Interview with Cosplay by Mikette
Cosplay is an art form that people of all ages, sizes, and identities enjoy. There is something to be said about dressing up as your favorite TV or movie character, or even a character of your own design and concept. The Geek Post got an exciting opportunity to ask Cosplay by Mikette some questions. Check out the interview below.
GeekPost: When did you first start cosplaying?
Mikette: I first started cosplaying in August 2016 when I was able to attend my first comic con, Newark Comic Con in Newark, NJ.
GeekPost: Who is your favorite character to cosplay?
Mikette: My favorite character to cosplay has changed over time. Currently my arsenal has consisted more of Power Rangers from various seasons. My favorite has been Yellow Space Ranger from Power Rangers in Space. The actress Tracy Lynn Cruz admires it so much and I was finally fortunate to meet her wearing it this past July.
GeekPost: What determines who/what you cosplay?
Mikette: What determines who and what I cosplay is my love for the character or fandom. Most of the characters that I cosplay I have grown up watching or reading about in comics.
GeekPost: What is your favorite part about cosplaying?
Mikette: My favorite part of cosplaying is that I have my fiance’ of DG Collins Cosplay, to cosplay alongside me. We met through cosplay four years ago.
GeekPost: Do you have any geeky interests that you do in your spare time, when you’re not cosplaying?
Mikette: Geeky interests on my spare time would be checking out local collectible shops for action figures and props.
GeekPost: Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
Mikette: I have entered a few contests but I was not a winner of any. I have told myself that I don’t need anyone to validate my work because I know I put love and fun into what I do.
GeekPost: What’s the biggest convention you’ve ever cosplayed at?
Mikette: The biggest convention I’ve ever attended was C2E2 (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo) in April of 2016. It was my first time on a plane and ever going to Chicago. It was truly a grand experience and I saw so many awesome cosplayers. Then of course there’s also New York Comic Con.
GeekPost: Do you have an ultimate dream cosplay?
Mikette: My ultimate dream cosplay would be Darth Vader. I want the whole kit and caboodle. Someday I will get to that goal. I’ve cosplayed as his grandson, Kylo Ren, so I’m getting close.
GeekPost: What is your least favorite part about cosplay?
Mikette: My least favorite part about cosplay is when my friends and I are body shamed or exposed to racism. I have had numerous people body shame me for cosplaying as Power Rangers stating that I am disrespecting the characters because of my weight. I have also been called derogatory names for cosplaying characters outside my race.
GeekPost: I noticed that you have videos where you’re reading a story, in costume. What can you tell us about that?
Mikette: The videos I have reading stories in cosplay were during the first few months of the pandemic shutdown. I called it “Story Time with Mikette” and it was a Facebook Live stream of me reading to children who were home because schools were closed. I wanted to entertain the youth as well as adults with their children to lift everyone’s spirits during such a difficult time. I later posted videos on my YouTube Channel if anyone wanted to view it at a later time. My stories consisted of local authors and mostly Dr. Seuss stories.
GeekPost: How important is inclusion in the cosplay community?
Mikette: Inclusion is very important in the cosplay community. I feel that people who want to cosplay their favorite character or fandom should be able to do so and not worry about anyone making them feel different. It brings out so much diversity and expression when everyone is welcome to participate.
GeekPost: What is one piece of advice you could give to someone who wants to start cosplaying?
Mikette: One piece of advice I would give to someone who wants to start cosplaying is if you want to bring your favorite character to life, DO IT! Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. No matter what people say, because there will be people out there that will feel the need to discourage you.
Thank you again, Cosplay by Mikette for agreeing to this interview. We can’t wait to see what you do next! You can find Cosplay by Mikette on social media at the links below.
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