<\/a>Nessa coluna, eu trago a voc\u00eas depoimentos\u00a0daqueles que, de uma maneira ou de outra, se transformaram em \u201cprofissionais\u201d do cosplay. Para alguns, foi uma\u00a0atividade paralela, uma forma, muitas vezes, de custear os pr\u00f3prios trajes. Para outros, uma segunda vida fazendo aquilo que mais amam. Para outros, ainda, uma profiss\u00e3o \u00e0\u00a0qual se dedicam noite e dia.<\/p>\n

Victoria Avalor<\/a>\u00a0\u00e9 uma modelo americana e cosplayer experiente, h\u00e1 dez anos no hobby.\u00a0Ela j\u00e1\u00a0realizou incont\u00e1veis\u00a0ensaios, jobs\u00a0<\/em>em\u00a0conven\u00e7\u00f5es\u00a0e a\u00e7\u00f5es de caridade envolvendo super her\u00f3is. Ela\u00a0tamb\u00e9m\u00a0abriu seu pr\u00f3prio neg\u00f3cio interpretando princesas em festas de anivers\u00e1rio.<\/p>\n

Victoria\u00a0tamb\u00e9m \u00e9 blogueira<\/a>\u00a0e escreveu bastante sobre v\u00e1rios dos mitos que circundam o cosplay “profissional”. Na nossa conversa, ela me contou sobre\u00a0suas muitas atividades, o tratamento de cosplayers nas conven\u00e7\u00f5es americanas e\u00a0a\u00a0dificuldade de se ganhar dinheiro com cosplay.<\/p>\n

Confiram a entrevista abaixo:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Qual \u00e9 a sua idade e h\u00e1 quanto tempo est\u00e1 envolvida com cosplay?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Estou na faixa dos 30 anos. Entrei no hobby em 2006.<\/p>\n

Que tipos de trabalhos relacionados ao cosplay voc\u00ea j\u00e1 fez ao longo dos anos? Como que as oportunidades surgiram? Voc\u00ea buscou ativamente seus clientes ou foi abordada por eles?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Meu primeiro trabalho pago envolvendo cosplay aconteceu por acidente. Eu estava em uma feira medieval a car\u00e1ter. V\u00e1rios fot\u00f3grafos pediram para tirar minha foto. Um deles ofereceu me pagar se eu fosse ao seu est\u00fadio para que ele me fotografasse. A partir da\u00ed, eu comecei a receber v\u00e1rios tipos de ofertas. N\u00e3o era algo que eu havia planejado fazer. Aconteceu por acaso.<\/p>\n

Desde ent\u00e3o, eu me coloquei \u00e0 disposi\u00e7\u00e3o, dizendo que estava aberta para projetos. No entanto, n\u00e3o \u00e9 algo que eu fa\u00e7o regular ou ativamente.<\/p>\n

Eu fui uma\u00a0booth babe\u00a0<\/em>oficial da Escrava Leia para a Gentle Giant Studios. Fui contratada para ser a Mulher Maravilha em uma conven\u00e7\u00e3o para professores. J\u00e1 trabalhei como booth babe<\/em> para\u00a0v\u00e1rios outros expositores em conven\u00e7\u00f5es ao longo dos anos. J\u00e1 fui paga para posar para artistas e para fot\u00f3grafos que queriam me fotografar a car\u00e1ter. A lista continua.<\/p>\n

Voc\u00ea j\u00e1 escreveu bastante<\/a> sobre a realidade de fazer cosplay por dinheiro. Em particular, voc\u00ea enfatizou que cosplay raramente \u00e9 um trabalho em tempo integral e que as despesas da confec\u00e7\u00e3o podem facilmente superar os ganhos potenciais. \u00c9 poss\u00edvel viver de cosplay? Qual \u00e9 o melhor cen\u00e1rio que uma cosplayer pode esperar transformando seu hobby em um emprego?<\/strong><\/p>\n

