool how people could bring characters to life and I wanted to try that too!
Do you make, buy, or is it a combination?
Definitely a combination. I love making props but I’m not great at sewing, so I buy full costumes, alter existing clothes, or commission people for the outfits. I make the props and style my own wigs though!
First cosplay?
Fire Nation Toph from Avatar!
Latest cosplay?
I think my Meowth gijinka is the newest one? And I also revamped my Flapjack [from The Owl House] (right on desktop, above on mobile) so I could have wings!
Favorite thing about being a cosplayer?
I love the art of bringing a character to life through cosplay, I think it’s so cool! And also of course the people I’ve met through the hobby, I’ve made some of the greatest friends and found a really wonderful relationship because of cosplay.
Least favorite thing?
A lot of people don’t seem to follow the “cosplay is not consent” mindset, even within the community. People need to be more respectful to each other.
What do you do for work outside of cosplay?
I currently work for a custom sports apparel company.
What are your top 3 fandoms?
Pokémon, The Owl House, and K Project!
What cosplay are you planning next?
That one’s a surprise that I’ll be debuting at Kogaracon in May! Other than that I don’t have any solid plans, just ideas of what I’d like to do!
What’s one piece of advice for new cosplayers?
Cosplay the characters you want to cosplay, please don’t feel pressure to follow trends just to please the algorithms. Cosplay is a lot more fun when you’re passionate about it and can enjoy it as a hobby for yourself!
Where can people find you on social media?
Shibalove_Cosplay on Instagram and Tiktok! I also have an art account on Instagram, which is Shibalove_Art
Below is a gallery of some of our featured subject’s cosplays! (All photo credits use the photographer’s Instagram handle.)
