Cosplayer of the Week: CelestialCrafts
Ladies and gentlemen, we have another wonderful human being to feature for you all! Their name is CelestialCrafts and their work is jaw-droppingly good! I practically screamed in awe as every single costume they had created was incredible. We’re so honored to interview them and we hope you enjoy!
What is your cosplay origin story?
CelestialCrafts really is just a name I randomly, if not lazily, made up. Celestial– which is connected to my actual name, and Crafts. I didn’t want to go for CelesitalCosplay, because everywhere you turn around, everyone has the word cosplay involved. I wanted to be known for my work as a crafter, not necessarily a cosplayer. So I went for CelestialCrafts. As far as getting into cosplay, I had gone to a convention for the first time with my friends at 15 and saw some others dressed up from different shows. It spiked my interest because they all looked insanely cool and we’re having TONS of fun. So, at the next convention, I purchased my first outfit online. Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto, because during that time it was insanely popular and I just loved the show in general. From there, because a lot of places didn’t exist that sold outfits, I ended up getting into some basic sewing. The first costume I ever made was Dark Link from Legend of Zelda and I wore that to Anime Central. The positivity I got back and hype just pushed me further into making more costumes. I eventually dabbed into worbla later in years and soon shifted from Worbla to primarily foam. I absolutely LOVE Foam and I actually was involved in a Panel at Pax South 2020 to share some of my knowledge regarding it.
Out of all the years you have done cosplay, what has been one of your more favorite/proudest memories?
Making my first armor build back at Emerald City Comic Con 2018. I decided to make one of my favorite characters as well as goal costumes. The N7 DLC Outfit from Dead Space 3. Not only did I make everything, but I also included LEDs. I probably wouldn’t have been as successful/happy about this had I not reached out to other makers like SKS Props; who is known already as a Foam Wizard. He also made Isaac Clarke from Dead Space and was more than happy to give me tips on the pulse rifle prop I had created. I was also approached by a developer of the Dead Space games, who happened to spot me, run over, and ask for a photo to showcase to the other creators. Nothing gettings better, at least in my personal experience, than someone praising your work and is generally really happy to see it!
Many people online will simply see one of your images, appreciate it for the moment and move on. However, I know that a lot of care and time goes into photoshoots. Could you describe your process for a cosplay photoshoot from the concept to when it hits your fans?
I wouldn’t say I have fans so much. I don’t consider myself as very big or popular, but just another nerd who likes to play dress up. That being said, I generally cosplay a character and schedule a shoot with someone who knows the character, the story behind them, or at least a Photographer who will do their research before the shoot. I’ve had a ton of experience with bad photographers and it pretty much involved me directing them on how to take photos of me. But when I do manage to get a great photographer, I feel that the better the communication and development is, the better your photos come out and less editing is required.
Out of all the cosplays you have ever done which one was your personal favorite even if it was not super well received by fans?
Going back to one of the previous questions, Isaac Clarke from Dead Space 3 was my favorite costume to this day. I’m sure another cosplay of mine will take the mantle once I complete it, but I say this costume is probably one of the core reasons I had people follow me in the first place. Armor Cosplays can be difficult to create. A lot of time goes into them, just like any costume.
You feature a lot of awesome geeky content, what is your absolute favorite geeky medium? (Video games, anime, comics, film, etc.)
Videogames by far. Most of my costumes originate from different game series. The next cosplays I’m actually building are Geralt of Rivia, Male! Byleth from Fire Emblem: Three Houses, and Zagreus from Hades. All three of these characters are from videogames. I won’t say I’ve never cosplayed from Anime or comics before though. I’ve cosplayed as Priestess from Goblin Slayer as well as Selena Kyle (Catwoman.)
Subbed or Dubbed Anime?
Why not both? I listen to sub when I can actually sit down and watch an anime enough to concentrate on it. I listen to Dubbed when I need something in the background while I craft, or when I’m on the stair master as the gym.
It is apparent that you hustle to provide content for fans but when you actually have a day off, how do you spend it?
Days off? Never heard of them.
Haha, just kidding. Well, I’m a full-time student majoring in Graphic Design, so when I’m NOT working on a cosplay, I’m doing homework and just being a normal person. I do sometimes spend too much time procrastinating though. Like on Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It owns my soul!
You just radiate such confidence and the swagger of a champion. However, a lot of geeks often struggle with overwhelming self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. When you have those bad days and get down on yourself, what do you do to remind yourself that you are wonderful?
I often talk to friends. I know these days are a lot harder to go out and hang with those you know care about you, so I often find myself on discord and video chatting with others. Animal Crossing is certainly one of the best things right now that allows me to not fall into a pit of despair. I also draw and workout a lot.
What is one piece of advice you wish you received when you first got into modeling/cosplay?
It’s hard to not compare yourself to others. So, I wish I had learned that in the very beginning, instead of growing discouraged every time I saw a huge name making the same thing at the same time I was. Instead of getting discouraged now, I actually follow their progress, take tips, maybe even reach out. Sometimes I end up making a friend out of it. Cosplay is a job for some, a hobby for others, but most importantly, its for fun. Have fun, be a nerd, and share the love.
Where can we find you online?
Twitter: Celestials_art
IG: CelestialCrafts
Twitch: CelestialCraftsCos
Website: celestialcrafts.wixsite.com/creations
CelestialCrafts is without a doubt one of the most talented in our community. Be sure to follow them for more awesome content!
Chicano | Fighting/Writing for Diversity | DM since 08 | Anime Lover | Site: https://www.thegeeklyfe.com | info@thegeeklyfe.com | http://twitch.tv/that_deangelo | https://linktr.ee/deangelomurillo
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