Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rule19Cosplay The Black Dread. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rule19Cosplay, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
I have found that what works best for me in overcoming creativity blocks is by finding ways to stay motivated and inspired. This is no easy feat because life happens and things can easily come up that have the potential to deter progress and derail even the best of plans. I stay motivated by not getting overly caught up in the hype of whatever is popular at the time. This can be really difficult for me as a cosplayer to not want to engage in every trend or to be tempted by the need to constantly churn out new content at a rapid pace. I stay in my own lane and operate at my preferred timing. I find things that I enjoy or that I can put my own spin on. Sometimes I pursue a project that I know will be a challenge because it allows me to try to solve design issues and practical problems.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have been involved in cosplay since 2001. I have cosplayed from a number of different sources and genres including tv series, movies, video games, comic books, anime/manga, and original designs. When I first started, my cosplays generally coincided with full choreographed fight scenes and stunts reenacting such memorable scenes as Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace- Duel of the Fates. I was Darth Maul. I continue to participate in films and comic/pop culture conventions as well as doing voice-acting. I like to be versatile so my available cosplay queue is a mixture of self-made, commissions, and bought costumes as all versions are fun and help contribute to the economy of cosplaying and support.
Outside of cosplay, I have a number of different interests and hobbies that you’ll discover here and in various other interviews–I draw, play instruments, enjoy video games, reading, cooking, and much more. I recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology and am now pursuing my Master of Science degree in IT Project Management. During the day, I spend my time working as an IT project manager, trying to destroy the world and becoming a multiversal threat (because villain), while also pursuing multiple certifications (because nerd).
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Skill: Costume Modification, Dynamic vs Static Posing, Foam Crafting
Quality: Ability to Focus. Flexibility to Pivot when needed. Resilience in the face of difficulty.
Areas of Knowledge: Pop culture, Comics, Convention Survival Tips
Advice: Find your strengths and hone them. Identify your areas for improvement and work on those. Observe, learn, apply, and repeat. Above all that, make sure you are enjoying the journey.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I don’t get overwhelmed. That is a result of training, hard-wiring, and life experiences. Stay whelmed! The origins come from elsewhere but I first remember hearing this variation as a running gag in the cartoon series Young Justice. Watch season 1 and you’ll know what I mean. Stay whelmed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rule19cosplay.com
- Instagram: @Rule19Cosplay
- Facebook: @Rule19Cosplay
- Twitter: eww but also – @Rule19Cosplay
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@Rule19Cosplay
- Other: linktr.ee/rule19cosplay All links can be found here including past interviews and subscription support platforms like Passes, FanHouse, and Ko-Fi
Image Credits
Vanguard Cosplay Handler Syndicate