N\u00e3o sou a pessoa certa para perguntar sobre transformar esse hobby em um emprego, pois esse nunca foi meu objetivo. Cosplay, para mim, \u00e9 um hobby. Eu tive sorte por receber oportunidades de trabalho pago, o que sempre foi inesperado. Baseado em minhas observa\u00e7\u00f5es, posso dizer que se voc\u00ea quer transformar isso em uma profiss\u00e3o, voc\u00ea precisa se transformar em uma marca e se promover de acordo. Mais ainda, voc\u00ea precisa se tornar uma cosmaker. No entanto, eu acho que \u00e9 bem realista dizer que voc\u00ea n\u00e3o vai conseguir um seguro de sa\u00fade ou um plano de aposentadoria fazendo cosplay em “per\u00edodo integral”. E\u00a0criar e confeccionar ainda custa dinheiro, o que \u00e9, eu imagino, a raz\u00e3o pela qual muitos cosplayers come\u00e7aram a usar financiamento online.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Qu\u00e3o prevalente \u00e9 a pr\u00e1tica de se contratar cosplayers em conven\u00e7\u00f5es americanas? Que tipo de trabalhos eles geralmente fazem? Isto sempre foi assim, ou \u00e9 um fen\u00f4meno\u00a0relativamente recente?<\/strong><\/p>\n

As Comic Cons nos Estados Unidos n\u00e3o costumavam contratar cosplayers ou convid\u00e1-los como\u00a0atra\u00e7\u00f5es. Anos atr\u00e1s havia uma lista bem pequena de cosplayers que eram inclu\u00eddos como convidados\u00a0<\/em>de conven\u00e7\u00f5es. Nos \u00faltimos anos, no entanto, isto mudou. Hoje, toda conven\u00e7\u00e3o de quadrinhos contrata v\u00e1rios cosplayers. Alguns s\u00e3o pagos para estar l\u00e1, outros t\u00eam suas despesas cobertas. Alguns simplesmente custeiam\u00a0do seu pr\u00f3prio bolso. Nem todo\u00a0cosplayer convidado\u00a0recebe a mesma oferta.<\/p>\n

Num editorial recente<\/a><\/strong>, a Hayley Williams do Kotaku disse que trabalhos remunerados de cosplay em conven\u00e7\u00f5es s\u00e3o minados por cosplayers dispostos a trabalhar de gra\u00e7a, assim como pela mentalidade de que cosplay deve ser feito por amor, n\u00e3o por dinheiro. Voc\u00ea concorda com esse diagn\u00f3stico? Se sim, voc\u00ea v\u00ea alguma solu\u00e7\u00e3o?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eu acho que o artigo dela \u00e9 incr\u00edvel e muito honesto. Eu concordo com todos os pontos. Muitos poucos cosplayers recebem uma viagem com tudo pago para uma conven\u00e7\u00e3o em adi\u00e7\u00e3o ao seu pagamento para estar l\u00e1. Eles predam em cima dos cosplayers. Eles fingem que est\u00e3o te oferecendo uma \u00f3tima oportunidade, mas n\u00e3o mencionam que n\u00e3o v\u00e3o te pagar pelo n\u00famero de horas que voc\u00ea trabalhar\u00e1.<\/p>\n

Aconteceu recentemente comigo. Eu perdi as contas de quantas ofertas de araque recebi ao longo dos anos. O problema \u00e9 que eles tentam seduzi-la com promessas de aten\u00e7\u00e3o. Isto n\u00e3o funciona comigo e n\u00e3o significa nada. Se voc\u00ea quer que eu trabalhe, voc\u00ea precisa me pagar. Fim da hist\u00f3ria.<\/p>\n

