Embracing a strong interest for cosplay, we have been hunting for fresh cosplay ideas, useful cosplay tutorials and stunning cosplayers all the time. Today, the American girl MurderNurse, who showed us the breathtaking A Nightmare on Elm Street Freddy Krueger cosplay days ago accepted our interview for cosplay talents. To see all of her cosplay works, you can pay a visit to her gallery. But to better know her cosplay experience and thought, just don’t neglect what she says below. Now, let’s begin.
1. Please introduce yourself first.
My name is Danni, but I go by Murder Nurse as a stage name. I’m a burlesque dancer for well-known East Coast con-troupe Cosplay Burlesque, Geek Girl Productions and Ink & Paint burlesque club. I also do quite a bit of modeling and in my spare time enjoy gaming, watching horror movies, anime or curling up with a good comic!
2. What does cosplay mean to you?
Cosplay means quite a few things to me now that it’s not only a hobby for me, but also the form of entertainment I give to an audience. But for me, cosplay will most likely always be my escape from reality where I can become the characters I admire, and of course, a chance to bring those characters to life on stage for fellow fans.
3. What and when was your first cosplay?
I started cosplaying in 2003. My HERO at the time was Vash the Stampede from Trigun [one of the very first animes I’d ever seen.] So I chose to do a female version of Vash for my first costume. It amuses me now that I look back on it and think at such a young age, with NO con experience, I was already genderbending characters. xD And I did choose a male character over doing a pretty sailor scout, since Sailor Moon was my very first anime. I had pretty unique interests as a kid, I suppose.
4. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?
I can’t single out one, but any cosplay in which I’ve made friends is a memorable experience. Meeting new people is honestly one of the best things about cosplaying.
5. What’s your favorite photo shoot?
Hmm.. another one that’s hard to single out. xD I do a lot of photoshoots with Black Cat, but I think it depends on the photographer. I really enjoy working with Carroll Kong because he has a fantastic personality, and Anna Fischer is always a delight to work with. I think having a photographer you’re comfortable with is what really makes the shoot enjoyable.
6. What’s your favorite anime/manga/game character to cosplay as?
I love all my characters! Haha. xD But some of my favourites are probably Black Cat, because I always feel confident and sexy in that suit and my No More Heroes cosplays: Sylvia Christel & Bad Girl. No More Heroes is my favourite game, so it allows me to meet a lot of Suda51 fans like myself. Same with Catherine and Mitsuru for Atlus fans! Really, any costume that I’ve gotten to geek out with fellow fans with is a win for me. :]
7. Any cosplay plan in future?
My next cosplays will be Juliet Starling from Lollipop Chainsaw [another Suda51 game, yay!] & Risette from Persona 4 [Atlus]. Suda51 & Atlus seem to always be a recurring theme for me, in both cosplay and burlesque.
8. Do you make your costumes yourself or buy them?
Considering I can’t sew to save my life, a lot of my costumes are bought or commissioned. I have put my own work into some of my costumes, however. I make quite a bit of the accessories myself and the fur detailing on Black Cat was all me. ; Including her diamond choker! My hot glue gun and I are unstoppable. ;D
9. Any other cosplayers you like?
Of course! Little Nemmy, Twin Bee, YuffieBunny, Nana Valtiel, Jeanne Killjoy, xProfAwesome, Yaya Han and AnimeAngel all do impressive work. I’m sure I’m forgetting some names. I admire quite a lot of cosplayers. xD
10. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?
If you let it, yes, cosplay can change you. It’s no secret the cosplay world has gotten a lot more critical of it’s denizens. If you’re not the “right” build, skin color, age, gender, etc. for a character, or heaven forbid your cosplay isn’t as nice or accurate as someone else’s – you become the target of many nasty comments. In my opinion, cosplay gets taken a bit too seriously these days. It’s not as relaxed as it was when I started in 2003 and could cosplay a favourite character without worrying about it looking perfect or not. So yes, cosplay can change you if you let it. It can make you self-concious, or it can you very brave if you can tough out the criticism. Personally, it made me strive to be a bit better, but it made me a lot more confident and out-going. When I get compliments on my costumes, it makes my day. It really makes me feel like I did the character justice and makes me feel good about myself. I don’t let it change how I enjoy my hobby, though, or who I choose to cosplay. If I don’t look like a character, I’ll most likely find a way to make it work!
11. Any advice you wanna share with cosplay newbies?
A lot of cosplayers have already said this, but I’m going to repeat it because it’s extremely important. Cosplay a character you LOVE and don’t let the fear of being put down for it stop you. You are who you are: body type, age, gender, skin color, etc included! We’re not fictional characters with perfect bodies and hair. I’ve made some of my best friends cosplaying from the same series, so never pass up an opportunity to meet other cosplayers with your same interests! Cosplay is supposed to be fun, so put aside your cares and enjoy it. A lot of people in this community let these kinds of things hold them back. Be one of the few who aren’t afraid to have fun!!
