Welcome! I'm a cosplay artist, photographer, and advocate from the Pittsburgh, PA area. I haveover 15 years of experience not only creating art but producing quality content for her local conventions. My pronouns are she/her.

Why Cosplay?

I express myself through cosplay—whether it's cute, sexy, or spooky, there are many facets of myself that I can share which I wouldn't be able to show any other way. I can choose a character and convey so much more than a single mood—I'm showing not only what I have created in that moment, but retelling the story of that character.

Why Photography?

You can't show off your cosplay without photographers! I have created many of my images as self-portraiture, or with the help of my partner. But when I work with a different photographer, we're combining our talents to create something that expresses both of our art.

I want to help other cosplayers express themselves as the unique people they are; to show the world what they want to say with their costumes and expressions. I want my photos to give others a voice of confidence, even when they're insecure, anxious, or otherwise afraid to express themselves to the world!

With a few other local photographers, I host public photoshoots with Western PA Cosplay Shoots. We explore unique locations in Western PA from Hell's Hollow in McConnell's Mill State Park, to the Mansions on Fifth Avenue, to Soergal's Orchards, to the Cathedral of Learning. These free events are open to cosplayers and photographers of all skill levels to create images and make connections.

Why Advocacy?

I'm a survivor of trauma, stalking, sexual harassment and bullying. I have not always handled this well, partly due to mental illness and partly due to how a negative attitude is rewarded in the online community. There are sites dedicated to sharing the latest "drama," people who keep screen-capped "receipts" for years to disgrace and tear down the achievements of anyone who has ever made a mistake or held an uneducated view—that's ALL of us! People are bonding over what they hate, rather than what they love, and it's creating pain to the point that people drop out of the community. After breaking free of that attitude, I knew I wanted to fight against it and the pain it causes others. I want to create a community where people are safe to express themselves and create--one where harmful attitudes are not accepted or rewarded.

Convention Work History

Organization Year Title Duties
Pittsburgh Japanese Culture Society 2006-Present Cosplay Manager Oversees the cosplay-centric departments & events at PJCS events, as well as working to create new ones to better serve our cosplay community.
Northland Public Library / Nerdfest 2019 Panelist / Event Runner Presented an educational panel on cosplay & ran a small competition for event attendees.
Frank Sarris Public Library / Fanfest 2019 Event Runner Organized, judged, and ran a cosplay competition for event attendees.
Greenburg Anime Festival 2015-2017 Cosplay Department Head Organized and ran a cosplay competition, including contracting skilled judges for the event.
Anime Mini 2017 Competition Organizer Organized, planned, and ran a casual cosplay competition.
Maid of Hearts Cafe 2010-2014 Founder/Maid Founded and performed in maid cafe events at multiple events.
KuroKiiro Festival 2009 Event Organizer Staff manager for a two-day convention event.
Anime USA 2008 Cosplay Judge Judge for the hall craftsmanship competition.
Otakon 2008 Hall Cosplay Competition Department Head Managed the craftsmanship competition, including organizing contestants and contracting skilled judges for the event.

Advocacy

Organization Year Title Duties
The Ongoing Struggle to Prevent Harassment at Comic Cons 2022 Interview with Allure Discussed the legacy of the "Cosplay is Not Consent" movement & harassment in our communities.
Cosplayer Survivor Support Network 2016-Present Operations Director Advocates for inclusive spaces for members of the cosplay and convention community, particularly survivors of stalking, harassment, assault, and abuse; and creates educational resources for conventions with a focus on anti-harassment measures.