Cosplayer of the Week: Phalafel Cosplays

We know what you need: A new incredible artist to follow and support! We found Phalafel Cosplays and we absolutely love her work! that is why we were so excited that she accepted our interview request.

Enjoy!

One of my best friends and partner-at-the-time invited me to Katsucon 2017. It was the first time I’ve ever been to a convention, and I while I’ve always been an artistic person, I’ve never tried cosplay before for many reasons: time, money, and at the time I didn’t see or was aware of how large the POC cosplay community was because of lack of representation in the media, so I was filled with insecurity and self-doubt. But seeing and meeting such incredible cosplayers, and seeing such a large community of POC cosplayers inspired me to try cosplay as well! I’ve been in love with it ever since.

Out of all the years you have done cosplay, what has been one of your more favorite/proudest memories? 

Honestly, whenever someone tells me that I’ve inspired them to cosplay or have helped them craft something, it fills me with so much joy. To be able to reach and help someone even a little bit means the absolute world to me.

Many people online will simply see one of your images, appreciate it for the moment and move on. However, I know that a lot of care and time goes into photoshoots. Could you describe your process for a cosplay photoshoot from the concept to when it hits your fans? 

Video games! Video games are literally my everything. My parents are gamers, so they started me very young (with Mortal Kombat, which explains a lot of why I am the way I am today…). They’ve influenced my art and expression so much, so video games are my absolute favorite.

Subbed or Dubbed Anime?

I’m going to get dragged for this, but dubbed…but only because I craft whenever I do watch anime, so I’m not paying attention to the screen enough to read subtitles!

It is apparent that you hustle to provide content for fans but when you actually have a day off, how do you spend it? 

I usually spend my off days gaming! I’m a composer too, so occasionally writing music. I also really like decorating, so right now I’m focused on reorganizing and designing my apartment!

You just radiate such confidence and the swagger of a champion. However, a lot of geeks often struggle with overwhelming self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. When you have those bad days and get down on yourself, what do you do to remind yourself that you are wonderful?

I appreciate that so much! Especially because I’m a ball of nerves half the time, haha! I struggle with anxiety and impostor’s syndrome, so on a particularly bad day, I look to the people and things that inspire me the most. Whether that’s other content creators, musicians, artists, even favorite video game characters, I fill myself with inspiration from them. Because if these people or characters can be as incredible as they are, then I can certainly be as well. It’s so easy to get into your head and listen to the voices that say “you aren’t good enough.” So drown them out with the work of artists that I truly admire. Journaling has helped a lot too.

What is one piece of advice you wish you received when you first got into modeling/cosplay?

I wish the “play” in cosplay was emphasized more when I started. It’s so much fun getting to dress up and hang out with people who share the same interests as you, but it can be easy to be consumed by the pressure of accuracy or likes/follows. I cosplay because its a fun way to express my love for creativity and nerdiness. I encourage others to find their “play” in cosplay if their just starting, it makes the ride waaaaaay better!

Where can we find you online?