Cosplayer Spotlight: Owldamone

One name stands out in a realm where imagination knows no bounds and where the weird and wonderful flourish – Owldamone, also known as Louise. With a sparkle in her eye and an incredible passion for the craft, Louise shares her journey into cosplay's quirky and fantastical world.

For Louise, the journey into cosplay began with a spark of inspiration and a touch of luck. "I had mutuals and prominent figures in the cosplay scene that I followed for years," she reminisces. "But the real trigger came when I dyed my hair dark purple and thought, 'Hmmm, this looks like Misato from Neon Genesis Evangelion!' So, I borrowed my Mum’s sewing machine and bravely started my sewing journey." With a chuckle, she adds, "Starting with a jacket should be illegal – that was hard!”. 

Reflecting on her most challenging cosplay endeavour, Louise recalls her transformation into Jill Warrick from Final Fantasy XVI. "It was definitely a rollercoaster ride," she admits. "Figuring out the intricate layers and components of Jill’s design was daunting, but it taught me the importance of breaking down complex projects into manageable pieces."

For Lousie, inspiration knows no bounds and comes from all around. "Is it cheating to say everyone?" Louise muses with a grin. "Every cosplayer, every convention, every interaction fuels my passion for the craft. There’s just so much creativity and dedication within the community – it's truly inspiring."

Yet, like any adventure, cosplay has its challenges and aspirations for change. "What I love about cosplay is the willingness to share information," Louise shares eagerly. "But if there’s one thing I could change, it’s the accessibility of the hobby. Sizing options for costumes and accessibility at conventions are just a few areas that need improvement."

Away from the sewing machine, Louise's adventures extend to the digital realm. "Yes, I stream on Twitch!" she exclaims. "It’s been an incredible journey, connecting with people through live gameplay and discovering new characters to cosplay along the way."

Louise’s character selection process is refreshingly simple: "I have the most smooth brain process," she laughs. "I just pick characters I’m absolutely obsessed with at the moment, whether it's Cowgirl Tifa or Christmas Chika. It's all about portraying characters I adore."

Amidst her myriad of cosplays, one holds a special place in Louise’s heart. "Jill was such a labour of love," she reminisces fondly. "Exploring new skills while bringing to life a character from a franchise so dear to me was truly an honour."

As for her dream cosplay? Louise’s eyes light up. "Goddess Madoka Kaname WILL happen someday!" she declares with determination. "It's a challenging design, but I’m committed to honing my skills until I can do it justice."

Obstacles are inevitable in any creative journey, yet Louise faces them head-on. "Art is amazing until it’s not!" she quips. "When faced with challenges, I prioritise self-care and reaching out to the supportive cosplay community for guidance."

For Louise, the most rewarding aspect of cosplay lies in its ability to inspire others. "Sharing my cosplay journey through WIP vlogs and receiving messages from fellow cosplayers who've been inspired or learned something new is truly heartwarming," she says with a smile.

To those embarking on their cosplay journey, Louise offers sage advice: "Have fun with it! Fun and passion are the heart of cosplay. Start with a character you love, and don’t be afraid to dive in – you’ll meet incredible people and have the time of your life!"

And as a parting nugget of wisdom, Louise shares a random fact about herself. "I used to live in Canada!" she reveals. "Vancouver stole my heart with its beauty and warmth – highly recommend it as a holiday destination!"

In the chaotic, colourful world of cosplay, Owldamone, with her boundless creativity and infectious enthusiasm, continues to leave an indelible mark, inspiring and delighting fellow cosplayers with every stitch and stream. As she adventures forth, her journey is a testament to the power of passion, community, and the joy of bringing beloved characters to life.

Originally Written for Colin Magazine Edition 8