A realidade \u00e9 que eles est\u00e3o atr\u00e1s de volunt\u00e1rios, mas n\u00e3o querem dizer isso porque quebra a ilus\u00e3o dessa oferta glamurosa que eles tentam te vender. Pessoalmente, eu fa\u00e7o cosplay porque amo. Eu estou me expressando e expressando minha\u00a0fandom<\/em>. \u00c9 isso. Eu n\u00e3o tenho motivo ulterior. Se voc\u00ea recebe ofertas de trabalho pago, v\u00e1 fundo. Agarre o que for melhor para voc\u00ea. Voluntariar em um evento por algumas horas de gra\u00e7a tamb\u00e9m n\u00e3o \u00e9 t\u00e3o ruim. S\u00f3 tenha certeza de que n\u00e3o estejam tirando vantagem de voc\u00ea.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Al\u00e9m do cosplay, voc\u00ea \u00e9 dona de uma empresa de princesas para festa. Voc\u00ea pode me contar um pouco sobre ela? Como come\u00e7ou? Que tipos de servi\u00e7os voc\u00ea oferece? Qu\u00e3o diferente \u00e9 interpretar uma princesa em uma festa de anivers\u00e1rio de\u00a0fazer\u00a0roleplay\u00a0<\/em>como cosplayer?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eu a inaugurei\u00a0tr\u00eas anos atr\u00e1s a partir da sugest\u00e3o de uma amiga que tocava com sucesso uma empresa similar. Ela me incentivou a come\u00e7ar meu pr\u00f3prio neg\u00f3cio, j\u00e1 que eu tinha v\u00e1rios trajes de princesas e estava envolvida em\u00a0educa\u00e7\u00e3o infantil. Ela me ajudou a come\u00e7ar, fazer o marketing e muitas outras coisas.<\/p>\n

Eu ofere\u00e7o aos meus clientes\u00a0uma performance\u00a0e v\u00e1rias atividades divertidas para todas as crian\u00e7as. Interpretar profissionalmente uma princesa \u00e9 bem diferente de fazer\u00a0roleplay\u00a0<\/em>com uma personagem. Para festas de anivers\u00e1rio, voc\u00ea precisa se sentir confort\u00e1vel e disposta a entrar na casa de um cliente (que \u00e9, basicamente, um estranho).<\/p>\n

Voc\u00ea precisa ser boa com crian\u00e7as e saber manter sua aten\u00e7\u00e3o durante todo o contrato (geralmente, entre 1h e 2h). Ter sido professora de pr\u00e9-escola me ajuda muito nesses quesitos. Voc\u00ea precisa ser pontual e professoral em todos os momentos. Voc\u00ea precisa investir em marketing e materal de festa como jogos, m\u00fasica etc. Voc\u00ea precisa investir dinheiro em fantasias de qualidade, perucas, maquiagem e lentes de contato.<\/p>\n

Acima de tudo, voc\u00ea precisa ser honesta com voc\u00ea mesma. Ser uma int\u00e9rprete profissional de princesa n\u00e3o \u00e9 cosplay. Voc\u00ea precisa ser realista ao selecionar quais personagens voc\u00ea oferecer\u00e1 aos seus clientes. Isto significa que voc\u00ea precisa ser bem parecida com elas. Ningu\u00e9m vai pag\u00e1-la para interpretar uma princesa se, psicologicamente, voc\u00ea for o exato oposto daquela personagem. A crian\u00e7a n\u00e3o vai acreditar se voc\u00ea n\u00e3o se assemelhar.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Voc\u00ea j\u00e1 se envolveu com v\u00e1rias iniciativas de caridade, notavelmente como coordenadora da Heroes Alliance<\/a>. Voc\u00ea pode me contar um pouco sobre ela? O que \u00e9 esta organiza\u00e7\u00e3o e que tipos de atividades voc\u00eas fazem?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Heroes Alliance \u00e9 um grupo volunt\u00e1rio sem fins lucrativos que existe h\u00e1 11 anos, com membros em todos os Estados Unidos. Eu fundei a unidade de Eastern Pennsylvania 3 anos atr\u00e1s. Eu sou a coordenadora, o que significa que \u00e9 meu trabalho abordar as caridades e hospitais infantis locais e marcar uma visita de super her\u00f3is. Eu tamb\u00e9m gerencio minha equipe de volunt\u00e1rios. N\u00f3s oferecemos uma experi\u00eancia de super her\u00f3i “na vida real”, basicamente um\u00a0meet and greet<\/em>. Se h\u00e1 alguma atividade acontecendo no evento, n\u00f3s nos envolvemos tamb\u00e9m. \u00c9 muito recompensador dedicar uma parte do seu tempo para ser volunt\u00e1ria e trazer alegria a crian\u00e7as de realmente precisam disso. N\u00f3s passamos muito tempo com muitas crian\u00e7as, incluindo algumas que est\u00e3o em estado terminal.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Cosplays frequentemente s\u00e3o mencionados em discuss\u00f5es sobre direitos autorais. Em tese, character designs <\/em>s\u00e3o propriedade de seus respectivos est\u00fadios\/editoras, e qualquer lucro sobre eles \u00e9 vetado a terceiros. Voc\u00ea j\u00e1 teve ou testemunhou algum problema em rela\u00e7\u00e3o a isso? Voc\u00ea acredita que isso seja um fator limitante para o crescimento da profiss\u00e3o?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eu testemunhei pouqu\u00edssimos casos de problemas com direitos autorais. S\u00f3 consigo lembrar de dois. O primeiro foi uma cosmaker que recebeu uma ordem judicial de um est\u00fadio de Hollywood. O segundo foi o de uma cosplayer popular, que foi informada que o criador da personagem que ela interpretava estaria na mesma conven\u00e7\u00e3o como convidado. O autor da HQ pediu que ela n\u00e3o fizesse cosplay nem vendesse fotos dela vestida como sua personagem.<\/p>\n

