Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Dark.
Christina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started cosplaying back in 2010 when a friend suggested I should. Growing up, I was really into superheroes and video games, and would make my own Halloween costumes of my favorite superheroes with my mom. After that, I never stopped. I began taking cosplay more seriously in 2013. When I started, it wasn’t as mainstream as it is today or even considered a career option. But as I began to focus more on it, I became inspired when I saw women and men doing this as a profession. It was then that I knew, I wanted to take my craft from being a hobby into making it a career.
At that point in my life, I was a full-time college student. I was a performing arts major, which meant I was juggling cosplay with not only classes but rehearsals and performances as well. When I was tired or stressed, I had friends and family who were backing me up.
I started out guesting at small local events, as well as a couple across the border. My following was growing and I was building a good reputation among those I had worked with. By the time I graduated in 2016, my foot was already in the door for more opportunities. Unlike most new graduates with my degree, I had a path already established for me to continue following in order to do what I love.
Since then, I have been blessed to have attended many shows all across the US.
Most of the cities I visit are new to me, so it’s a great opportunity to travel as well as meet interesting and fun people while I am there.
Cosplay has been a great source of joy, passion, drive and confidence that I had struggled to find when I was younger. It gives me an opportunity to see the world, and all of the wonderful people in it. Being a part of this fandom has been amazing. I’m glad to see the geeks like me who come to cons and get to be their own superhero for a day.
I have been and continue to be lucky enough to have a great support system with my family, friends and fans. And I hope that I can continue as long as I can, because who wouldn’t?
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like anyone starting out in something new, it’s a learning process. You learn something new in your craft, you learn something new in your workplace. Throw in the fact that I was navigating a college curriculum, it was definitely overwhelming at times. I was lucky enough to have mentors in the cosplay community who were willing to help if I had any questions or just needed to vent. With that being said, you have to be aware of what’s out there. You must be confident in who you are and what you offer and stand by it. I think it helps now with the way we are progressing. This convention subculture is somewhat of a reflection of what’s going on in the bigger picture. Especially in the geek culture, which is primarily male-driven. In the last few years, we have seen the success of many female franchises, a sign that women are beginning to be taken more seriously. Women in the convention scene should be taken more seriously. Cosplayers are not just booth babes. Cosplay is Not Consent. As long as this is remembered, respect will follow. The advice I would give to girls starting out is, respect yourself and demand respect from others. Know your worth and know that you are not a life-size doll, you’re a strong woman who will not be taken advantage of. In a world where people are willing to be villains, be the superhero for yourself or for someone else who needs it.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
My day-to-day routine varies, but my main objective each month is to use my creativity and skill set to work on projects that I enjoy and my fan base will appreciate it. During the process, I also make sure to provide content for my social media accounts as well as my Patreon, which is a membership only account for BTS access and monthly prints if that’s the tier you’ve selected.
Starting out, I did a lot of thrifting and my Mom would help me to sew anything that needed to be sewn. Having experience in the costume shop in college helped me a lot. Since then, I have learned to work more with foam which is a completely different process but the results can be pretty cool. I tend to dabble in a little bit of everything, but if I had to choose, then wigs and makeup would probably be my specialty.
My most popular cosplay has to be either Catwoman or Blue Beetle, both of which hold a special place in my heart. But I think the thing that I’m most proud of is when I look back at some of my first few cosplays and see how far I’ve come along. At the end of the day, cosplaying is a craft done by artists, so any progress in that regard is always something to be proud of.
I don’t like to compare myself too much with other cosplayers, because I know we all offer something unique. But I am proud that I have been able to express myself through cosplay and have received a positive response. We all have cool, quirky characteristics that make us different from one another. The great thing about this community is that all of those idiosyncrasies are welcome as long as there is no malice towards one another. We are an open and safe community that welcomes everyone!
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My Mom. I know it’s a cliche, but she has been there through it all. She is the strongest woman I know, and the first person I call for anything. She has been a great example for my sisters and I when we need inspiration. A foundation that has never shaken or broke, when times are hard she’s everything you’d want in a mother. And she reminds me time and time again that I am capable to do anything, even though it seems impossible.
Also, Catwoman. For a little girl who lacked confidence, Selena Kyle was a role model in teaching me that I can hang with the boys in a world that had been dominated by boys. That I am not to be pushed around and I can do whatever I set my mind to. She’s strong and resilient. She also pulls the heartstrings of my all-time favorite, Batman.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christinadark.com
- Email: christinadarkcosplay@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/christinadarkcosplay
- Facebook: Facebook.com/christinadarkcosplay
- Twitter: Twitter.com/christinadark2
Image Credit:
All photos taken by Jude V. Bencomo
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