The month has just gotten underway, and it's already getting hotter! 

Our Critical Blast Bombshell for July enjoys the unique opportunity to design costumes both as a hobby and as a profession, adding emphasis to the adage, "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life."

With a portfolio of cosplay that runs through several genres (and mixes some of the together in the best of all possible ways), Critical Blast is pleased and proud to present to you the...

Critical Blast Bombshell, July 2018

CutiePieSensei

Pharah / VI Mashup (OVERWATCH, LEAGUE OF LEGENDS)
Photo: @theampimage

What is your interest in cosplay?

I cosplay because it's fun! That simple! lol. I enjoy being able to make things with my hands and figure out problems; in cosplay, you run into a lot of challenges and have to figure out solutions that work for you. I get to be creative in my day job, but this allows me to be creative in a different way. After all, not many people get off work and want to continue doing the same thing they were just getting paid to do!

How did you get into cosplay, and what was your first cosplay experience?

I was introduced to cons in college by my then-boyfriend-now-husband, and I never looked back! He had already told me about them before we started dating, but when AWA rolled around that year, I had a bad cold so I couldn't go. But I freaked out when he came back from it and bought me a Naruto headband; I didn't even know you could get those! Later on, we were walking through our college campus, and Momocon was taking place (this was back when it was free and much smaller). I saw people in costumes and fell in love! My first actual costume was Korra from LEGEND OF KORRA. It was comprised mostly out of bought things and hot glue, but I was pretty proud of it! People knew who I was and asked for pictures!

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

I definitely take on more complex projects! I try to challenge myself with each new costume or design, and always want to improve!

Wonder Woman (DC COMICS)
Photo: @theampimage

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

I'm a UI Artist for Hi Rez Studios. I work on a game called SMITE, but our company makes other games such as REALM ROYALE and PALADINS.

What kind of social or charity activities do you get involved in with your cosplay?

Honestly, I'm a bit of a homebody! I work, occasionally go out with my husband and friends to the movies, and work on cosplay. It takes a lot of time! And when I don't feel like doing that, I usually end up just trying to rest and recoup so I can get back to it.

Do you make as much of your own costume as possible or rely on purchased materials -- and is that important overall to cosplaying?

I do a mix of both. I'm incredibly picky on how the final result looks, so if I don't see an option to buy that looks better than something I think I can make, I'll end up making it. That occurs about 95% of the time (lol). I'm confident in my crafting abilities, and I'd rather make something and it have mistakes than pay money for something and not think it's 100% perfect. BUT, I am a firm believer in "don't make it if you don't have to," meaning, for instance, if I have a character that needs a basic black tank top as a base, I'm going to buy that tank top, not make it. I don't think it matters if you buy stuff or make it, as long as you're transparent and don't pretend as if you made a costume that you didn't.

What's your favorite cosplay, your "go to" look that you just love to put on and act out?

My favorite costume I've made is my Pharah/Vi mashup. Not my most popular one, but I put a LOT of blood sweat and tears (literally) into making that costume. It's the most complex thing I've ever done and I'm super proud to be able to wear it.

Riju (BREATH OF THE WILD)
Photo: @theampimage

Where can people go to find you online?

I'm mainly on Facebook and Instagram! I use @cutiepiesensei on both!