E quanto a obras de caridade e festas de anivers\u00e1rio envolvendo super her\u00f3is? Voc\u00ea j\u00e1 teve algum problema com donos de direitos autorais a respeito do uso de personagens ou marcas? Os donos de IP (propriedades intelectuais) s\u00e3o mais lenientes em rela\u00e7\u00e3o a algumas atividades em compara\u00e7\u00e3o com outras?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Heroes Alliance \u00e9 uma entidade sem fins lucrativos, ent\u00e3o n\u00e3o tem problema. N\u00f3s n\u00e3o pedimos nem aceitamos dinheiro pelas nossas visitas. \u00c9 um grupo estritamente volunt\u00e1rio. A Marvel e a DC conhecem o que a gente faz. N\u00f3s n\u00e3o somos afiliados a eles e eles entendem isto. Desde que n\u00e3o haja dinheiro envolvido, n\u00e3o h\u00e1 problema em rela\u00e7\u00e3o ao que fazemos para a comunidade.<\/p>\n

Quanto \u00e0 minha empresa de festas de anivers\u00e1rio, as pessoas n\u00e3o entendem que a maioria dos contos de fada s\u00e3o dom\u00ednio p\u00fablico. A Disney n\u00e3o escreveu estas hist\u00f3rias. Elas foram escritas centenas de anos atr\u00e1s pelos Irm\u00e3os Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen e muitos outros autores. A Disney faz releituras destes contos cl\u00e1ssicos. Eu n\u00e3o uso o nome nem qualquer arte da Disney no meu neg\u00f3cio. Eu sou uma princesa de contos de fada, e princesas de contos de fada s\u00e3o dom\u00ednio p\u00fablico.<\/p>\n

Como voc\u00ea v\u00ea o futuro profissional do cosplay? O que voc\u00ea acha ser\u00e3o os maiores problemas e oportunidades que afetaram o meio nos pr\u00f3ximos anos?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eu pe\u00e7o desculpas se essa resposta parecer grossa, mas eu n\u00e3o me importo com o futuro do cosplay “profissional”. Eu n\u00e3o acho que seja uma profiss\u00e3o. Eu acho que \u00e9 uma coisa que as pessoas podem fazer no seu tempo livre ou em meio per\u00edodo. As pessoas podem come\u00e7ar seus pr\u00f3prios neg\u00f3cios confeccionando cosplays e props em per\u00edodo integral. Esta \u00e9 uma profiss\u00e3o, 100%. Por\u00e9m, cosplay significa vestir-se como\u00a0uma personagem, e eu n\u00e3o acho que ningu\u00e9m se veste como uma personagem por 40h semanais e \u00e9 pago para isso a n\u00e3o ser que voc\u00ea seja um ator ou artista de performance. Isto n\u00e3o \u00e9 cosplay.<\/p>\n

