Carmen San Diego Cosplayer Steals Judges’ Hearts at Comicpalooza 2023
This globe-trotting Carmen San Diego cosplayer has arrived at Comicpalooza 2023, and we’ve got the scoop.
Each year in Houston, Texas, cosplayers flock to the convention floor of Comicpalooza to show off their best creations. From Comicpalooza 2023 we have a whole new, exciting set of interviews and images for you to enjoy! Our third Comicpalooza 2023 interview comes from Chelsea M Cosplay, an accomplished cosplayer based in Beaumont. With nearly a decade of experience, she has garnered multiple awards, including consecutive wins at Comicpalooza. This year she took the Judge’s Choice award, and we’ve sat down to learn more about her.
Carmen San Diego Cosplayer Interview with permission by Chelsea M Cosplay
Embracing a spirit of positivity, Chelsea inspires novice cosplayers by offering tutorials, tips, and encouragement. She specializes in armor construction and constantly pushes boundaries with innovative materials and techniques. Beyond cosplay, Chelsea actively participates in charity events, bringing joy to individuals of all ages, especially children, and raising awareness for causes close to her heart. Chelsea actively collaborates with fellow cosplayers, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. She provides support, encouragement, and resources to the cosplay community, aiming to create an environment of camaraderie.
What was your first cosplay? Where did you wear it and how did you choose that character?
My first cosplay was a World of Worldcraft x Disney Princess mashup featuring Pocahontas as a Night Elf Druid. It was part of a Choose My Cosplay contest I did to get people interested in my work. The costume was designed by Libertad Delgado. I wore it to Comicpalooza in 2015.
Which other cosplayers inspire you?
I follow a lot of cosplayers, too many to mention all of them. The more famous ones are Yaya Han (first world-renowned cosplayer), Kamui Cosplay (makes cosplay tutorial books), Alyson Tabbitha (known for her “shape-shifting” makeup abilities), Avante Geek (known for her pizza dress and Dollar Store cosplays), Cowbutt Crunches (wigs and highly detailed cosplays), and Downen Creative Studio (well-known for foam armor).
Does your culture, identity, or personality inspire your cosplay? If so, how?
When I first started cosplaying, my own personal culture, identity, etc. did not really play a role in my designs/costumes. I focused all my attention on doing the character’s culture and identity justice. Now that I’m Muslim, I try to be very selective about the characters I cosplay and design custom versions of characters that are hijab friendly.
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Do you have any favorite memories from your time spent cosplaying?
All of my favorite memories are of meeting new friends. I met Zia Cosplay when she was cosplaying with her dogs who are also cosplayers! Mariana “Staly Cosplay” Lowery is an amazing body painter and I met her and my friend Kruger after she painted him as Beast from X-men. I have lots of cosplay buddies and I could spend all day talking about them!
What project are you working on now?
Currently, I’m designing a more culturally/religious accurate version of the Disney Princess Jasmine. Since Jasmine is from Arabia, the outfit will be less form fitting without the stomach showing. The region is Islamic and the project will include a hijab. InshaAllah!
What is the biggest cosplay on your Bucket List?
I’ve always wanted to design and wear a big mech suit like Bumblebee from Transformers, but I live in a small domicile and do not want to spend money on a storage unit so it may be a forever bucket list item.
What’s one piece of valuable advice you have for cosplayers, competitive or otherwise?
There’s a place in cosplay for everyone regardless of gender, race, religion, etc. You don’t have to make your own costumes to be a cosplayer either; there are plenty of people who professionally model other people’s creations (with credit of course). Also, don’t let social media fool you into thinking cosplayers are constantly making new content; a lot of times professional cosplayers make a marketing strategy for a cosplay and then release content on a schedule. The plan may include videos of the construction process, tutorials, and patterns. It’s all very much planned out in advance and the content is usually finished 1-3 months before it is ever released. Remember, slow is fast. Going slow allows you to create amazing, high-quality content.
Through her outstanding cosplays, philanthropic endeavors, and commitment to education and unity, Chelsea M seeks to leave a lasting impression as she inspires, educates, and uplifts those around her. As a practicing Muslim, Chelsea is deeply committed to promoting interfaith dialogue and unity, aiming to create a diverse and harmonious world.
~Join us next week for more Cosplay Coverage~
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