Posted by Happy Cosplay Friday! And happy Thanksgiving to all of you who hail from America. This week the Australian cosplayer Astro Kerrie is speaking with us. This Perth originating cosplayer has been the Australian representative for Epic Armoury competition and was a winner of Perth Comic-Con Championships. But today, she talks with us about her brand of cosplay and what’s she is up to these days.
JR:How long have you been cosplaying?
Kerrie: I have been cosplaying since 2007!
JR:Do you cosplay or crossplay or both?
Kerrie: I have only crossplayed once and that was Mega-man X….He is the only male character I’ve ever done. It was worth it haha
JR:Most cosplayers consider there to be three main categories of cosplay, tv, movies, and video games. What do you consider yourself to specialize in?
Kerrie: I tend to cosplay from games more as I love the characters, but that is followed by comics pretty closely.
JR:As a winner of many competitive cosplay competitions, what role do you believe competitive cosplay plays in the cosplay world?
Kerrie: There are so many different ways to cosplay, and there is no right and wrong. Some people really love the competitions as it pushes them to be better costumers/performers. It’s also a great way to be seen by a lot of people. But competition isn’t for everyone and that’s totally fine. You can be a talented cosplayer and never enter one. I also feel people are inspired when they see the skill and talent involved in cosplay competitions.
JR:What do you consider your most memorable cosplay to be?
Kerrie: Probably my Aela the Huntress cosplay. I tried really hard to make the costume as accurate as possible and I’m often told I look a lot like her. I’m really happy with how it all came together.
JR:You are known to travel all around for cosplay, is there a place you like cosplaying the best?
Kerrie: Everywhere offers something a little different. Overseas was so much fun as I had the opportunity to meet awesome new people and experience a different cosplay culture. But I’ll always have a soft spot for cosplaying in the city’s I’ve lived in like Perth and Melbourne. The community is a big reason I love cosplay so being able to walk around the conventions and bump into my friends is the best.
JR:What is a cosplay pet peeve of yours?
Kerrie: Just people being judgmental in general and others thinking they are better than some just because of popularity. I was always taught to be kind and that you meet the same people on the way up as you do on the way back down so treat everyone equally and with kindness. I’ve seen the odd person trying to use people to become more successful and it really bothers me. We are all geeks in costumes and no one is better than anyone else. Respect one another, and keep your nasty comments to yourself.
JR:Have you ever had anything embarrassing happen to you while cosplaying?
Kerrie: One time at Perth Supanova while I was cosplaying as CC from Code Geass I had my shoes on the wrong feet ALL day. I didn’t notice till I was on the train home and in an incredible amount of pain. Whoops! Safe to say my friends had a good laugh at me haha.
JR:If there was one animal you would compare yourself to what would it be and why.
Kerrie: Maybe a squirrel or something? I’m always running around doing something or another and never really stop and rest haha.
JR:What cosplays are you currently working on?
Kerrie: I’m in the planning stage and I have a couple of ideas after Blizzcon. It’s safe to say a Diablo 3, Necromancer will be happening….and maybe a Treasure Goblin…hehe
JR:What was your first convention?
Kerrie: Wai-con back in 2007. It was an anime convention in Perth that I ended up becoming a committee member of. I went on to help organize two other conventions and many more events for the geek community.
JR:What was your last convention?
Kerrie: PAX Aus! PAX is by far my favourite convention. So many games! So many friends! I love it.
JR:What is your next convention?
Kerrie: I’m not sure yet! The Australian con season just ended so I’ve started making my 2018 plans. I’d love to venture out and visit new places, so if anyone had any recommendations I’d love to hear. Or even better, if you wanted me to be a guest at your local con, ask the organizers to get in contact with me to see if it can happen J
JR:What does cosplay mean to you?
Kerrie: I’ve always been an artist. From the moment I could hold a paintbrush I’ve been painting and creating. I…also wasn’t the most popular kid in school and was often bullied and mocked for liking anime and games. It wasn’t till I started cosplay and going to conventions that I actually made friends who liked me for who I was. It helped shape the adult I am today. I will forever be grateful to the community who supported and loved me when I had nothing. To be able to express myself artistically AND celebrate these characters I love with the community who makes me feel welcome…It’s the best and it means everything to me.
To learn more about Astro Kerrie, visit her social media at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AstrokerrieCosplay/
Deviantart: http://astrokerrie.deviantart.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrokerrie/
About Author