Voc\u00ea mencionou que se tornou uma modelo por meio do cosplay. Qu\u00e3o parecidos s\u00e3o os trabalhos de modelo em rela\u00e7\u00e3o aos trabalhos pagos como cosplayer? O universo\u00a0da moda \u00e9 um caminho vi\u00e1vel de carreira para cosplayers que querem diversificar suas atividades?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Trabalhos de modelo e de cosplay n\u00e3o s\u00e3o parecidos, s\u00e3o extremamente diferentes. Se voc\u00ea \u00e9 contratada como cosplayer, voc\u00ea \u00e9 geralmente respons\u00e1vel pelo seu traje, peruca, etc. \u00c0s vezes voc\u00ea pode ser ressarcida por fazer um cosplay, o que \u00e9 \u00f3timo. Durante\u00a0photo shoots<\/em>, \u00e9 normalmente s\u00f3 voc\u00ea e seu fot\u00f3grafo. Voc\u00ea traz a personagem para a vida, e ela se torna seu guia para como posar e agir. Quando voc\u00ea \u00e9 paga como modelo, voc\u00ea pode estar no set com d\u00fazias de pessoas ao mesmo tempo. Figurino, cabelo e maquiagem s\u00e3o providenciados. Voc\u00ea precisa vender o que quer que voc\u00ea esteja ali para vender. Pode ser costura, um produto ou mesmo um tema espec\u00edfico.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

No final de 2014, o quadrinista Pat Broderick fez coment\u00e1rios pol\u00eamicos<\/a> sobre o cosplay. Ele disse que os cosplayers “n\u00e3o trazem nada de valioso” para as conven\u00e7\u00f5es e que est\u00e3o prejudicando a ind\u00fastria ao roubar aten\u00e7\u00e3o dos criadores. Voc\u00ea mesma chegou a expressar seus pensamentos<\/a> sobre o epis\u00f3dio. Eu acho que falo por todos os brasileiros quando digo que fiquei chocado ao saber do depoimento de Broderick, sobretudo porque figur\u00f5es da ind\u00fastria n\u00e3o nos visitam com tanta frequ\u00eancia e, quando v\u00eam, s\u00e3o sempre tratados como celebridades. Este tipo de atrito entre criadores e cosplayers \u00e9 comum nos Estados Unidos? Outras formas de “trabalho de f\u00e3” (fanart, fanzines, webseries etc) s\u00e3o atacadas pelo mesmo motivo?<\/strong><\/p>\n

N\u00e3o posso falar por todos os criadores, cada um tem sua opini\u00e3o. Alguns adora cosplayers, outros n\u00e3o. Eu simpatizo com o Pat Broderick porque eu notei que as conven\u00e7\u00f5es americanas pararam de dar foco aos pr\u00f3prios quadrinistas. Elas n\u00e3o os chamam como convidados nem lhes d\u00e3o o respeito que merecem. Eles constru\u00edram essa ind\u00fastria e est\u00e3o sendo deixados de lado em favor dos cosplayers. Isto n\u00e3o \u00e9 correto.<\/p>\n

Eu estou grata pelas\u00a0conven\u00e7\u00f5es terem abra\u00e7ado o cosplay, mas ele\u00a0n\u00e3o pode ser o foco n\u00famero 1.Se voc\u00ea est\u00e1 na Comic Con, ent\u00e3o voc\u00ea precisa se focar em quadrinhos. Eu acho que o Pat Broderick est\u00e1 frustrado, e eu n\u00e3o o culpo. Este \u00e9 o seu trabalho em per\u00edodo integral. \u00c9 a sua profiss\u00e3o. Quando as conven\u00e7\u00f5es param de cham\u00e1-lo como convidado, ele para de ganhar dinheiro para sustentar sua fam\u00edlia. Eu n\u00e3o acho que a culpa \u00e9 dos cosplayers. Este \u00e9 um problema com os organizadores de conven\u00e7\u00f5es. Eles precisam redirecionar seu foco aos homens e mulheres que constru\u00edram e criaram a ind\u00fastria de quadrinhos.<\/p>\n

A maioria dos cosplayers usa pseud\u00f4nimos. Voc\u00ea pode me falar um pouco sobre este h\u00e1bito? Voc\u00ea sabe qual \u00e9 a origem da pr\u00e1tica?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eu acho que muitas pessoas, incluindo eu, querem proteger sua identidade e seu nome jur\u00eddico. H\u00e1 muita gente louca no mundo e n\u00f3s precisamos ter cuidado. Eu conhe\u00e7o uma mulher que estava sendo stalkeada e precisou tomar provid\u00eancias legais. Eu j\u00e1 fui stalkeada e precisei apelar \u00e0s autoridades. Usar um pseud\u00f4nimo tamb\u00e9m ajuda a separar sua vida pessoal do seu hobby. Nem todos os chefes ficariam felizes se vissem fotos de seus funcion\u00e1rios em fantasias.<\/p>\n

