Dynamic Cosplay Presents: Starfire (Oki-Cospi)

Welcome to DC Comic News Dynamic Cosplay Presents:

Starfire

Photo by Kings Cosplay

DCN: What made you choose Starfire?

Oki-Cospi: Starfire has always been my favorite Titan. I loved her from the moment I watched the show when it was airing on Cartoon Network, then when I started reading comics, I picked up the Red Hood and the Outlaws, and some other Titan comics.

Photo by Kings Cosplay

DCN: Outside of cosplay do you have any other hobbies/interests?

Oki-Cospi: I play a TON of video games, it’s my go to whenever I’m not sewing or scheduling shoots with friends. Mainly RPGs and online games.

Photo by Rudi B Photography

DCN: How do your friends and family feel about you cosplaying? Are they supportive?

Oki-Cospi: My parents used to think it was weird and weren’t too big of fans, but anymore they’re incredibly supportive and try to help me with costumes when they can. (Though, they’re not the biggest fan of my Starfire cosplays! LOL)

Photo by Kings Cosplay

DCN: How long have you been cosplaying?

Oki-Cospi: I’ve been cosplaying for around eight years now, and it has been quite the journey.

Photo by Cosplayers Canada

DCN: Why do you cosplay?

Oki-Cospi: I cosplay because I love it. I grew up an artist and went to school for art, and I think this is my way of portraying a different type of art. That and the fact that I met almost all of my friends through this hobby and couldn’t imagine NOT cosplaying at this point.

Photo by Rudi B Photography

DCN: What was your favorite cosplay project?

Oki-Cospi: Hhhmmm….I think my favorite is my Kirin Armor set from the game Monster Hunter. It made use of a lot of different materials, so I had to learn new techniques. But Starfire is my favorite to portray. There’s just something empowering about being an alien from Tameran.

Photo by JwaiDesign Photography

DCN: How long did it take you to get this costume together?

Oki-Cospi: Starfire was a process that went on for 6 months, starting with a TON of research on how I want to construction her suit. Then finding the right materials, along with trial and error periods with making mock ups.

Work in progress

DCN: Do you have a pet peeve when it comes to cosplay?

Oki-Cospi: My pet peeve is people (EVERYONE) not respecting each other. I know people don’t like certain styles of cosplay, but there’s no reason someone can’t have fun for what they’re choosing to wear. Is it hurting you? Probably not. Do you need to make unnecessary comments? Heck no. Along with people not respecting personal space at conventions. I’ve only run into a problem once with harassment, but I know people that have had a MUCH harder time.

Photo by Kings Cosplay

DCN: Do you have any cosplays you will never do and why?

Oki-Cospi: Not really, I don’t limit myself to what I won’t make. I try to push myself outside of my comfort zones. Whether that’s new materials, trying to make armor, make up, or skimpy costumes.

Photo by Kings Cosplay

DCN: Why do you think cosplay has become so popular?

Oki-Cospi: I think it’s because geek culture has been made “cool” or mainstream from the Marvel movies. Which I don’t mind, but as a fan, it’s sad to see treasured things lose their uniqueness just so that the general public can accept it more.

photo by Eddie B Photos

DCN: What DC Comics character may we see next from you?

Oki-Cospi: I’ve been wanting to make Huntress for years, so maybe that’ll happen soonish! Along with finishing Catwoman and maybe another Starfire!

Photo by Eddie B Photos

DCN: Do you have a favorite memory or story while cosplaying?

Oki-Cospi: Nothing comes to mind in cosplay, but this past Dragon Con 2015, I was walking around a lot out of costume. I kept getting stopped and asked for pictures as just me, no costume, normal make up, super tired, photographer assistant me. It was really cool to me, and it showed that the awesome people that follow my work see me as not just as a cosplayer, but a person. And that really meant a lot to me! So thanks guys! :’D