Name: Naomi Quinn
City: Santa Clarita
Facebook: facebook.com/naomiquinncosplay
What was your first Cosplay Experience?
I would say technically the midnight release of Batman Arkham City. I was working at GameStop and was immensely excited for the game, so much so I made Harley Quinn’s costume from the game to wear at work during the midnight release. It ended up an amazing time. The rest of the managers dressed up as well, we had Batman, Batgirl, and Poison Ivy. My first time cosplaying at a Convention was almost a year later at Stan Lee’s Comikaze. I had a poorly thrown together Harley costume, despite that I was amazed at how supportive everyone was. There were handfuls of people that were just excited to see Harley, it didn’t matter the quality of of my outfit.
How long have you been Cosplaying?
I’d say my whole life ha-ha! I’ve always loved dressing up, Halloween was always a favorite. When I was older I got into theatre, and in high school I would dress up random days because I felt like it. Sometimes I’d be a vampire, other times I’d be a boy. I didn’t know it as cosplay back then, to me it was just fun to pretend to be someone else for a day.
What is your favorite cosplay you have worn/created?
That’s extremely difficult, actually. I form a special attachment to all my cosplay, especially since I love the character so much already. Harley will always be special since she was my “first”, but Joker’s Daughter is fantastically evil and creepy, and Elizabeth (Bioshock Infinite) is so elegant.
If you had unlimited resources, what Cosplay would you create?
Nightingale Armor from Skyrim. Or a Big Sister in Bioshock 2. Both will require skills and materials that, currently, I don’t know a lick about.
What advice would you offer others trying to break into Cosplay?
Always choose a character that you love. Regardless of your skill level having passion for something always comes out in the end. Also talk to other costumers and crafters! Watch tutorials! There is an infinite amount of knowledge you can acquire by reaching out. I have learned so much by talking to others, either at Cons, or elsewhere. (Craft foam and hot glue can be your best friends!)