E voc\u00ea?\u00a0Trabalha ou trabalhou com cosplay e tem uma hist\u00f3ria interessante para contar? Entre em contato com a p\u00e1gina<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Victoria Avalor<\/a>\u00a0is an American model and and experienced cosplayer who has been in the hobby for over a decade. She has done countless photo shoots, landed jobs at conventions and participated in charity work involving super heroes. She also owns a princess party business, interpreting fairy tale characters to children.<\/p>\n

Victoria also blogs<\/a>, and has written about many of the myths that surround “professional” cosplay. In our talk, she told me about her many endeavors, the treatment of cosplays at American conventions and the problems in making money with cosplay.<\/p>\n

You can read the full interview below:<\/p>\n

How old are you and how long have you been working with cosplay? <\/strong><\/p>\n

I am in my 30s. I got into the hobby of cosplay in 2006.<\/p>\n

What sort of cosplay-related jobs have you done throughout the years? How did the opportunities arise? Did you actively search for your clients, or were you approached by them? <\/strong><\/p>\n

My first paid cosplay related job happened by accident. I was at the Ren Faire dressed up. Many photographers asked to take my photo. One offered to pay me to come to his studio so he can photograph me. From there, I kept getting different types of offers. It wasn\u2019t something that I set out to do. It happened by chance. Since then I have put myself out there, stating I was available for bookings however it\u2019s not something I regularly and actively seek. I was an official Slave Leia booth babe for Gentle Giant Studios. I was hired to be Wonder Woman at a convention for Teachers. I have worked with many other vendors as a booth babe at conventions through out the years. I\u2019ve been paid to pose for artists at Sketch events. I\u2019ve been paid by photographers who want to photograph me in costume. The list goes on.<\/p>\n

You have written extensively<\/a> about the realities of cosplaying for money. In particular, you have stressed that cosplay is hardly ever a full-time job, and that the expenses of costume making can easily soar above its potential gains. It is possible to live off cosplay? What is the best possible scenario a cosplayer can expect by making a job of her hobby?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am not the right person to ask about turning this hobby into a job because that has never been my goal. Cosplay to me, is a hobby. I have been fortunate enough to be offered paid work, which was always unexpected. Based on observation I can say that if you want to turn this into a job, you have to turn yourself into a brand and market yourself. You more so have to become a costume maker or prop maker for hire. However I think it\u2019s realistic to say that you don\u2019t get health insurance or a retirement plan by cosplaying \u201cfull time\u201d. And it still costs money to craft and create which I suppose is why so many cosplayers start online funding.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

How prevalent is the practice of hiring cosplayers in American conventions? What sort of jobs do they usually perform? Was this always a thing, or is it a rather recent phenomenon?\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Comic-Cons in America didn\u2019t normally hire cosplayers or have them as guests. Years ago, there was a very short list of cosplayers who were included on a convention guest list. In the last few years however, that has changed. Every Comic Convention now books multiple cosplay guests. Some are paid to be there, others have their expenses covered. Many simply pay out of pocket. Not every cosplay guest gets the same deal.<\/p>\n

In a recent op-ed<\/a><\/strong>, Kotaku\u2019s Hayley Williams argued that paid cosplay jobs at conventions are hampered by cosplayers willing to work for free, as well as by the mentality that one should cosplay out of love, not profit. Do you agree with her point? If so, do you see any solutions? <\/strong><\/p>\n

I thought her article was great and very honest. I agreed with all of her points. Very few cosplayers receive an all expense paid trip to a con in addition to being paid to be there. There are many conventions or vendors that will ask you to work for them for zero pay. They prey on cosplayers. They pretend like they are offering you a great opportunity, all the while leaving out the fact that they won\u2019t be paying you for working labor hours.<\/p>\n

It just happened to me again recently. I have lost count of how many bogus offers I have received throughout the years. The problem is, they try to seduce you with promises of attention. That does not work with me and means nothing. If you want me to work, you need to pay me. End of story.<\/p>\n

