Cosplay Bytes

I was lucky enough to get Mink and Larcy again for another duo episode. The last time all three of us were together, madness ensued as we talked about RI Comic Con one year. This time around I wanted to get some insight into what Larcy and Mink were up to during the back end of 2021. I haven't talked with Larcy in a long time so it felt really nice to reconnect with her and talk about cosplays like her 2B and Kirin armor from Monster Hunter. Her and Mink were reminiscing on the multiple times they've spent traveling to conventions together alongside the pretty stacked con lineup they both have already! I also asked what they think the convention scene will be like this year as the pandemic more or less transitions into an endemic. As long as hopefully people continue to socially distance/wear masks where appropriate, I think this could be a year where cons and cosplay could safely transition back to the before times as Mink often puts it. PLUS, we dive into their duo Twitch streams, a whole lot of Disney talk

This lengthy episode was another wonderful talk and Emris Coscept is just a delightful individual. After finding out she's as big of a Nightwing fan as I am (subsequently gushing over the character for 30 min) we go into many of her cosplays that I personally enjoyed from her Trevor Belmont, to Bombshell Killer Frost. Plus, Emris also talks about her recent photoshoot done as a gorgeous take on Amaterasu. Which also leads into a discussion about collaborations between cosplayer and photographer. Including the various circumstances on who controls the creative direction of photoshoots. She also gets personal with an instance of clout-chasing cosplays and reaffirming why she chooses certain cosplays/creative endeavors. OF COURSE we also talk about FF14 and thankfully no spoilers are given regarding Endwalker (I'm still in Stormblood!). I feel incredibly fortunate that so far this season has been filled with long and insightful conversations with some really amazing creators. I hope you all enjoy this installmen

This has been honestly one of my more anticipated episodes simply due to the history I've had with Casey. Otherwise known as VanityFOX, she's a cosplayer and VTuber on Twitch that I've known from pretty much my own start in cosplay. Throughout our talk, we reminisce about the cons we've been to together, all the cosplays she's worn at ColossalCon, theorize about FF7 Remake and just really hype each other up. There were moments where I thought I was going to start crying because of how proud Vanity said she was of my own work. Highlighting the unfortunate interview we did together back at PAX many years ago plagued by audio problems. What you'll also find in this episode are tidbits about Casey's past work, her favorite parts, what aspects of cosplay she loves in addition to a ton of wonderful advice regarding streaming on Twitch. I mention it multiple times in the episode itself but I'll say it here too, VanityFOX is like family to me so getting to catch up and talk with her for as long as we did felt so spec

I got to talk with another new and wonderful creator for this episode. Kayjora Cosplay has been creating some stellar cosplays since her start into the hobby only a few years back. From her Boka Tan to an amazing Black Cat 2099, we discuss her origins in discovering the hobby. The bulk of this episode really hammers in the point of how cosplay has done so much good to the both of us. We also totally fangirl over Jessica Nigri as one does (along with hearing some stuff from Kayjora that really brought me back to when I started cosplay). How we're in a continuous golden age of cosplay information wise and you'll get to hear about past cons she's been to. This includes HolMat and Tampa Bay Comic Con! I really enjoyed talking with Kayjora and I hope you all enjoy this too! Check out all of Kayjora's links below: https://kayjora.vip Follow me on Twitch! twitch.tv/blulightningcos --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/support

Happy New Year! For this start of Season 5, I'm pleased to have a beefy chat with cosplayer and illustrator ACDramon. In this installment, I got to chat with Avery about a myriad of things as you learn more about his work. In addition to his origins as a cosplayer, you'll also learn how he got his start in illustrating PLUS his jump into voice acting. I also ask him about his foam work in cosplay with talk about a few of his outfits like Groudon and V from Cyberpunk 2077! We both take a trip down memory lane with some of our favorite standout memories since being in the cosplay community, life as a new Playstation 5 owner, personal favorite cons and a TON more. Seriously this is a conversation you do not want to miss :) Check out all of Avery's links below: https://linktr.ee/acdramon Follow me on Twitch! twitch.tv/blulightningcos --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/support

