Featured Cosplayer: IxionCat Cosplay

One of the best things about cosplay is the community. Sure, there are bad apples, just like any other community, but for the most part everyone is incredibly kind and supportive. So, as part of my blog, I would like to show off some of the amazing cosplayers I have had the pleasure of meeting, working with, and who have become my dear friends.

First cab off the rank is the lovely IxionCat. At just eighteen years of age, she's already developed a fierce passion for cosplay. Although she took up the hobby in 2011, her first home made project, Sylvanas Windrunner, was the costume that brought her to everyone's attention at this year's Gold Coast Supanova.

"It definitely got the most attention and compliments and photos [of any of my costumes], and oddly enough, it was the first I made," she says.

"I don't think I will buy a costume again with how rewarding it is to make your own. I still can't believe the amount of support and kind words people gave me over the Supanova weekend. It was just crazy."


Crazy maybe, but certainly well deserved. In fact, her costume was so good it took out first place in the beginner category of the Supanova cosplay competition.

Photographer: Alessandro Ceraso

"It worked out exactly how I wanted, except for a few minor details like strapping. I was really, really sore and cut-into by the end of the three days but it was totally worth it. It was all a learning experience."

It's no secret that costumes can be incredibly uncomfortable and somewhat awkward to remove when, er... 'nature calls'. With a long day of walking and posing ahead of her, IxionCat decided she'd better make sure it was possible to visit the ladies' room.

"In my cloak and armour, I waddled carefully down the hall to the bathroom. Five or ten minutes later, after undoing what I had to and sliding around what was needed, I came out and said, 'IT CAN BE DONE'. I was so happy."




It might seem like a small thing, but trust me, cosplay and tiny toilet cubicles do not mix well. I've done a costume change in one and I had to remind myself there were probably children present so expletives were not appropriate.

Although she loves cosplay and doesn't regret getting involved in the community, IxionCat admits that competitiveness sometimes gets the better of her.

"It's maybe even more jealousy than competitiveness. I'm not afraid to admit that I feel those things, especially when I've put so much effort into something. It's like wearing a part of yourself, so if you feel like it's inferior or not how you hoped, you get defensive."

She's definitely not alone in that regard. I can't even count the amount of times I've seen a costume and felt the same way. But, as she says, there are more constructive ways to deal with those feelings than just being upset.

"Whenever I think, 'Damn, she looks so good. Why can't I do that,' I turn it around and say, 'Damn, she looks so good. I'm going to go ask her about it.'"



And, as I've learned from my short time as a cosplayer, that's the right attitude to have. She doesn't know this, but that's exactly how I felt when I approached IxionCat on Facebook. I was absolutely in awe of her Sylvanas costume, but also disappointed in myself. At twenty-seven, I sometimes wonder if I'm too old to cosplay, or if I'll ever really have the talent to do anything memorable. It's easy to forget how much you enjoy something when you spend too much time comparing yourself to other people.

"When you're aware of how you feel you can control it and change things you aren't happy with. My competitiveness isn't a good quality, so I get rid of it," she says.

As far as future cosplays go, she's already got several in the works for upcoming conventions.

"I'm doing Kuroyukihime from Accel World, then I want to do Kanato Sakamaki from Diabolik Lovers. I'd also love to do another major armour piece. Every time I watch or play something, I get more and more ideas."

"Conventions are really the only place I get to wear my costumes. I haven't even done a photo shoot yet. I'm actually a little uncomfortable in front of the camera. But I'd love to dress up for charity events."

While IxionCat makes it look like a walk in the park, she admits that cosplay can be expensive, time consuming, and sometimes stressful.

"It's a whole bunch of trial and error and [sometimes] tears," she says.

"In the end, it's worth all the time and money when I can go to conventions and meet fellow fans and creative people. I love it."

IxionCat will be heading to Oz Comic Con in September. If you see her, say hi, grab a photo, hang out. As I've found out, the other cosplayers are just as scared as you are. And they don't bite... Mostly.