The Cosplay Crunch

Are you an artist alley addict and a lover of dragons? Well, you’re in good company! In this episode of Cosplay Crunch, we bring in ex-cosplayer and current talented artist / business woman Larissa of All the Dwagons! We discuss Larissa’s journey of entering the cosplay scene, her transition from cosplaying to becoming a professional artist, and all about her business of the last 7+ years. Larissa shares her experiences from her first Artist Alley to the challenges and successes she faced in her artistic career, particularly focusing on her love for dragons. We talk about the complexities of the art world, insights on the decision to pursue art over traditional education, the strategic considerations in choosing conventions, the importance of community among artists. We get the REALITY CHECK of running a business as a self-employed artist and the challenges of navigating the artist alley community, including the truth behind booth costs, the economics of art, and the misconceptions surrounding the artist's life. We delve into convention experiences, good and bad, as well as the passionate conversation around STAMP RALLIES?!

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

The cosplay Master Class is IN SESSION! In this episode of the Cosplay Crunch podcast, we get the privilege of chatting with Bindi Smalls, where we get the background on her journey into cosplay, the evolution of her cosplay skills, and the impact of 3D printing on her creations and her life. We break down the Colorado convention scene, various 3D printing techniques and software, and geek out over innovation in the cosplay creator space. We go off about various printer brands (good and bad), and challenges faced in the 3D printing landscape. We also touch on the reality of working with brands, creating transformative costumes, and the balance between personal projects and professional commitments. Of course we HAVE to talk about the critically acclaimed MMO Final Fantasy XIV, and the TwitchCon 2024 experience. Stay until the end where we discuss streaming and content creation, as well as the importance of personal growth and staying true to one's passion in cosplay.

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

PLUS ULTRA ~ Or something like that! For this episode of the Cosplay Crunch, we invite Remy Domino to delve into the vibrant world of cosplay and conventions. We get the low down on the Louisiana convention scene and changes throughout the last decades and get to know more about Remy’s experiences throughout her cosplay journey. We explore her past and current creative expression found through various art forms.. and TikTok, the significance of character connections, and reflections on the beloved series (and mild Remy addiction) My Hero Academia. We mourn old conventions such as MechaCon, and look forward to a new experience at Holiday Matsuri this December. We get some advice on prop making and highlight the importance of community in cosplay and the joy of connecting with others who share similar passions.

Find Remy on Instagram @remydominocosplay

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

Shoot me from my good side! In this episode of Cosplay Crunch, we invite guest Yin Photo, AKA Jacqui Wong, to have an extensive conversation about photography within cosplay. We explore the importance of different equipment, the elements of a good photo, and emphasize the creative process behind capturing cosplay in its best light. We break down the dynamics of working with new and repeat clients, and the challenges of location versus convention shoots, and our DREAM locations for future photos. We touch on the social media shift from traditional photography to short-form video content, and the STRUGGLE of satisfying our boba cravings amidst rising costs. Stay until the end where we dish about acceptable photo turnaround times, over-editing, and the uglier side of cosplay photography…

Find Jacqui on Instagram @yinphoto

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

Cosplay is NOT THAT SERIOUS! In this episode of The Cosplay Crunch, we bring in Victoria Bane for a very reflective look at the cosplay community, con culture, and how cosplay has evolved from the early 2000’s to today. We explore Vickie’s journey from her early days in the community to her expertise, and now business, in professional wig styling, as well as her experiences with inclusivity and representation in cosplay and the challenges faced by cosplayers who did not “fit” a specific physical appearance. We break down the uber commercialization of conventions, and the significance of maintaining a healthy balance between cosplay and personal life. Now… we could NOT have Ms. Vickie Bane on the pod without getting her essential tools for wig styling and her personal wig-stress advice. And wait for the end of the pod when we throw it ALL the way back to the VERY memorable times of roof running at Oni-Con 2!

Find Vickie on Instagram @vickiebane

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

Calling all 3D printing girlies!!! In this episode of Cosplay Crunch, Aeicos is brought into the fray to discuss her personal cosplay journey, from learning to sew in Missouri to the evolution of her cosplay styles and skills. Of course we delve into the intricacies of 3D printing in cosplay, common misconceptions, and hot tips. Our experiences with Cosplay, CrossPlay, and Genderbending themes within cosplay are briefly explored. We ramble about the true vibes of Dragon Con (and phallic puppet shows?), the challenges of re-wearing and repurposing costumes, the realities of selling and reselling within the cosplay community, and the importance of creating costumes that are both visually appealing and comfortable. Our conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, foot dialogue, and practical advice for fellow cosplayers.

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

Are you in the cosplay illuminati like me? Well, you might not be, but in this episode of Cosplay Crunch, we are joined by Orion Valiant to delve into the world of cosplay, discussing Orion's journey from baby weeb into Japanese idols to becoming a prominent figure in the Texas cosplay community. We recount the evolution of cosplay and the impact of idol culture in anime, from Love Live to Idolish7. We explore the role of an emcee at conventions and Orion’s experience with helping coordinate a cosplay program track at San Japan. Of course we have to address the Texas Cosplay Illuminati, and learn if there really is a puppet master determining the fate of all cosplay contestants?! Stay until the end to hear the truly unforgettable experience at Fanime 2013, including the many challenges faced along the way. Oh…and moldy undergarments.

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

Get ready to HAVE IT! On this episode of the Cosplay Crunch, JackErufu joins the show to have a WELL overdue conversation where we discuss his beginnings in cosplay, growing up in the Ohio anime convention scene, and of course the drama and conflama surrounding OhayoCon! We go into all things ColossalCon Prime (the one in the middle of nowhere Ohio), and discuss the changes in the con dynamics over the years since 2016. Rants about Singer sewing machines ensue, as well as in depth hotel room etiquette, expectations and tips during conventions. Jack is pressed to expose the secrets to creating a perfect bunny suit, and we expose our full face (high maintenance) cosplay makeup routine for Pretty Boys.

Find Jack on Instagram @jackerufu

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

We’re BACK for Season 2!!! In this episode of Cosplay Crunch, we invite Stitch Crimes AKA Sammi to kick off the Season by reflecting on cosplay journeys, sharing insights on learning to sew and craft, navigating cosplay contests, and the experiences of judging and prejudging. If you were looking for some behind the scenes open and honest thoughts on pre-judging, you’re going to be pleased! We reminisce on our convention experiences, particularly Oni-Con, as well as con experiences throughout the summer of 2024. Stay tuned as we dust off the X-files of convention past to recount disastrous convention memories, and touch on a recent rodent ridden convention dungeon…I mean Artist Alley…in Portland? Let’s get into it!

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]

The collab you NEVER saw coming! Or…maybe it was bound to happen??? In this special BONUS episode, we invite CosPod hosts Amber and Val onto the Cosplay Crunch for a good ol’ fashioned cosplay kiki! We discuss the changes to the cosplay community over the years, cosplay knowledge and tutorials, and the challenges of cultivating a true cosplay community. We dive into the cancellation /future of A-Kon and the viability of large conventions in the current economic climate. Of COURSE we have to discuss A-Fest and its LAST YEAR?! Stay until the end to hear about cosplay goals and bucket list items from two cosplayers who have lived through it all!

Find CosPod at https://cospod.org/ and find Val at @tifaIA

Find us at the below:

Website: CosplayCrunch.com

Instagram: @cosplaycrunchpodcast

YouTube: @TheCosplayCrunchPodcast

If you have a question for one of our amazing guests, you can email us at [email protected]