For this potential Season 4 Finale of CosplayBytes, I am joined by the wonderful SkylineStars in a hefty interview covering a multitude of topics. From Sky's cosplay and nerdy origin stories to a conversation about bought vs. handmade cosplays. In addition, I ask Sky about some of her cosplays from Kayna to Lenore and a few more as well. We also return to the controversy revolving around OnlyFans' debacle earlier this year, plus my own frustrations with League's continued popularity despite the damning report on their work culture a few years ago. You'll get to learn about her favorite ways to cosplay as Sky starts to enter the sewing territory and how she deconstructs cosplays in her mind as she sees them out in the wild. Very similar to how my own cosplay posts on my blog were done! This was such a fun chat and I hope you all enjoy <3 Check out SkylineStars on Instagram for all her other links! https://www.instagram.com/skyline.stars/ Follow me on Twitch! twitch.tv/blulightningcos --- Send in a voice

I am incredibly happy to have Luck of the Lion Cosplay return for another episode! She's certainly been busy as of late heading to conventions locally to her area in Texas. Our main topic of discussion is around Leon's experience at both Ecchi Expo and ColossalCon. Starting with the former, Leon details the con's efforts in its first year. Noting the combined vendor hall and Artist Alley in addition to some panels and sadly missing out on the Burlesque Show. For that convention, Leon mentions how she got to see/meet both Krissy Victory and Bishoujo Mom who were also in attendance. Switching over to ColossalCon, she talks about how she and Skyline.Stars (soon to be on an episode <3) roomed together and attending the con itself. Though she sadly wasn't able to experience the water park to both of our confusion with how the con is laid up. We talk also briefly about the OnlyFans controversy, how she was affected, sneak previews of cosplays she's working on plus a guest announcement for Leon! Hope you all enjo

Have a nice solo outing as I talk about my experience watching the DC FanDome event this past weekend. The multi hour stream turned out to be a slew of announcement for many DC related properties outside of its comic section. Mostly looks at current and upcoming TV shows, video games and the giant slate of movies over the next three years. I talk about the movies that I'm looking forward to seeing in addition to various panels they held about specific media. This was a relaxing day for me to watch that's for sure :) Follow me on Twitch! twitch.tv/blulightningcos --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/support

In another addition of What's New With, I'm joined by the ever so wonderful Phalafel Cosplay. Since our last recording in 2019, stuff has changed a lot for her in terms of her creativity with both cosplays as well as her venture into makeup looks with her Animal Crossing series. So much so that it has led her to opportunities with ColourPop! She references her current cosplay of Noelle from Genshin Impact and how that process has been. Twitch streaming has also been an amazing time for her with the community Phalafel has fostered through playing a variety of games plus crafting and just chatting. With her upcoming 12 hour stream celebrating one year, Phalafel has been able to keep her creativity flowing through the aforementioned outlets PLUS making videos on TikTok. We also talk about Sora making it into Smash Bros, how conventions are opening back up plus favorite methods of cosplay! Follow me on Twitch! twitch.tv/blulightningcos Follow Phalafel Cosplay on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/phalafelcosplays --- Send

For the pivotal 69th (nice!) episode, Mink the Satyr joins me in a completely different way. Emulating/acting through her V-Tuber persona, Mink takes the floor in describing the process of illustrating and rigging an original character model to entertain. Mostly in the streaming capacity, she stresses how cost effective the whole venture can be. All on the idea of how all out do you yourself want to go with your character model. We talk about the origins around v-tubing with groups/companies like Hololive and Mink building up a new PC to help in assisting with this new avenue. Afterwards, we do a deep dive on the latest Nintendo Direct and its wild showcase from Kirby's new game, Smash Bros' final fighter debuting in October and the hilarious (upsetting?) cast reveal of the Mario Bros movie by Illumination! Also included is our thoughts of upcoming conventions and how they're faring with the pandemic. Cons resulting in COVID cases surging after the fact and how some haven't been taking necessary precautions.

