Welcome to Cosplay Spotlight – a brand new feature here at Nerd Nation, where each month we’ll be spotlighting a new cosplay artist in a showcase of both their talent on display in selected photos, as well as the personality behind the talent in an exclusive interview. For this first edition, we have selected Mira Scarlet!
Mira is a cosplayer, seamstress, and costume designer from Greenville, South Carolina who has recently been taking the cosplay world by storm with her stunning looks, brilliant skill, and warm, friendly personality. Read on for more photos and an exclusive interview!
Nerd Nation: To begin with, how and when did you first get into cosplaying?
Mira Scarlet: “I’ve been cosplaying nearly my entire life, if you count me dressing up as Sailor Moon for Halloween when I was 6, or a closet cosplay of Edward Elric from Full Metal Alchemist in middle school. But I would say when I really got into cosplay, where I was striving to accurately be a character from the appearance to the attitude, started around the time that Diablo III came out. I was shown photos from the cosplay group Spiral Cats in their Diablo costumes and I was so mesmerized by how they brought the characters to life, from the costumes to the photography to the setting. That is when I got really inspired to begin teaching myself how to sew and make really accurate costumes of my favorite characters. Little did I know that sewing would become my biggest passion!”
NN: Do you make all of your own costumes yourself?
MS: “For the most part yes, but that doesn’t stop me from wearing store-bought costumes! But sewing and costume design is what I love to do, so I truly enjoy making costumes myself.”
NN: What are some of your biggest inspirations with your cosplay?
MS: “Anime and video games are probably my biggest inspirations when it comes to choosing my cosplays. I have been a huge fan of anime since the age of 6 and I’ve just always enjoyed the aesthetics of the style, and I grew up watching my brother play video games all the time; I find myself getting so attached to the different characters and the creative designs. But honestly, I am inspired by so many different things and am always looking to branch out and find other exciting things that inspire me and my costume work!”
NN: Of all the cosplays you’ve done, what would you say was your favorite one? Why?
MS: “My favorite overall cosplay would have to be Celestia Ludenberg from Danganronpa, because it was a lot of work to make accurate due to her gravity-defying drill curls, but after months of planning I think I really nailed it! Probably my most accurate costume to date! Plus I love the Gothic Lolita style so it was right up my alley!”
NN: Your name seems to pop up on a lot of convention guest lists. Did you ever think you’d be a guest at a con, as opposed to just an attendee?
MS: “Not at all (laughs) but I love the opportunity because I have met some of the coolest people I know through the convention scene, and being a guest offers me more chances to meet great people who share my obsessions or can introduce me to new things I may have never thought to even check out!”
NN: On the subject of conventions, what are some of your personal favorite conventions? Why?
MS: “I haven’t had the chance to attend as many conventions as I’d like, but I think my favorite one is Anime Weekend Atlanta; not only because it was the first convention I ever attended, but many of my friends attend and the area has some pretty locations for photo-shoots! Plus I love anime conventions in particular.”
NN: You also do quite a bit of modeling. Do you prefer cosplay modeling or more traditional modeling?
MS: “Definitely cosplay modeling. I really don’t enjoy traditional modeling, and I honestly don’t consider myself a model; I am a costume designer above all else. But I’m also a huge nerd that is very passionate about her favorite 2D characters. What makes photo-shoots fun for me is embodying the character that I want to portray, and I really like doing signature expressions or poses to really bring them to life!”
NN: Any new projects currently in the works that you’d care to share with us?
MS: “So many! (laughs) My biggest project to date that I am currently working on is Guardian of Time Cia from Hyrule Warriors, specifically her white DLC outfit. I am also working on my second crossplay ever, Speed of Sound Sonic from One Punch Man.”
NN: Finally, what advice would you give to someone new to the cosplay world?
MS: “Chill out and enjoy yourself! It’s supposed to be fun, so don’t be afraid to just go for it, no matter your skill level. We all start somewhere and you might be surprised at just how much you learn the more you get into the hobby.”
For more on Mira Scarlet, including many more fantastic photos of her work, check out her official Facebook page @MiraScarletCosplay, and her official Instagram @scarletonthetile. And to purchase Exclusive Signed Prints, please visit: mirascarletcosplay.storenvy.com.
On behalf of everyone here at Nerd Nation, we would like to thank Mira for taking the time out of her busy schedule to sit down and talk with us. See you all next time on Cosplay Spotlight!
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-Dave Harlequin
Editor/Staff Writer: Nerd Nation Magazine
@DaveHarlequin
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