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I'm known as Arlena Fae on the internet. My first cosplay was back in the summer of 2013. I wore Taiga from Toradora and Juliet Starling from Lolipop Chainsaw for Anime Expo. When Halloween came around I decided to tackle making my first cosplay--well little by little. I altered a nurse costume and built props to recreate Nurse Akali from League of Legends. And after that I fell in love with creating and wearing cosplays, and quickly began work on Malzahar, Jinx and Kitty Cat Katarina, all from League of Legends.
I'm a California-based cosplayer and, at the moment, primarily attend conventions in California. I hope to some day be able to branch out and travel to more conventions, including ones all over the world. The next con I'm attending is: Ani-Me Con 2020 Awards:
Second Place Ani-Me 2.0 Cosplay Contest Craftmanship Category Top 3 NorCal Cosies 2016 Professional Category Winner NorCal Cosies 2017 FAQWhen's Your Birthday?
My birthday is September 27th.
How Tall Are you?
I'm 5'0"
How many Cosplays Have you done?
As of Nov 2017, I've done 63 and made 4 for friends.
What has been your favorite cosplay?
It's always changing! Currently it's probably Widowmaker from Overwatch or Pixie from Xmen.
Why do you cosplay the characters you do?
Typically because I really love the character. Sometimes it's because I really love the design (even if I may not be super familiar with the character or enjoy them too much) or I'll cosplay a character as a part of a group.
Whats your favorite part about cosplay and about making cosplays?
My favorite part about cosplay is the community! Typically everyone's really friendly, welcoming and encouraging. I know there may be a few bad seeds, but when ignoring them everyone else is great! My favorite part about making a cosplay is probably the props and armor.
How'd You learn about lighting for a cosplay?
Kamui Cosplay's book on Cosplay: Lighting. I highly recommend it. It's like lighting for dummies (or beginners)! It was literally the most helpful thing to read.
Do You Buy or Make Your Costumes?
Both! I mostly make a majority of my cosplays but I enjoying grabbing a few from online sellers every now and then! It's nice to have a break. Also thrifting pieces helps keep the costs down! I always let people know whether a costume is bought or made/which pieces are.
Do You Take Commissions?
For a full costume? Typically not. I use myself as a mannequin and only know how to size to me, so unless you're around my size I won't feel comfortable making a costume for you. I do sometimes take commissions for props, but very rarely (only when I have time). I'm always open to taking plushie commissions though! Contact me here, Storenvy, or through my Facebook page if you're interested!
Sometimes I sell an old costume of mine! I usually post about it on my Facebook page and am currently selling a few! Check it out by looking for the album that says "Cosplays I'm Selling". Who takes your cosplay photos?
I do! Most of the time, at least. I'll always credit a photographer but typically when there's just a first name and no link, that means a friend took the photo for me (but I did all the editing and supplied the camera). If there's 0 photographer credit, that usually means I took the photo myself, running between my tripod and where I'm suppose to stand!
What Camera, EQUIPMENT and software do you use for your cosplay photos?
I used a Canon EOS Rebel T3 up until Dec 2016. I now use a Canon EOS Rebel T5i. I sometimes use lighting equipment I purchased off eBay, but will typically shoot with natural light or a mix of both. I use Photoshop CC and Lightroom for editing.
What is your favorite game/anime/movie/tv show?
My favorite anime is Fullmetal Alchemist. My favorite movie is Repo The Genetic Opera. My favorite game...well there's a few: Overwatch, Sims, Animal Crossing, Harvest Moon, League of Legends, Heroes of the Storm, GTA, Alice: Madness Returns, etc etc...I also like a lot of TV shows (can't really decide what I'd consider my favorite to be, though): Scrubs, Gilmore Girls, Grey's Anatomy, Parks and Rec, American Dad, Doctor Who, Black Books, Once Upon A Time, The Fosters, The Flash, etc etc
Will you add me on Lol/Battlenet/Origin and play games?
Probably not, sorry!! I used to offer to but found my self rarely ever joining anyone in games. Typically if I'm online to play a game I'm already in a full party of friends!
