Feature Friday: AOSM Knight Cosplay
Now that life is getting back to normal since Dragon Con and such I’m very excited to get back into the swing of things on the blog. I’ve been looking forward to this Feature Friday because my friend Chris is fantastic, and he has been one of my biggest supporters. It’s time I returned the favor for all of the shout outs he has given me since we met at Heroes Con 2015. We get into some very interesting subjects, so make sure you read the entire interview!
What is your cosplay name? AOSM Knight Cosplay
How did you come about your cosplay name? AOSM stand for Art Of Speed Motorsports, which is my race team and what I do a lot of my paints and automotive stuff under, plus in acronym form, it sounds like saying awesome. Knight is a nickname of mine, coming from my love for the tv show Knight Rider, but also in my general attitude and how I treat everyone. Combining the two just sounded, well, AOSM.
What is your real world name? Chris Bleil
What do you do when you aren’t cosplaying? Aside from working to pay for this hobby, I enjoy building model cars, paint on my computer, gaming(yes, I play games other than Star Fox), and go-kart racing. I also enjoy writing.
How old are you? 32
How long have you been cosplaying? Officially, A year and change. I had been cosplaying three years prior to that, but it wasn’t serious as it is now, and it was just for one convention.
What made you want to start cosplaying? I think a lot of it was I really enjoyed my first big convention, which was Animazement last year. But it was probably how well my Fox McCloud cosplay was so well accepted at that convention. Then at Heroescon. After that, I wanted to do more. And I loved seeing people smile and freak out from seeing Fox.
Why do you continue to cosplay? I do it for a lot of reasons. Fox is one character that I love to do, and originally, it was going to the conventions that was the primary reason. But as I continued to do more, it became a love for not only being a character i loved, but being someone that brought smiles to people’s faces. There is nothing more awesome than to hear your character’s from across a hall, or to see the look on there face when they realize who you are. I’ve had people that have said I literally made their day by being Fox. In fact, I had a particular cosplayer, a rather skilled and professional cosplayer and a very good friend of mine, tell me that he got the confidence to do his version of Fox by seeing mine at several conventions we both went to. And, as I’ve been told, I’ve given my Fox cosplay a personality. So many people have recognized me from other conventions, and they love the fact that they see Fox at the raves, or that when they ask, I can do a barrel roll on command. They see someone who isn’t afraid to go a little out of character, or maybe have fun adding to that character.
What is your dream cosplay? I would love one day to make a better version of Fox, but honestly, I’m kind of doing my dream cosplay right now. But I would love to one day maybe have a someone cosplay Krystal with me. At that point, if I had to quit cosplaying at that moment, I would happy.
What costume do people associate you with? Probably Fox McCloud, seeing as it’s been the only cosplay I’ve really done, even with all the different versions of him.
Do you do any other event aside from conventions in cosplay? I did do one charity event once, at a children’s hospital. Sadly it seems that a lot of them are far away, or I find out about them too late. I would love to do some more stuff outside of the conventions.
What has been your most positive experience with the cosplay community? The sense of friendship, even if you just met someone. The fact that you can just say hi, and it turns into a hour conversation. It’s one of the reasons I still love to cosplay.
We met while you were wearing your Star Fox cosplay? Do you have issues with people being negative towards you for associating you with the furry realm? What are your thoughts on this? I will admit I was a little hesitant about stepping into my Fox McCloud cosplay for the first time. You see the media, and hear the jokes, so needless to say I was a little unsure what the reaction toward furries at the convention would be like. I was shocked, and relieved to see that it was so open and accepting. And to see that people that cosplay furries are not what media claims they are. I will say that I think Fox is a neutral ground, which is probably why so many people like him. Yes, he is by all means a furry, but a lot of people view him as a video game character, so in that aspect I’m probably getting away with being both. In fact, I think more people admire my cosplay because I’m willing to put up with the difficulties of doing a full furry version of Fox.
Who is your favorite cosplayer? Everyone. Whether they be a professional, or maybe someone just starting out, the fact that you took that leap of faith and completed that dream, you automatically are AOSM! But if I had to choose, definitely BritFang Cosplay, Sadie By Design, Something Different Cosplay, Pinku Perfect Cosplay, and The Merc With The Moves-MJ DP Cosplay, because they are people I’ve become good friends with, and have a lot to do with who I am today, And I’ve had the pleasure of completing some cosplay goals with.
What’s the hardest thing about cosplay for you? Anyone that’s followed my page knows that I love my Fox cosplay, so much so that it’s been hard to do other cosplays because of it. I can’t remember how many ideas I’ve come up with, just to push it aside for Fox. But when you make your reputation off one character, it’s understandable.
What is the best advice you have for other cosplayers? Anyone that follows my page knows when it comes to cosplaying, I have a motto: Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy! As funny as it may be, sometimes it’s one of these that prevents a lot of people from cosplaying. Don’t be afraid if you may not come out with a master piece like some of the professionals. Like you, they started where you are at today. If needed, buy a costume, get a feel for cosplaying. Then from there, start to modify that cosplay. Maybe make a new belt, or buy some higher end face paint. Start slowly, and change or modify a little at a time. If anything, sticking with one character for a while will help boost confidence, and give you a chance to find and expand your skills. Good with sewing? Make a cosplay utilizing that. Love craft foam. Make a cosplay revolving around that. No dream cosplay is out of reach, as long as you continue to believe and are willing to work toward it.
Top 5 resources/tutorials you have found for cosplay help? I’m going to be probably not the first to say it, but the Internet is a wonderful resource. Google images, Youtube, Reddit are all awesome places for ideas and tutorials. Costume shops are a good place, because you can get ideas just by maybe looking at various pieces. And of course, other cosplayers. Don’t be afraid to ask someone how they did a particular cosplay, or even an item from it. Usually they are more than happy to tell you how, and even give you some tips on how to do it.
Anything else you want to add? Cosplay something you love, not just something that’s popular. I think the awesome cosplays aren’t the ones that are done well, but the ones that portray that character. In this aspect, research is key. Know your character, study their personality, and try to apply it to a convention. Would your character be likely to photobomb people? Does your character like to dance or sing? What is his/her special move, and would you be able to do it(making sure it’s legal and safe of course)? Don’t forget catch phrases, because people love to hear their favorite character say them. And in some cases, improvise. I think the one thing that a lot of people enjoy out of my version of Fox is that he’s not just a static cosplay. I can have a whole conversation with you as Fox. I also expand and create sort of an expanded personality, making up more than what you would normally see, but still being Fox. So don’t be afraid to go beyond the show or game. Make your character who you want it to be. And above all, have fun! Because at the end of the day, it’s all about you, and having fun being the person you worked so hard to become. Yes some people may not be interested in it, but as long as you’re enjoying it, that is all that matters.
Chris is a great guy who cosplays with his whole heart, and I really think he embodies how cosplayers are supposed to treat each other. Make sure you go follow him at all of his social media links below. Don’t forget to subscribe via email or Bloglovin’ to never miss a post!
Meru’s Social Media:
Facebook: AOSM Knight Cosplay
Instagram: @aosmknight