Hello all! I'm back from the small hiatus I took from the show. I apologize for the wait as I've suffered through a bout of burn out which I do talk about in this episode. Conventions have been opening back up in a moderate rate with several cons happening the weekend this was recorded. I briefly talk about how these cons have handled masks and social distancing. Also, this serves as an update on myself with my content creation efforts. This includes my Twitch Streams as well as my newest laptop acquisition. Much like previous installments of this series, the episode length is short so forgive me for that. Hope this solo outing is enjoyable though <3 thank you for listening! Follow me on Twitch! twitch.tv/blulightningcos --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/support

I got to chat with the incredible Alice Pika about a multitude of topics in this latest episode! From her early days of gaming and watching anime, to the content creating that she's been up to today. We reflect on what it's been like being somewhat involved with Etika's community, alongside her convention and cosplay history. Alice mentions several past cons such as Anime Expo, PAX East and NYCC! We also talk about a variety of games from Persona, Zelda, and Smash Bros. Alice opens up about her mental health and how it affects her cosplay and streaming efforts. What she's looking to do as she hopes to become more involved with streaming and possibly even holding panels at conventions. There's also talk about the workplace toxicity that has been made light at Activision/Blizzard while discussing similar situations previously brought up. Follow Alice Pika on the following sites! https://twitter.com/TheAlicePika https://www.twitch.tv/alice_pika If you'd like to support the show, become a supporter on Anchor

Here's my full look/coverage of my time attending PAX East Online 2021! Keeping the same structure as last year, PAX Online mostly had a Discord up and running in addition to multiple panels streaming across 3 PAX centered channels on Twitch. I myself watched two that aired late at night PLUS interviewing a variety of devs and corresponding with other game makers and merchandise creators. Panel wise I viewed one all about the Best Bars in Gaming, plus what makes a bar fantastic. The other one was all about a look on Kingdom Hearts 3, strengths, flaws and so much more. Below I have links to the games I interacted with throughout the event in addition to a special sale going on with Volante Design! Volante Design - Use Code 21PAX3 for a free gift with orders of $150 or more! Reina + Jericho Fire Tonight Aeon Drive The Company Man If you'd like to support the show, become a supporter on Anchor! Follow me on Twitch! twitch.tv/blulightningcos --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/message S

I'm happy to announce the start of my PAX East Online coverage! I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Dr. Anthony Bean and discuss his offerings over at Geek Therapeutics! A site that allows people to come and make their lives better through therapy alongside the connections we can make utilizing pop culture. Here, Anthony gives a full rundown on what it's like being a consultant for the company, the many certifications they offer, plus a slew of other outlets. This includes podcasting, a line of psychology books as well as teases into future Kickstarter offerings. You'll also get a look inside Anthony's favorite game series AND a look into my own personal struggles with therapy, why Nightwing means so much to me as a character and how I relate to him! This was an insightful conversation and I hope it helps you all in some way, shape, or form. If you want to learn more about Geek Therapeutics, visit their website down below! https://www.geektherapeutics.com If you'd like to support the show, become a

For this super long episode, I got the chance to talk with and meet Luck of the Lion Cosplay! From her immediate love of the Zelda franchise to the pin-up side of things, Leon has been killing it with doing full cosplay work as well as the boudoir side of the hobby. We talk about her beginnings with falling in love with cosplay, why Zelda means so much alongside some humorous convention stories. We also go into detail about proper convention etiquette and how a fan should approach cosplayers in person. There's just so much in this episode and I really hope you all enjoy it as much as me and Leon had :) If you wanna fangirl over Leon's work, check her Instagram out for all her other links and fabulous photos :D https://www.instagram.com/luckofthelion/ If you'd like to support the show, become a supporter on Anchor! Follow me on Twitch! twitch.tv/blulightningcos --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/support

