Today we’d like to introduce you to Ry (@rys.cosplay)
Hi Ry (@rys.cosplay), so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started cosplaying in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was into theater growing up and always loved the costumes! Anime and media in general have been a part of my life since childhood as well.
I really just started on a whim! I was inspired by all the cosplays I was seeing on TikTok at the time and picked a character I could dress up as pretty easily- all I needed to complete my idea for the character for was a wig and some contacts. Colloquially that’s known as a closet cosplay, which I always recommend trying out if you’re ever interested in cosplay!
I started attending conventions with a best friend soon after and created an Instagram page to connect with more people in the community. I’ve met more friends and like-minded creatives than I could’ve imagined! I gained interest in learning and cultivating new skills- sewing, modeling, make-up, wig-styling, and more. Looking back at older cosplays creates such a sense of nostalgia and pride, I really enjoy being able to see the improvement that way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Generally, yes! But there’s always struggles that come along with learning new skills. I tend to be someone who has a difficult time trusting the process when cosplay pieces don’t come out the way I expected, as well as patience with myself. Sometimes you don’t leave enough seam allowance on a garment you’re making, maybe the wig isn’t holding the shape you’ve spent an hour working on, or your 3D printed-prop needs WAY more sanding than anticipated, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you got nothing out of the experience. Every mistake really does lead to improvement, even if the growth seems slow. Perfection is not attainable and unrealistic to expect! Sometimes good enough is actually good enough.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I cosplay mainly from anime! I’ve been a fan since I can remember and love bringing characters to life, especially though photoshoots. Props are also a big part of my work so I have been improving my own building skills, mainly with 3D printing. The bigger the prop the cooler it is, in my opinion! I love a fantasy weapon and badass women characters so I gravitate toward them the most.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My best friends and my peers are the greatest cheerleaders and supporters. Cosplay is a hobby where you really learn from your friends and share tips and tricks! I’ve learned and improved so many skills by asking for help from friends- wig spiking, how to sand 3D prints, which paints work best, different sewing stitches, etc. I love being able to share advice I’ve learned through the years and it’s so encouraging that my peers feel similarly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/rys.cosplay
- Instagram: rys.cosplay
- Other: TikTok: ry.cosplay
Image Credits
Images 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8 @corrosive.art on Instagram
Images 3 and 7 @jet_visions on Instagram
