Feature Friday: Saturnfire Cosplay
AHHH. This girl. I have gotten to know Anna over the last year, and it has been so great getting to know her. Cosplay has been more of a way of expressing myself up until the past year and a half where I have finally started to meet people who I can call friends. It makes me so happy I can share their work with you, so make sure you read everything she has to say because she is one of the nicest cosplayers you will ever get the chance to get to know.
What is your cosplay name? Saturnfire Cosplay
How did you come about your cosplay name? Saturnfire was just my Twitch username from years ago, and it just kind of stuck. At the time, I didn’t really want to associate my real name with my cosplays.
What is your real world name? Anna Max!
What do you do when you aren’t cosplaying? I’m a logistics coordinator at a power tool company, and sometimes I work in a comic shop!
How old are you? 26
How long have you been cosplaying? I’ve been cosplaying “seriously” for about 7 years, but before that I was pretty much always that weirdo who got way too excited about Halloween costumes.
What made you want to start cosplaying? Well, I’ve always been a crafter, and I’ve always been a nerd, so it was pretty much inevitable. I think just seeing other people’s cosplays and thinking it looked really cool made me want to try my hand at it.
Why do you continue to cosplay? It keeps me busy and productive! Completing a project makes me feel accomplished. Plus, these days I have tons of talented friends that keep me motivated to continue to challenge myself.
What is your dream cosplay? Oh man, that’s hard. I have a few, but I’m going to say Bayonetta (from the first game). I’m so intimidated by not only the deceivingly complex outfit, but also her towering stature. I’m just a short, little thing! I would still love to cross that off my list one day, though!
How do you choose who you will cosplay? For the most part, I just choose characters I really like and connect with, but I do take a few things into consideration. For example, I don’t usually cosplay characters in very revealing outfits (exposed tummy, mostly), just because I know from experience I won’t be comfortable wearing it. I particularly like to take on projects that incorporate accessories like jewelry, headpieces, etc. I enjoy making that sort of thing!
What is a skill for cosplay that you feel you have mastered? Making big bows! I have made enough Sailor Senshi outfits that I could make those bows blindfolded.
What is a skill for cosplay you have still yet to master or want to master? Armor. I am okay with craft foam, but Worbla and materials like that still make me nervous, even though I’ve used them before. I just need to practice more. I would love to be able to do some sort of elaborate armor build one day!
What is your favorite cosplay you have done so far? Why? Probably my 2013 Super Sailor Chibi Moon. I know it has problems, but at the time it was made, it was a HUGE challenge for me and I was so happy with how it came out. It inspired me to keep going and keep challenging myself in this hobby. I learned more from that project than any other, I think. If it had been a failure, I may not still be doing this today.
What is your favorite photo of you in cosplay? This photo of me as Noodle from Gorillaz (Plastic Beach) by my good friend Willie (Double Stomp Productions) is my favorite cosplay photo to date! It’s just too perfect!
Who is your favorite cosplayer? This is TOUGH because I follow so many amazing cosplayers, but I have to say Enayla Cosplay is someone really special. She pours so much hard work and love into all her cosplays, and it really shows. The amount of detail she is capable of recreating is honestly beyond my comprehension. Just look at her Masquerade Armor from Guild Wars 2! (Photo credit to Darkain Multimedia)
What is your favorite convention? Why? Anime Weekend Atlanta is probably my favorite convention, mainly because it was my first “big” convention and I have so many great memories attached to it. It’s kind of like my comfort zone, I guess you could say! I’ve been attending since 2010.
What’s the hardest thing about cosplay for you? I struggle a bit with pacing myself when it comes to making cosplays. I find myself rushing to finish projects in order to meet deadlines because I procrastinate too much. It’s definitely something I need to work on.
What is the best advice you have for other cosplayers? This is some advice I need to follow myself, but JUST DO WHAT YOU WANT AND HAVE FUN. Worry less about if so&so pulled off that character better, if you don’t have a 20 inch waist, if you don’t look good as a blonde, etc. Stop caring so much about what other people think and just do what makes you happy! I probably know more than anyone that this is much easier said than done, but I feel like 99% of the negativity in this hobby stems from insecurities. Cosplay should make you feel confident!
Anything else you want to add? All that’s left to say is how thankful I am for all of the amazing friends I’ve made through this hobby. It’s amazing to me how something like dressing up in costumes has brought so many wonderful people into my life, and that is what keeps me going above all else! <3
What did you think? Anna is one of the nicest cosplayers I know, and she just is so happy to be around. Leave a comment below for us, or reach out to her at her social media links below. As always, Don’t forget to subscribe via email or Bloglovin‘ to never miss a post!
Saturnfire’s Social Media:
Facebook: Saturnfire
Instagram: @saturnfire
Twitter: @Lumawitch