Inspire Me: Rae Marie Cosplay

I have absolutely loved "researching" to try to find cosplayers to feature, and I'm delighted that I stumbled upon Rae Marie Cosplay! Her outfits are amazing. I had to limit myself on which ones I wanted to show here! I confess, I might have featured a few of these just because they're my favorite characters.


How did you get into cosplay?

I went to Animenext in NJ in 2005 and as soon as I saw the cosplayers there I knew I wanted to get into the hobby. I started on my first costume right away and the rest is history!

Photo by Darkfox Photography

Character: Ryuko Matoi from Kill la Kill

Who was the first character you wanted to cosplay? 

The first cosplay I started was Kairi from Kingdom Hearts 2. It took a while to finish and I needed a lot of help but I was so happy when I finally completed it.

photo by Chris @ Dumotography

Character: Princess Mononoke

What is your process for putting together an outfit? 

I spend a lot of time finding reference photos and searching for the perfect fabrics and materials before I really get started. Honestly I think that is the most important part of the process. From there it's just trial and error to pattern, sew and put it all together.

Photo by Madster Cosplay and Photography

Character: Nana Osaki from Nana

What's your go to place for supplies/components? 

I go to the garment district a lot for most of my fabrics and notions. I'll also hit up Joann's because they always have what I need if I can't easily find it in the city.

photo by: JohnTrileyPhoto

Character: Blair Witch from Soul Eater

Do you use any materials that you think would surprise people? What's the weirdest thing you've ever used on an outfit? 

Since most of my costumes are mostly fabric instead of props I don't use a ton of unconventional materials. One of the weirdest things I've used in a cosplay was easter eggs to style a wig. It actually did work out really well to give my Ladybug pigtails more volume! Highly recommend if you cant get styrofoam balls haha.

Photo by Jenna Hurley

Character: Gou Matsuouka from Free!

What's something you feel like you've gotten pretty good at making/doing? 

Sewing is definitely my strength. Every time I work on something new I am using new techniques or trying a new pattern or method. Even now I feel like I have a lot to learn but I am very happy with how skilled I've become.

photo by D. Brooks Photo82

Character: Belle from Beauty and the Beast

Your casual Raven is SO cute... well, so is your normal Raven honestly. Well, just all of your cosplays are adorable, now that I think about it. Do you think you cosplay things that fit your personality? Or do you like to pretend to be someone different? 

Thank you! :) I like to do a little bit of both. Sometimes I feel like it is easy to channel a character I already relate to but it is also so much fun to act like someone totally different! I generally gravitate towards strong female characters like Tsunade from Naruto or Lisa Lisa from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure because I love how confident I feel when I am them. I also really enjoy pretending to be a baddie like when I cosplayed Lust from FMA.

Character: casual Raven from Teen Titans

Do you like the easy-to-throw-together casual looks or the took-50-hours hard core outfits more? 

Even though the casual looks are fun and easy to wear, I definitely like the super detailed hard core outfits more. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a project you worked so hard on come to life and be praised by others.

They say the devil is in the details... do you pay attention to the little things? 

Yes, and probably too much haha! I almost had a panic attack because I had to use two different white spandex fabrics for the sailor scout cosplays I made this summer since I couldn't buy more in time. Of course no one can notice but I NOTICE.

photo by OhHeyItsSK

Character: Gogo Tomago from Big Hero 6

Do you have any tips for someone looking to get into cosplaying?

  Ask questions and don't think you are ever asking silly questions, we all started somewhere. Look up tutorials, I can guarantee someone has done it before. When I started the cosplay community and social media did not exist like it does now and it's a real game changer so you should take advantage of it as much as you can.

Want to see more? Check out her facebook page!

facebook.com/RaeMarieCosplay