Stoosh Cosplay Interview

In this Cosplay XO interview we chat with cosplayer Stoosh. This nerd extraordinaire’s knack for making truly remarkable cosplay has garnered him guest appearances at conventions and the opportunity to judge cosplay contests. A quick glance at his Instagram page and it’s abundantly clear that he genuinely enjoys cosplaying and has a ton of fun bringing his creations to life. We caught up with Stoosherman to learn a little more about him and his cosplay journey.

Can you tell us about your cosplay origin story? How did you get started in cosplay?

Back in 2012 a friend and I decided to go to the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo. Since we had never been to a “con” before and it was the first time for both of us we figured we’d go all out and “dress-up”. We didn’t even know Cosplay was a thing at that time. After much deliberation we figured we would go as He-man and Skeletor from Masters of the Universe. We had a bunch of butterflies getting into our costumes and the nerves were going for sure when we started walking to the event centre. Once we got in, everyone loved the costumes. There were tons of pictures and compliments and I was hooked on cosplay.

What would you say is the best thing about being a cosplayer?

There are a bunch of good things about being a cosplayer. Building costumes is a creative outlet for me and I love going to the events and showing them off. You get to meet amazing people through cosplay and the more events you attend, the more awesome people you meet! Every year it’s like a mini family reunion with the “cosfam”.

How do you typically decide what characters to cosplay?
Good question, I usually either pick a character that I really like, or think is cool, or one that seems would be a good challenge.

On your facebook page you say that you’re all about costuming on a budget of under $125.00 Canadian. What kind of challenges have you encountered while working with this particular limitation and how have you overcome them?

Yes, I keep all my costumes under $125 CAD in materials. The biggest challenge is not using some more expensive (or robust) materials such as worbla, plasti-dip, barge cement and then having to go back and make repairs. Usually you can find materials at dollar stores, thrift stores or online that keep me on or under budget. You always have to be creative with your materials.

Of all of your cosplays, which one would you say is your favourite and why?

I have different favorites, some are impressive because of size or the amount of time that goes into it, some are based on how people react, some are just fun to wear and goof around in. My favorite is probably my Mass Effect Blood Dragon armor, it was one of my first cosplays, and I used mostly Rubbermaid bins to make it and was the first time I used LEDs.

If money and skill were no obstacle, what would be your dream cosplay?

Hmmm, I get asked this occasionally. I’d have to say a My Little Pony/Centaur mash-up, where the chest and torso are really badass Barbarian looking and the bottom is basically My Little Pony, with working horse legs. lol.

How has your family and friends reacted to you becoming a cosplayer?

Most of them think it’s cool. My family is very supportive. I haven’t heard anything negative from family or friends.

Your Lost In Space Robot cosplay is really impressive. Can you tell us about how you built it?

Thank you, for sure, Robot was a fun one. I was watching Lost in Space with my wife and kids and my youngest told me I should try make the Robot. I had no idea how I was going to do his face, until I was reading her a bedtime story that night and saw her fiber optics nightlight (from the dollar store), After that I gathered my materials, foam floormats, a bowl, LED nightlights, coffee cans, plastic spoons, old ski boot liners and spray paint and started building. I boosted the boots with foam yoga blocks and had the robots head sit on top of my head. It’s about 7 feet tall so fairly impressive when standing next to it. The actor on the show is a big dude, so I had to get that height.

Can you offer any advice for cosplayers just starting out?

I would say, don’t give up. Choose a costume that means something to you and you get invested in, it keeps you going. As you build more and more your skills will get better and things will be faster. Be creative with your materials, everyday objects work great. Don’t worry about what people say; the cosplay community, for the most part, is very supportive and inclusive (occasionally there is drama, avoid it!). People are very open to being asked questions, learn from them. Cosplay what you want, no matter your race, body-type, hair length, etc. Take a character and make it your own.

What’s a fun fact people may not already know about you?

I can wiggle my ears? That’s fun right?

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