Today we’d like to introduce you to Bex Leigh.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story starts as just a local anime convention goer! I had been watching anime since I was 12 years old, but had never been to a convention or cosplayed until my friend dragged me to one in 2011. My world was forever changed seeing local people dress up, make their costumes and props, and just genuinely love the craft of cosplaying. For the next convention, I spent a few months making a Harley Quinn costume (including working on it at my job), and finally went to show it off. It was the best feeling knowing I had created something with my own hands. When the pandemic hit, I started streaming on Twitch and showing off my cosplays and connecting with people across the country. I had seen other cosplayers more popular than me doing guest spots at conventions around the country, and I was inspired to achieve that goal myself to show off my cosplays and connect with different people. I finally got my first guest spot at a Dallas convention called Otaku Oasis, and it was life-changing. I knew then that this is what I want to do forever. I ended up receiving an even greater opportunity to be a guest for another huge convention called Creators After Dark this year. To add to my achievements, I became a Twitch Affiliate and won Best Creative Art at the convention called Pax South in early 2020. Additionally, I have hosted my first panel to help other cosplayers learn how to make costumes sustainable and more eco-friendly. I’m also currently expanding my opportunities by getting into voice acting and releasing my first song in early fall!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest struggle was when my mom passed away in 2020. Depression had hit me after that. I had to re-evaluate where I was in life and decide whether I wanted to keep pursuing my passions for cosplay and conventions, or let them go. With the advice and support of my friends and family, I decided to keep following my passion for cosplay and crafting.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Dallas-Fort Worth Cosplayer, Model, and Streamer. I am known for my intricate cosplays and crafts as well as my modeling. I am most proud of my ability to craft a cosplay within a short deadline. I am also known for making cosplays sustainable or for finding cheap, eco-friendly resources. I thrift and find different fabrics to alter into the costume or prop I want. I always have people come up to me and ask, “How can I cosplay? I don’t know where to start.” I always direct them to a thrift store. Dollar Tree is also your friend for cheap supplies and glue, etc. Also, I recommend using sites like Depop and other resale apps to buy cosplays secondhand so they don’t end up in a landfill. That is a big problem in cosplay and in the clothing industry. Additionally, I tell everyone that anyone can cosplay! This is, and should always be, an inclusive space for people to live out their fandoms. If you want to dress up like Princess Peach for a day, then don’t let anyone stop you! If you want to make a huge foam sword and LARP, then I encourage you! We have one life to live, so why not have fun while you are here!
I think what sets me apart from other cosplayers and models is my ability to be adaptable and go with the flow in most situations. I have a special ability to connect to people, and I hope to inspire people to love what they do as much as I do.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Being creative makes me happy! I love just doing side quests and starting new projects! Additionally, helping others achieve their goals makes me happy! When I started guesting and attending conventions, it made me happy to talk to other local cosplayers and fans of my work!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://link.me/@bexleighxx
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bexleighxx/?hl=en
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/9PBwn9arCE18fucVqt
