This week we’re shining our spotlight on NC cosplayer Ink, AKA the_rainbow_suspenders (they/them)!
How long have you been a cosplayer?
Since 2014!
What got you into cosplay?
I genuinely don’t remember, I know my friend mentioned cosplay at one point in high school but I think I kind of went down the rabbit hole myself finding out what it was. Halloween was my favorite and I loved dressing up any time I could as a kid so this was perfect.
Do you make, buy, or is it a combination?
Both! I’ve enjoyed making everything a lot more recently, I used to just make my props and alter bought pieces of clothing. But now I’ve made my more recent costumes from scratch and I’ve totally fallen in love with making them myself.
First cosplay?
Loki! My dad made most of it.
Latest cosplay?
Papa Emeritus I. Incredibly proud of it too!
Favorite thing about being a cosplayer?
Meeting people, having an excuse to dress up in costume, and being able to bring my original characters to life. Also, seeing people’s faces light up when they see someone cosplaying their favorite character. I remember I was Doc Ock at a comic convention and these two giant muscular dudes saw me and started absolutely freaking out over my costume like they were kids again and it was so silly and beautiful! I’ll never forget that.
Least favorite thing?
If your cosplay isn’t perfectly canon, you get crap for it. Not a fan of that at all. I love when people get creative with their cosplays, it’s so cute.
What do you do for work outside of cosplay?
I actually do commissions for costumes currently
What are your top 3 fandoms?
Ghost (the band), Resident Evil, and Steam Powered Giraffe
What cosplay are you planning next?
An all white and gold ghost/spirit Papa Emeritus III and a renaissance Papa Emeritus III for my local renfest. Also some versions of Papa Nihil.
What’s one piece of advice for new cosplayers?
Don’t let a bad experience discourage you from cosplaying. My Doc Ock was a DISASTER, I almost cried in the parking deck because everything that could’ve gone wrong went wrong. It legitimately made me want to quit because I’d worked so hard and it seemed like it was all for nothing. But I took a step back and realized how much I really learned making the arms and even though I wasn’t happy with them, they were still pretty cool. Also, don’t be scared to try new things. The very first thing I ever sewed on my sewing machine was my Papa Emeritus III chasuble. I had no clue what I was doing, I’d never made my own costume like that before and I was absolutely terrified the entire time- I’m talking multiple meltdowns. But I’ll tell you what, that costume is one of my favorite things I’ve ever made, and it made me realize how much I enjoy sewing. If you think “I can’t make that” then try anyway, you’d be surprised.
