We recently connected with Matthew Leininger and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Matthew with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic comes from my father! He always taught me that you get what you put into things!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Matthew Leininger and I am a professional cosplayer under the name Wyte Cheddar! I have been currently doing this for just over a year and it has been a great gift in my life. The friends that I have made along the way have not only encouraged me to not only explore possibilities that I never thought possible but to also strive to be the best me when it comes to expressing my creativity! This has helped me to push pass the anxiety and fears that I have when it comes to putting myself on display. It gives my inner child a sense of accomplishment knowing that another child is interested in doing what I do! Currently I have been published in two magazines and I am working on several collaborations with other prominent cosplayers and I hope to get to a point next year where I begin becoming a guest at conventions!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
One skill for sure that was impactful in my journey was knowing your craft. With this it could involve learning to sew an outfit together with a particular fabric or involve using EVA foam or 3D printing in creating a prop such as a Trident! Another skill would be making sure to utilize your support system and/or therapist in keeping your mental health in good check. This is important for making sure you don’t burnout or begin to second guess yourself! Persistence is also a great skill to practice especially when facing creators block! This can help in situations where you know that there is an answer to a problem but your are struggling to find it. Persistence can help you overcome the frustration that make you want to quit.
The advice that I would give is don’t let anyone stop you from doing something you love! It only needs to make sense to you!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Many friends, especially those in Nerd.0 and Code Bluff, have helped me in my growth to be not only a better cosplayer but also a better person and friend! My friend Bruce Brown helps with ideas on designing functioning cosplays. Sixth_Raikage_6 is one of the biggest cosplayers I know and helps in guiding me to where I want to be as a fellow cosplayer. My friend When_Doves_Cosplay has been my rock in keeping a good eye on my mental health and checking to make sure I do not overwhelm myself! The biggest influence though comes from Chocolate Cheri’e Delight! She pushes me to be the best version of myself and her words of encouragement inspire me to never give up! She has created so many opportunities in this world of cosplay and I can’t wait to see what is next thanks to her!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wytecheddar/profilecard/?igsh=MXI0cDBicHduYnA1Yw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/5bWXHMV8uf9M1atn/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@wytecheddar?_t=8qSoqoiTmqk&_r=1
Image Credits
Jacole’ Britt- @samurye.swrd (Poseidon and Shaggy)
@ajsphotostudio_ (Gambit and Rogue)
Miami De’Nay- @_shotbymi (Michael Myers)
Jamal Purvis- @Sixth_Raikage_6 (Burle, Old Folk Night edit)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