Can I book you for my Con/Show/Promotion/project?
Probably! Contact me here or send me an email at [email protected] and we can talk about it!
Can I book you as a photographer?
Yes! Feel free to click that Photography link in the menu above and head over to the contact page there! Or shoot me an email [email protected]. I mostly focus in cosplay photography but have done weddings in the past! Keep in mind I am a natural light photographer and at the moment, don't have the equipment for shooting in darker settings.
Can I get an interview for my magazine/website?
Can I feature your cosplay (No Interview) on my Website/page/blog?
Sure! I have no problems with features as long as you properly credit everything and it's not for anything rude, inappropriate or pretending to be me/using my image to pretend to be someone.
Can I give my go at editing one of your cosplay photos?
I don't mind as long as the cosplay photo was taken by me (or a friend of mine helped me take the photo-check the "Who takes your cosplay photos" question above). If it was taken by a different photographer though, you may need to seek their permission! I'm always excited to see cool fan art and edits as long as it's appropriate and you don't resell it!
Can I get you to review my product/material?
Probably! I'm willing to do reviews/promotions/sponsorship but it also depends on the store/product. Keep in mind, I'll always leave an honest review (whether it's positive or not). If the product turns out to be something I honestly don't like at all, I reserve the right to not promote it/share it in any way and return it back to you. Contact me here or through an email at [email protected] for more information!
Can you help me with my cosplay?
If you have more specific and detailed questions, I will try! I don't usually answer broad questions and won't help you build your cosplay from start to finish. I simply don't have the time and have my own cosplays to work on. Sorry! I do post a lot of tutorials, some of which that cover the basics and there's a lot of helpful stuff just floating around the internet so check there first! If there's something specific you're stuck on or that I've made in the past and you're curious as to how, feel free to ask away!
What Materials do you use for your cosplays?
I mostly work with foam! So various thicknesses of EVA foam(aka craft foam), expanding foam and insulation foam board. Fabric choices vary greatly depending on the costume, so I can't really list those. I'll use resin for gems! Sometimes house hold items can be helpful (like the bottom of soda cans or empty toilet paper rolls). I'll use cardboard as a base for some larger props! PVC pipes and wooden dowels for handles. I'm looking into using Sintra foam boards and worbla for future projects as well!
Where do I start for a cosplay?
I've actually received this question a lot and it's something I can't really answer for you. You just have to pick a piece to work on first and start. Right there and then. Don't put if off. If starting small will help, so be it! Pick a simple piece or project and start there! You'll eventually get used to making costumes and expand your skills, so don't fret!
Where can I buy materials?
For fabric, check local fabric stores and thrift stores! Sometimes you can find curtains, bed sheets and clothing that can help create a costume. Hardware stores are the key for finding good prop materials. The local dollar stores and Target/Walmart might have good finds too. There's also a ton of sites online! Check eBay and Amazon too! There's a lot of wig suppliers (I'm sure you've heard of Arda or EpicCosplayWigs). There's a couple sites that sell worbla (I can't remember the name but google can help you there!).
Why'd You start A Patreon Page?
As you know, cosplay is expensive. I had seen other cosplayers talking about it and figured why not? It couldn't hurt. So I decided to start up my Patreon page. Before Patreon I would only pump out a handful or less of cosplays each year. I'd collect materials for a cosplays for months before I could begin work on anything. Now, thanks to my incredibly wonderful and lovely patrons, I'm able to make cosplays more often and in a better quality! I know my Patreon isn't huge or anything, but it's seriously incredible how each and every pledge (big or small) helps so very much! I'm so happy people like my cosplay enough to support me in such a way and hope I continue to create things they love! Words can't express how grateful I am <3
Will you come to a convention Near me?
I'm not sure. At the moment I only attend conventions in California (and typically they're the smaller ones). I try to attend at least one large one a year (such as Anime Expo or Fanime) but there's never any real guarantee. I definitely don't see myself going out of the country any time soon! Although, if I get ever booked by your convention that'll be a different story!
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