Sparkle Stache plays a huge role in the cosplay community and has grown quite an audience in her time. In the international world of cosplay, fans bring their favorite characters to life through some pretty impressive creations. Cosplays can be worn to events or to take part in some great photoshoots. From Sparkle’s stunning recreations of iconic characters to her unique designs, Sparkle Stache has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the world of cosplay.
In this interview, we got a chance to ask Sparkle Stache all about her experiences in cosplay. We’ll also take a closer look at her cosplays themselves and explore what makes her stand out from the crowd.
1. What was the first cosplay you ever made, and how did it turn out?
The very very first cosplay I ever attempted was Kairi from Kingdom Hearts 2. I think I had just made a non stretch pink tube dress and then added 3 zippers and called it a day. Needless to say it was pretty rough, but I really enjoyed getting to dress up for something that wasn’t just for Halloween or Theater.
2. Can you tell us about a particularly challenging prop or accessory you’ve made for a cosplay, and how you overcame the difficulties?
I think with each Cosplay or creations there is always a new challenge that arises. One that stands out to me is whenever I have to tackle a new wig. Getting things to fit on your head properly ANNNDDD look the way you want it to is always tough. I used to never give myself enough time and would have to cut corners, however through a lot of trial and error and have learned to block out more time than I think I need to create something.
3. How do you stay organized and focused when creating a cosplay, and what tools or techniques do you use to manage your time effectively?
Weeeelll I am a Virgo soo organization is ingrained into my existence, jkjk. Staying focused can be pretty easy for me as I LOVE cosplay and how immersive it is. It’s my escape from everyday life so I constantly crave it. Organization, I’ve really had to tackle over the years, It’s still a work in progress keeping my ideas and executions on track, but trial and error help everytime I plan something new out. ALSO setting a hard deadline seems to really keep me on track.
4. Could you tell us a bit about your cosplay for your most recent event, Dreamhack San Diego? What inspired this cosplay and are there any details you’d like to highlight?
A Cosplay that I am so so excited for is my Alice Cosplay from American McGee’s Alice games. I LOOOVVVEDDD those games as a kid and getting to cosplay her is so fun! That cosplay in particular is a store bought cosplay, with a lot of airbrushing I did to try and bring her a little more to life.
5. Can you share with us any exciting upcoming projects or collaborations you have in the works?
As for upcoming personal projects, I am working on some really fun big builds for Anime Expo 2023 that I can’t wait to share! I am just delighted and honored anytime conventions reach out to me for Cosplay Judging, Panelist, or Guest work so I look forward to working with more conventions!
6. How do you approach portraying a character in cosplay, and do you like to stay in character during an event?
So I grew up in the world of Theater so for me I relate the root all my cosplays back to performance and character embodiment. I love becoming the character and representing them to the best of my ability. However, unlike theater I can relax a bit at conventions and still be myself while still being in character. Cosplay is great because I can control the off and on switch.
7. How do you balance accuracy and creativity when designing a cosplay, and what factors influence your decisions?
A lot of the time I think competitions determine my route of cosplay design. If I am cosplaying for fun, I just go with the flow of what feels right for me to wear, create, and be in that Cosplay. If I am working as a face character for a company I work as spot on and cannon as possible to make sure I represent them to the fullest, and If I am competing I stick to the rules of that particular competition while still honing in on my creative choices.
8. Can you tell us about a cosplay you’ve made that you are particularly proud of, and what makes it special to you?
ALL OF THEM!! They are all my babies. It’s so hard to pick!!! I think I can narrow it down to 2. First is my Pylon Cosplay from Blizzcon 2017. I LOVE this cosplay because it’s so ridiculous. It was one of my early builds so there’s a lot of mistakes, but every time I look at it my heart fills with so much joy. The other is my Franky cosplay from One Piece. I love Franky and One Piece so much, words cannot express. I had a HUGE project of cosplaying all the Straw Hat pirates this year (10 characters in total) and Franky was my number 1. I cried several times when wearing that cosplay just because I love him so much.
9. How do you incorporate your own personal style or flair into your cosplays, and what do you think sets your work apart from others?
That is a tough one. I’m not really sure what my flair is still, but I do know I find the most joy when I create something that doesn’t particularly have a solid depiction of what it is. My Pylon for example, is a structure, it’s not a person and there isn’t really any artwork that I had found to make it into a person. So taking something like that and then applying it to myself and my vision is my favorite thing!!
In the world of cosplay, Sparkle Stache has made a name for herself as a truly innovative and creative force. You can find her on Instagram, Twitter and other social media. Cosplay will always be a huge part of the gaming community, you can find out all our other cosplay interviews too!
