Cosplay Spotlight: Fallyn Angel

I first met Fallyn Angel at the Gallifrey One convention in Los Angeles – we are the only two Grace Holloway cosplayers I’ve ever seen. After seeing a variety of her costumes at the con and on Facebook, I have been blown away. I finally got around to asking her some questions for a Cosplay Spotlight here on the site and here’s what she said.

How long have you been cosplaying? What was your first costume?

I’ve been cosplaying for over 10 years, and my first costume was Duo Maxwell from Gundam Wing. It was terrible, and thankfully there are no photos existing of it. To my knowledge at least >.>;

What has been your favorite costume so far?

Construction wise, my favorite costume has to be Leela. It was a labor of love, made while watching the entire series of Jem and the Holograms over the course of three months. I learned many new things while making the costume, as well as found strength in myself to actually wear it in public. It was also my first classic Doctor Who companion costume, so it holds a place in my heart for that as well.

What costume(s) are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on John Harrison from Star Trek into Darkness. It’s been years since I crossplayed, so I’m very much looking forward to returning to my roots (I never cosplayed female characters when I first started out). I’m trying to design the coat to be encompassing of different aspects of the coats worn by Harrison throughout the film, as well as being functional enough to wear out in public.

Can you describe your creative process from idea to finished costume?

The creative process always starts with inspiration. While watching a movie, reading a book, etc….the moment the lighting strikes the brain and I say “I want to make/cosplay that!” the creative process begins. At that point, I go to researching, from finding photos, to interviews with the costume designers (if applicable) as to what they thought while designing the outfit. Its then to fabrics, patterns, and deconstruction of the costume to find how it fits and works together. I also have to take into account sizing/shape, as some things look great on the actor (or drawing), but need modifications for myself. Its then off to buying materials, and slowing but surely putting it all together. I find taking my time is the best thing, even if I get excited and want to rush. The more time you take, the better it all is. Eventually, after much tears and blood is shed, you have the costume!

What advice would you give to new cosplayers?

Start small! While I understand you may want to make something huge and elaborate right out the door, its always best to start small and LEARN the basic techniques before going big. There are hundreds of tutorials on tumblr and youtube, I do always say if you have a question, just look it up online. There is much to learn, and chances are, someone has done what you want to do. So learn from them! Ask questions! Cosplay is a learning process! You will make mistakes, simply learn from them, and keep on truckin’!

That’s definitely great advice. Check out a small sampling of Fallyn Angel’s costumes below. For more, visit her Facebook page.

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