The reality is, they are looking for a volunteer but don\u2019t want to say that because it breaks the illusion of this glamorous offer they are trying to sell you. I personally cosplay because I love it. I am expressing myself and my fandom. That\u2019s it. I have no ulterior motive. If you receive paid offers, rock on. Take it if that works best for you. Volunteering at a show for a couple of hours for free isn\u2019t a bad choice either. Just make sure it\u2019s a fair deal and you are not being taken advantage of.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Aside from your cosplay\u00a0endeavors, you own a princess party business. Would you tell me a little bit about it? How did it start? What sort of services do you provide? How different is playing the role of a princess in a birthday party from roleplaying a character as a cosplayer? <\/strong><\/p>\n

I started my business three years ago at the suggestion of a friend who ran her own successful princess party business. She encouraged me to start one of my own since I owned several princess costumes and was in Early Child Hood Education. She helped me get started with marketing and many other things.<\/p>\n

I provide my clients with a performance and conduct a series of fun activities for all of the children to enjoy. Being a professional princess performer is very different from role playing as a character. For birthday parties, you must be comfortable and willing to walk into a client\u2019s home (who is essentially a stranger).<\/p>\n

You have to be good with children and be able to hold their attention during the duration of the booking (which is anywhere between 1 to 2 hours). Being a former preschool teacher greatly helps in this area. Entertaining at a party can be a lot like running a classroom. You must be punctual and professional at all times. You have to invest in marketing and party supplies such as games, music, etc. You have to put money into high quality costumes, wigs, makeup and contact lenses.<\/p>\n

And finally you have to be honest with yourself. Being a professional princess performer is not cosplay. You have to be realistic in selecting which characters you are going to offer your clients and by that, I mean you have to be a close look-a-like. No one is going to pay you good money to impersonate a princess if psychically you are the complete opposite of that character. The children won\u2019t believe it if you don\u2019t look the part.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

You have been involved in several charity initiatives, notably as a coordinator for the Heroes Alliance. Could you tell me about it? What is the organization, and what sort of activities do you do? <\/strong><\/p>\n

The Heroes Alliance is an 11 year old nationwide non-profit volunteer group. We volunteer at children\u2019s hospitals and charities dressed as superheroes. I chartered the Eastern Pennsylvania branch 3 years ago. I am the coordinator which means that it is my job to reach out to local charities and children\u2019s hospitals and schedule a superhero visit. I also manage my team of volunteers. We offer a \u201creal life\u201d superhero experience, essentially a meet and greet. If there are any activities taking place at the event, we happily dive in. It\u2019s very rewarding to volunteer your time and bring happiness to children who desperately need it. We have spent time with many children, including those who are terminally ill.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Cosplay is often mentioned in discussions about copyright law. In principle, character and costume designs belong to their respective IP holders, and any sort of for-profit activity involving them is forbidden. Have you ever had or have you ever witnessed any issues concerning copyright? Do you believe this is a hindrance to those wishing to work professionally with cosplay? <\/strong><\/p>\n

I have seen very few issues with copyright law. I can only recall two incidents. One craft maker was issued a cease and desist order from a Hollywood Studio. A popular cosplayer was told that the creator of a character she dresses as would be attending the same convention she would be at as a guest. The comic creator demanded she not dress as his character nor sell pictures of herself as his character. Those are the only incidents I have heard of.<\/p>\n

What about charity work and birthday parties involving superheroes? Did you ever had any issue with copyright holders over the use of their characters\/brands? Are IP holders more lenient towards certain activities? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Heroes Alliance is a non-profit group; therefore there is no issue. We do not make money nor accept money from our appearances. It\u2019s strictly a volunteer group. Marvel and DC Comics are aware of what we are doing. We are not affiliated with them and they understand that. As long as no money is involved, they have no problem with what we are doing for the community.<\/p>\n

Regarding my birthday party business, people don\u2019t realize that majority of fairy tales are public domain. Disney did not write these stories. They were written hundreds of years ago by the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and many other writers. Disney does retellings of these classic stories. I do not use the Disney name for my business nor do I use any Disney art work. I am a fairy tale princess and fairy tale princesses are public domain.<\/p>\n

