Darlena Marie is an awesome cosplayer, in our COSPLAY SPOTLIGHT!!!!!
Why do you cosplay?
I enjoy costume performing because it allows me to express that part of me that is creative, carefree, and fanciful! I love how it makes others smile and adds to their
convention experience to take pictures with people dressed like their favorite characters!
What was your first cosplay?
Lt. Uhura from Star Trek the original series. My mother made the dress and my dad bought a look a like tricorder and ear piece. My parents brainwashed me at an early age to appreciate Star Trek, and dressing up in costumes!
Do you make your own cosplay costumes, if so, which ones, and how long does an average costume take to make?
Some I’ve made and it’ll take up to a month due to my busy schedule. If commissioned, an outfit it’ll take 2-3 weeks. I personally made my first, Scarlet Witch costume, my friend stephanie made my tiara, then a Blue Lantern, a green mermaid outfit, and a renaissance princess costume. All my Star Trek costumes are custom made, and I’ve had several comic and other mermaid costumes custom made.
What is your favorite character to play?
Because I cosplay different genres I really don’t have a favorite character but instead I have favorite ‘looks’. For example: for Star Trek I like to do any style Starfleet uniform. I also love the peasant renaissance look, mermaids, and now, more ethereal winged creature looks. But I can say for comic characters my favorite is the Scarlet Witch! I have and plan on creating more variety of outfits for her cosplay!
Amongst animation, comics, movies, or video games, what is your biggest inspiration for cosplay?
My biggest inspiration for cosplay comes from my love, obsession, and adoration of Star Trek! Comics are my next inspiration. I love the whole hero thing! As someone who served in the military I believe in standing for right, and protecting the weak and innocent. Both Star Trek heroes and comic book heroes are about doing good, making a difference, standing for justice, and protecting those things we cherish!
Have you ever made any mistakes that you’d warn a first timer about?
Oh yes! Make sure you double or triple stitch your seams especially if you are the type of cosplayer that likes to go through various motions when you cosplay, and pose for pictures. After several leg extensions a seam not properly secured will come loose! lol!
Are there certain characters that are easier to play than others?
Yes often Star Trek characters are easier to cosplay than comic characters, as the latter are drawn in many different poses, so because I’m about trying to bring a character to life as much as possible, comic character cosplay causes me to keep up my work out and stretch exercises lol! Star Trek costumes are also a bit easier to put together than comic characters, where the costumes have several components, designs, and even props!
