The world of cosplay is a vibrant tapestry of creativity, passion, and skill. It takes dedication, artistry, and sometimes hot glue to bring beloved characters to life. Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to chat with Crystal Brakhage, the talented designer who took home the gold at Nebraskon’s Main Stage Costume Contest (and won a prize for the hall costume contest)! We delved into the intricacies of costume design, sought her wisdom for aspiring cosplayers, and uncovered the sources of her inspiration.
While Crystal’s stunning designs have graced the runways of Omaha Fashion Week and Kansas City Fashion Week, we were curious about a different facet of her creative journey. Hidden within this talented designer lies a passion for something else: the vibrant and imaginative world of cosplay. This unexpected juxtaposition intrigued us. When did her journey into costume creation begin? What drew her to the challenges and rewards of crafting for cosplay and cons?
“Back in 2021 My friends and I went to Anime Nebraskon. That was our first convention and we were able to watch the cosplay competition. I was absolutely starstruck by the cosplayers on stage. I do have sewing experience so I thought I would give it a try. When 2022 rolled around I submitted my first Cosplay, Violet Evergarden, into the hall competition and I made the Joker for my brother and he competed on Main Stage. I was absolutely in shock when I won best beginner that year. That’s when I became addicted.”
Crystal’s journey into cosplay highlights the captivating allure of this creative community. That first taste of success, winning “best beginner,” solidified her love for the craft and set her on the path to becoming the award-winning cosplayer that she is. This anecdote perfectly illustrates how cosplay can inspire and transform, offering a unique avenue for self-expression and skill development.
When we picture cosplay, we often imagine those challenging materials: the stretch fabrics, the vinyl, the leather… But we know there’s so much more to it than that. We wanted to know more about what was the biggest challenge when creating her latest costume and how long the entire process takes from concept to completion.
“Hild from Vinland Saga took me around 3 months to make. The hardest part for Hild was teaching myself how to work with leather. My dad has a ton of experience in leather making so he would give me advice and tips along the way.”
Cosplay often demands very specific materials to achieve a truly authentic look. We asked Crystal what is the hardest thing to source when she’s creating a costume:
“Fabrics. Especially in Omaha…a lot of Cosplayers end up purchasing swatches and fabric online. Which isn’t bad but sometimes by the time you get the fabric swatch and then go to purchase the material it might be sold out or could take weeks for it to come in. This exact thing happened for the material I wanted to use for Hild’s cape.”
As for which tool she can’t live without when she’s creating a new costume?
“Hmmm a seam ripper haha and my dress form, Lilly.”
It seems even a champion cosplayer like Crystal is no stranger to the occasional sewing mishap! Her reliance on a seam ripper speaks to the meticulous attention to detail and the willingness to adapt and revise that are essential in the world of cosplay.
Every cosplayer has that spark, that initial inspiration that sets them on the path to creating amazing costumes. We asked Crystal what ignites that passion for her-a particular designer, character, or even a specific costume that motivates her and fuels her creativity?
“My biggest Cosplay inspirations are Sammy’s Cosplay, AkrCos and Lemon, Duff Cosplay, Diana the great, and the Cosplayers in the Discord group I am in. They’re constantly growing, creating, and inspiring each other and it’s just amazing to be apart of such an amazing community.
My biggest Character inspiration is Naruto. I’m sure people will giggle and say that’s basic and I’m okay with that. Naruto was the first anime I watched, I watched it throughout college, I watched it when I was working on my Fashion Week collections, I watched it when I was broke and living on my own. Anytime I felt like I wouldn’t get something done, that I couldn’t do it, or overwhelmed that anime always helped me get through it, Naruto helped me get through it.”
It’s clear that Crystal’s creative spirit is nurtured by a vibrant community of fellow artists and a deep connection to inspiring characters. The support and shared passion within her cosplay network fuel her own artistic growth, demonstrating the power of collaboration and encouragement. And while she acknowledges that her affinity for Naruto might be considered “basic,” her heartfelt explanation reveals the character’s profound impact on her life. Naruto’s resilience and determination have served as a constant source of motivation, proving that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places.
For those yearning to embark on their own cosplay journey, Crystal offered invaluable advice:
“Just go for it! I don’t wanna speak for all cosplayers because everyone is different but a lot of us do it for fun. We love to see what we can create or learn. We get to spend time in the green room or backstage with other individuals that have the same goals or interest as you. If you’re just beginning don’t be afraid to reach out for help or advice on how to do something. There is tons of tutorials and information out there.
Crystal’s advice to aspiring cosplayers is both encouraging and practical. Her “just go for it” attitude captures the welcoming spirit of the cosplay community, emphasizing that fun and learning are at its core. She highlights the social aspect of cosplay, where shared passions forge lasting connections in the green room and backstage. Moreover, she encourages newcomers to seek out advice and utilize the wealth of resources available, dispelling any intimidation they might feel. Crystal’s words serve as a powerful invitation to anyone hesitant to take that first step into the exciting world of cosplay.
Crystal has showcased her designs on the runway at both Omaha Fashion Week and Kansas City Fashion Week. That world seems a long way from the bustling halls of NebrasKon! We were curious about the differences and similarities between creating a collection for a fashion show and crafting a costume for a convention? Are there any unexpected overlaps between the two?
“Cosplay has really pushed me to learn new things. I made the switch because I felt like a I wasn’t challenging myself in my designs for Fashion Week. Whereas in cosplay I look at a character and have to figure out how to make it come to life.”
Crystal’s insightful comparison between the worlds of fashion and cosplay reveals a surprising dynamic. While seemingly disparate, both demand creativity, technical skill, and a keen eye for detail. However, for Crystal, cosplay offers a unique set of challenges and rewards. It pushes her beyond the familiar, demanding resourcefulness and ingenuity as she translates fictional characters into tangible creations. This pursuit of new skills and techniques ultimately led her away from the traditional runway and into the vibrant realm of cosplay, highlighting the transformative power of embracing new creative challenges.
Crystal’s story highlights the creativity, skill, and community spirit that define this unique art form. Whether she’s navigating the challenges of leatherwork or sourcing elusive fabrics, her commitment to bringing characters to life shines through. As Crystal continues to evolve as a designer and cosplayer, she leaves aspiring creators with a powerful message: embrace the challenge, seek inspiration, and above all, “just go for it!” Her story reminds us that whether on the runway or the convention floor, the pursuit of creativity knows no bounds.
Crystal’s dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons within the cosplay world is truly inspiring. Crystal Brakhage is a true chameleon, effortlessly shifting between the fashion world of runway competition and the imaginative realm of cosplay. Her dedication to both crafts is evident in the stunning visuals she creates, whether it’s embodying a designer’s vision on the catwalk or bringing beloved characters to life through meticulous costume design and performance. With her unique blend of talent, creativity, and passion, Crystal is a force to be reckoned with in both industries. We eagerly anticipate her future endeavors, excited to see what incredible creations she’ll grace us with next. Clearly, this is just the beginning of a remarkable adventure for Crystal.
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