I actually got started on accident. People online and sometimes in real life would tell me I look like Garnet from a popular Cartoon Network show called Steven Universe. I’ve always been a fan of the show, so one day I decided to put all my efforts to dress like them! I was amazed that I could actually get it accomplished. At first, I didn’t realize that I was doing cosplay. From there I had so much new found love for the process I decided to do it again… and again and again lol.

Who was the first character you dressed up as and truly connected with?

My second cosplay, which would be Princess Kida from Atlantis. That was the first time I looked in the mirror and felt a deeper connection with the nostalgic film than I did before. I really felt like I could be her and she WAS me. It made me reminiscence and appreciate the movie in an entirely new way.

Do you have any tips for someone that is new to Cosplay? 

Just start even if you don’t know where to. Trial and error will become your best friend and the journey is just as enjoyable and eye-opening as the end.

You have an amazing portfolio of looks you’ve recreated from our favorite nostalgia-inducing characters of childhood to pop-culture references of today, what influences your decision to dress up as a particular character? What is your creative process when recreating a character's look?

It could be something that randomly pops into mind or a suggestion from one of my supporters, or sometimes I’ll be watching a show or movie and can’t get a character out of my head! Once I’m set on someone I go from there on what I already have to what I need to get/create. 

What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of cosplay and having a large social following in general?

Sometimes sharing online isn’t always the most positive and welcoming place, you have to fight against negativity and not take it personally.

Outside of cosplay, you have a really cool personal style - how would you describe it? Do you have any tips for readers in regards to finding and embracing their own personal style? 

I just really like to have fun with my looks. I don’t want to stay in one particular lane of style, I try to base my looks on my mood and different genres of fashion! The best advice I can give is - just try new things, mix and match, trial and error. You never know what’s going to work.

If you were going to a 90’s or Vaporwave themed party, what would you wear?

I wouldn’t have any idea until a few hours before. I always base it off of how I feel at that given moment. So I’m going to be as surprised as everyone else with what I’d wear lol.

We know that you have been pursuing music as well, and have several videos on YouTube (I personally really love Infinite), have you always wanted to be in the music industry or is this a passion that blossomed more recently for you? Do you feel your interest in cosplay has an influence on your creative process when creating music and their accompanying videos? 

Thank you first off! I’ve always been a student of music, I played piano all growing up but never sang, surprisingly. Singing is a new passion that has blossomed and developed, and is still developing! I feel like they’re completely separate to be honest. The process in which I create music is still molding and I’m still trying to figure out, but I’m enjoying the journey and process of figuring it out.

Where do you see your art and career going in the future? What would you hope to be doing 5-10 years from now? 

Honestly, I have no idea. I’d love to get into voice acting, performing my music at shows, acting, creating a con or festival of my own, creating a clothing or merch line, and even making my own comic. There are so many avenues I want to delve into, it’s hard to say exactly what my path will look like. 

Kiera, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us about your art and style! Anything additional you’d like to share with our readers that we did not touch on? 

You’re welcome! Thank you for including me! Hmmmm, if there’s ever anything you want to try, just try. As cliche as it sounds, right now you have this one life and instead of living in fear of others or yourself or failure, just live. That’s the important part!

✨Make sure you check out Kiera's Instagram✨