For today's episode, I got to chat with the amazingly talented Jessilyn Cupcake and I have a sneaking suspicion that she's obsessed with Borderlands. Throughout our chat, you'll learn of Jess' start in cosplay and traveling to cons, as well as an in-depth look as to why she loves the looter-shooter franchise so much. Did you know she came into the series late? This love for Borderlands has gotten Jess some incredible opportunities which she dives into as well. Convention stories as well as our thoughts on the upcoming Borderlands movie and video game movies as a whole lately! This was such a fun conversation :D Be sure to follow Jessilyn at these social links! https://twitter.com/JessilynCupcake https://www.instagram.com/jessilyncupcake/ If you'd like to support the show, become a supporter on Anchor! Follow me on Twitch! twitch.tv/blulightningcos --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/support

I got the wonderful chance to talk with the sensational Intraventus again! Things have definitely changed for her in a wonderful way since then thanks largely to body painting! Since tackling that hobby on Twitch she's found a brand new passion alongside getting major confidence boosts in her own looks and work. The detailing and effort that goes into these works of arts is insane and I couldn't be more happier for the success she's had. We go into her early starts with Twitch and the community she's built, most difficult part to paint on herself as well as her long term aspirations for creating her own line of makeup and body paint! Listen as I just give this girl all the praise that she rightfully deserves CAUSE GOSH SHE'S SO SWEET <3. Check out Intraventus' streams, prints and OnlyFans work here! https://www.twitch.tv/Intraventus https://onlyfans.com/intraventus https://intraventus.storenvy.com If you'd like to support the show, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/LightningPalace Follow me on

Note that whenever Zach Fischer comes on my show, we bounce all over the place. Even to topics that don't necessarily pertain to the basis of cosplay. I got to catch up with Zach and get a look on how the past year has been for him as an artist/content creator. Other area of interests include his feelings on burnout during the start of the pandemic, his changes to his Twitch content in addition to a multitude of other things. Contract work with Blizzard, the various changes that the gaming industry needs to address at the corporate level when it comes to crunch, creators on OnlyFans/Patreon, why no one likes Warlords of Draenor and HOW IN THE WORLD DOES THIS MAN NOT HAVE A SWITCH?! Jokes aside, Zach brings such a unique intellect to the show and I'm glad he has just as much fun as I do. We even go into detail about his first ever time judging a cosplay contest online alongside what conventions will be like now as we come out of the COVID Era. You also get a small look into my personal life so sorry not sorry?

In this new episode, I got to catch up with Krissy and see how the pandemic has affected her as it has pretty much every other cosplayer in the community. She talks about her return to creating cosplays, upcoming cons she's excited to attend and so much more! Plus, you can get some insight into Krissy's latest foray into pole work and how much fun she's been having. This includes future incorporations into Krissy's OnlyFans content in addition to huge life changes happening. We go in detail about burnout culture and how we both have been able to stay tough with the lack of content being created. Krissy had a blast going on tangents and rambling on so I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did <3 You can view all of Krissy's sites down below! https://linktr.ee/KrissyVictory If you'd like to support the show, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/LightningPalace Follow me on Twitch! twitch.tv/blulightningcos --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cosplaybytes/message Support this podcast: h

I was very excited to chat with Holly Wolf again on my show since previously she was phenomenal to talk to and have a conversation with her. This time, I talk to her about how she's dealt with online anonymous hate throughout her various social media channels. From YouTube, Twitter and even Twitch, she notices how that while she's certainly grown tougher skin, mean comments can still take a toll on her. With COVID still in effect, she goes into detail on how more online she's been along with the work she's been outputting. The strategies she's implemented to keep herself busy while also taking time off of social media. It really is fascinating to hear how passionate and driven Holly is regarding content creation. She's always been an inspiration to me ^_^ Check out Holly's work over on her Website! http://www.hollywolf.ca/subscribe/ If you'd like to support the show, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/LightningPalace Follow me on Twitch! twitch.tv/blulightningcos --- Send in a voice message: htt