Cosplayer Feature: Amber
“Don’t let ANYONE tell you who you can and can’t cosplay. Cosplay is for everyone. Every size, shape, color, gender, or skill-level. Just use your brain, don’t be a jerk, and have FUN with it.”
Amber is a 33 year old geeky mom, Army wife, and professional costume designer and seamstress. She enjoys playing video games and D&D, crafting, raising her daughter, and making fictional characters come to life.
How long have you been doing cosplay? What first got you interested?
I’ve been cosplaying officially since 2004. I was 15 years old! Growing up, I always loved creating my own costumes and characters for Halloween or special school events, so when some of my friends in highschool let me know there was an anime convention in town, and that dressing up was encouraged and called “cosplay”, I was over the moon. I begged my family to help me create a Princess Zelda cosplay so I could attend and that was it, I was hooked, It influenced my entire life. I went to college for theatre and became a professional theatrical costume designer and seamstress and cosplay commissioner, which was my career until I took a break to have my daughter. I’ve also ran cosplay contests as staff on a few conventions and judged other contests, as well as participated in a few myself. Cosplay is a big part of my life and I can’t wait to get back to it ASAP.
Who is your favorite Lore Olympus character to cosplay?
Persephone! She was the character I originally wanted to cosplay from LO. I was in the process of making “coffee stained” Persephone when Covid hit, so unfortunately I haven’t been able to wear her to a convention yet, but as soon as things are safe again she’s ready to hit the con floor. Now, I’ve done over 20 different looks for her! I’ve done a few other characters, too, and now I’d like to make a full version of Demeter someday, too.
What is the most memorable cosplay you did (doesn’t have to be Lore Olympus) and why?
Since I’ve been doing this for so long, I have hundreds of costumes and cosplay I’ve created, and many, many memories for all of them, so this is a tough question. The one I’m probably best known for is Batgirl. I’ve worn her to dozens of charity events with a few different groups that focus on benefiting kids. Being able to become a superhero in the eyes of kids is an amazing feeling. I love bringing a smile to their faces. I’ve gotten so many hugs, and a few times kids have felt comfortable telling me their worries and fears and I’ve been able to reassure them that even superheroes get scared. Being Batgirl is magical.
Being able to become a superhero in the eyes of kids is an amazing feeling. I love bringing a smile to their faces.
Tell us your Lore Olympus story. What got you into Lore Olympus? What made you stay?
I have always been into Greek Mythology. I studied Greek Theatre in school and was even in a few plays. I’ve read as much of the myths and stories as I can (and there are a LOT), so when I saw a new comic on Webtoon about the myth of Hades and Persephone, it was a no brainer that I would check it out. The comic was so well done and I loved the idea of the story being modernized. I joined the fan community with a few of my friends (some of whom also planned to cosplay with me), and enjoyed discussing and theorizing with everyone. Then, @aprilsketcho created the Loretober prompt list. This was originally intended to be for art prompts, but since I’m not a great artist, I decided to try the, frankly, insane endeavor of creating a cosplay look for every prompt. I didn’t even have my original Persephone cosplay finished at that point! But I went all in and I created 31 different looks and the community reaction was amazing! I felt so loved! I was also asked to join a large group of awe-inspiring cosplayers for a LO collaboration in which I was Atropos, one of the Fates. Now, I can’t wait to create more looks of more characters and do future collabs. I also love where the comic is going and I can’t wait to find out where Rachel Smythe takes the story.
What other fandoms are you in? What’s special about the Lore Olympus fandom?
My main fandoms are video games, in general, but also specifically The Legend of Zelda series, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Bioshock, Fallout, and many, many more. I also love Batman and other comic books, Star Trek, anime and cartoons, fantasy books and movies, and anything to do with Dungeons and Dragons, especially Critical Role and The Adventure Zone. The LO fandom is unique in that we are all experiencing the story right now, at about the same time, so we’re all only as informed as each other. We get to discuss, theorize, swoon over characters, debate, and create cosplay/art together. There’s no gatekeeping, as far as I’ve seen. It’s one of the most inclusive and non-toxic fandoms I’ve ever been a part of. Nearly everyone has been so welcoming and accepting to each other, especially the cosplayers, artists, and writers.
If you could body snatch one LO character for a day, who would it be?
Well, Persephone would be great, but only because she gets to eventually marry Hades haha. So, if I’ve only got one day, Hecate. She’s always been one of my favorite goddesses/titans anyway, and I love how she is portrayed in the comic. Very much the mom-friend who is done with everyone’s foolishness. I relate to her a lot. I haven’t cosplayed her yet, however…
What does cosplay mean to you?
More than any words could ever describe. Cosplay gave me my passion and hobby, my career, so many wonderful friends, including my best friend in the world. It’s been the backbone of tons of my best stories and experiences throughout nearly 2 decades. It’s an artistic outlet, a way to tangibly express my love for something, a way to connect to other fans. I love including my husband, and I’ll eventually include my children. Cosplay means fun, art, and love.
Any advice for a new cosplayer out there?
Don’t let ANYONE tell you who you can and can’t cosplay. Cosplay is for everyone. Every size, shape, color, gender, or skill-level. Just use your brain, don’t be a jerk, and have FUN with it.
Also, invest in good wigs and comfortable shoes. A good cosplay can be elevated to GREAT with a nice quality wig and accurate, comfy shoes. Oh, and always remember to steam/iron your cosplay before you wear it, no matter if you made it or bought it. You worked hard/paid a lot of money for that, you should make it look it’s best!
Just for fun: Who did you get on the Hades’ dog character quiz?
I got Cordon Bleu, tiny, angry little boi. That’s pretty accurate, I’m only 5’2”, and I can be a big ol’ grump, haha
OTHER FEATURES:
Courtney is a style and fashion addict, sharing some really interesting insights on Lore Olympus characters.