Cosplay has been a big hobby of mine since I was in the 7th grade when I made my first cosplay from scratch (Link from Legend of Zelda). Since then, I've drafted my own patterns, filmed DIYs, and attended multiple conventions. Many of the other crafty hobbies I've developed over time (crochet, cross stitch, embroidery, sewing, etc) have been implemented into my cosplay craft, as I strive for quality through any means necessary. Quite a few of these hobbies have influenced the types of materials I work with when it comes to my architecture projects.
I founded the Cosplay Club at IIT during my first year in 2020 and have been the president since then. We now help those interested in the craft to learn a variety of skills related to their interests.
My current hyper fixation is working on larger props for both cosplay and theater. They drew my attention because they would be significantly more difficult to regulate the weight and structure/stability. One project I'm currently working on is a giant wolf head puppet for a cosplay I plan to compete with. The main base is made out of 5mm craft foam cut from a pattern I designed myself.
Wizard of Oz
Wizard of Oz
Anne of Green Gables
Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde
Peter Pan
The Lightning Thief
Theater has been a part of my life since the 8th grade. I have teched over a dozen shows and have volunteered at my middle school for my entire high school career to help tech their shows that have won multiple awards. My middle school was what influenced me to pursue cosplay and architecture, and has encouraged me to work mostly with affordable or recycled materials (if we can win awards for tech using recycled materials, so can I). I'm currently one of the props and costumes producers for the shows at IIT.
The Lightning Thief's Chiron centaur costume. Made with PVC from the previous play's set piece and foam core.
Chiron walking cycle. Fishing line is run from the hoof to an eye hook on the thigh. It then is run through another eye hook in the middle near the second rib and finally connects to the opposite knee of the actor. This causes the leg to move in the way it does instead of just swinging back and forth.
I've been experimenting with more traditional forms of art, such as drawing, as well. In the past few years, I've worked to start up a small art business with some of my friends and family called Trash Cat Trove. We aim to start selling soon online and at Artist Alleys at conventions. As of right now, I have planned and hosted the campus's first Artist Alley for students and vended at Karoshi Con at NIU.
Handmade jewelry and keychains for Trash Cat Trove, all designs original by myself.
While being the primary event organizer for the IIT Artist Alley (since Feb 2025), both graphic design and coordination with the vendors is key. Aside from sending emails and posting on social media to notify and advertise the vendors and event, I also used Canva to design the posters and pamphlets for the event.