How do you see the future of professional cosplay? What do you believe are the main problems and opportunities that are bound to change the scene a few years from now? <\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019m sorry if this seems like a rude response but I don\u2019t care about the future of \u201cprofessional\u201d cosplay. I don\u2019t believe that is a profession. I believe it\u2019s something people can do on the side or part time. People can start their own business making costumes or props full time. That is a profession, 100%. But cosplay means dressing up and I don\u2019t think anyone is dressing up 40 hours a week and being paid for it unless you are an actor or performer. That\u2019s not cosplay.<\/p>\n

You mentioned that you became a model through cosplay. How similar are modeling jobs to paid cosplay jobs? Is modeling a viable career path for cosplayers who want to diversify their activities? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Modeling jobs and cosplay jobs are extremely different. They are not the same. If you are being hired as a cosplayer, you are normally responsible for your costume, wig, etc. Sometimes you can be compensated for making a costume, which is great. During photo shoots, it\u2019s normally just you and the photographer. You are bringing a character to life therefore that characters persona is your guide on how to pose and act. When you are being paid as a model, you can be on set with dozens of people. Wardrobe, hair and makeup can be provided. You have to sell whatever it is you are there for. It can be fashion, a product or a particular theme.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In late 2014, comic book artist Pat Broderick made some controversial remarks<\/a> on cosplay. He claimed that cosplayers \u201cbring nothing of value\u201d to conventions and were hindering the industry by stealing the spotlight from original creators. You yourself expressed some thoughts<\/a> about the debacle. I believe I speak for all Brazilians when I say I was shocked to know of Broderick\u2019s statement, mostly because industry big wigs don\u2019t come our way that often, and are always treated as celebrities when they do. Are these clashes between creators and cosplayers common in America? Do other forms of \u201cfan labour\u201d (art, zines, webseries etc) ever get targeted for similar reasons? <\/strong><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t speak for every creator. Each individual opinion varies. Some creators love cosplayers. Others do not. I sympathize with Pat Broderick because I have noticed that American conventions have stopped focusing on actual comic book creators. They don\u2019t invite them as guests or give them the respect they deserve. They built this industry and they are being pushed aside in favor of cosplayers. That\u2019s not right.<\/p>\n

I appreciate that conventions have embraced the hobby of cosplay, however it should not be the #1 focus at a convention. If you are a Comic-Con then you should be focused on actual comics. I think Pat Broderick is frustrated and I don\u2019t blame him. This is his full time job. It\u2019s his profession. When conventions stop booking him, he isn\u2019t making money to feed his family.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t think the fault lies with cosplayers. This is a problem with the Convention Organizers. They need to redirect their focus back onto the men and women who built and created the comic book industry.<\/p>\n

Most cosplayers use aliases. Could you talk a little bit about this practice? Do you know where it came from? <\/strong><\/p>\n

I think many people, myself included, want to protect their identity and legal name. There are a lot of crazies in the world and we have to be careful. I know a woman who was being stalked and had to take legal action. I have been stalked and had to go to the authorities. Using an alias also helps in separating your personal like with your hobby. Not everyone\u2019s boss would be okay if they saw pictures of them in costume.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Nessa coluna, eu trago a voc\u00eas depoimentos\u00a0daqueles que, de uma maneira ou de outra, se transformaram em \u201cprofissionais\u201d do cosplay. Para alguns, foi uma\u00a0atividade paralela, uma forma, muitas vezes, de custear os pr\u00f3prios trajes. Para outros, uma segunda vida fazendo aquilo que mais amam. Para outros, ainda, uma profiss\u00e3o \u00e0\u00a0qual se dedicam noite e dia. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":10571,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[12,14,580],"tags":[98,322,425],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.finisgeekis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/victoria-headr.jpg?fit=500%2C412&ssl=1","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9rUzW-2If","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finisgeekis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10431"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finisgeekis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finisgeekis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finisgeekis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finisgeekis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10431"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.finisgeekis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10431\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21279,"href":"https:\/\/www.finisgeekis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10431\/revisions\/21279"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finisgeekis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10571"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finisgeekis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10431"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finisgeekis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10431"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finisgeekis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}