Name: Tim Hurles
City: Lodi, California USA
Social Media: instagram @norcal_cap (very active)/ Facebook Tim Hurles: Hero for Hire (secondary)
What was your first Cosplay Experience?
My first cosplay experience was all the way back in 1986 when I had my first costume party as a kid, it was the best party I ever had haha! My first convention cosplay experience was back at WonderCon in San Francisco in 2009. I cosplayed my favorite character Captain America. I actually decided to dress up because I wanted to get a different experience from attending as a shopper and fanboy as I had always done in the past. I also decided to cosplay because I didn’t want to spend money, I was planning to get married later that year. That first time cosplaying at a convention was an entirely different experience indeed. You get bombard for photo opts, stopped for interviews, high fives from other fans and convention goers. I was instantly hooked.
How long have you been Cosplaying?
I have been making, fabricating, and modifying my own cosplays since 2009. I have now also started a Web Backpack line for Spider-Man cosplayers to hold their essential pocket items. I also have offer Spidey-Gwen packs, and kids versions.
What is your favorite cosplay you have worn/created?
By far my favorite has to be my 1 of kind Golden Age Captain America costume from Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Another one of my favorites are the cosplays I did for my wife and kids. I did a Jack Kirby inspired Classic Thor for my son (4), Captain Marvel for my daughter (3), and Agent 13 Sharon Carter for my beautiful wife.
If you had unlimited resources, what Cosplay would you create?
I think you mean if I was a genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist what would I create? Haha, I would do a full scale movie quality version of an Avengers Team for my entire family and @myconfamily (shout out)! I am talking about full team plus villains!
What advice would you offer others trying to break into Cosplay?
The best advice I would offer is to jump in, and have fun! Don’t take yourself too seriously. At the end of the day we are all playing dress-up! We are fans who prefer to show our love for our favorite characters by imitation. Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Don’t get caught up in the competitive aspect that this hobby tends to bring. Make friends, respect and appreciate all of your fellow cosplayers. We all have different skills sets you can learn a lot from others, and believe it or not even as a newbie, you can help others out as well. This is a tremendous sub culture packed full of talented and compassionate people. You can make a lot great friends through cosplay.
