Interview with Lisa Lou Who

We recently had the opportunity to talk to Lisa about cosplaying, her cosplays, conventions and even her own business.

The first time I saw a costume made by Lisa, it was her wonderful Jasmine, Thief of Agrabah (pictured below). Being one of my favorite Disney Princesses, I decided to check out more of her work and on her Facebook found an incredibly talented costumer with a successful clothing business. A talented designer, Lisa has been able to bring characters to life either in her own imagining or characters straight from video games. We talk cosplaying, her business, and what conventions she plans on attending this year!

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi, I’m Lisa! I’m a twenty-three year old living in Minneapolis MN, where it’s been snowing like crazy for the past few months. I travel around the country to different conventions to meet up with online friends and, of course, wear my handmade cosplay costumes!

When and why did you first get into cosplaying?

I got into costuming at quite a young age– I started making sketches of the dance costumes I wanted at age 11, and have been sewing and creating ever since. It wasn’t until I was about 19, though, that I found out that I could combine my love of costuming with my love of my favorite cartoons, video games, and comic book characters by cosplaying them.

What was the first character you ever cosplayed?

The first character I ever TRULY cosplayed, where I made the costume myself was Roxie Richter from Scott Pilgrim. My friend asked me to be part of a big Scott Pilgrim group only a short time after the movie came out.

Many cosplayers struggle with having a huge list of characters they’d like to portray; how do you choose which character you’ll portray next?

I always try to pick a cosplay that fits which convention I’m going to, as well as how much time I have to make it. Lately my costumes have consisted of complicated armor AND sewing, so they’re time-consuming, but I’m learning so many cool things!

Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about?

My next cosplay is a League of Legends cosplay for PAX East… that’s all I’m going to say!

Do you make all of your costumes? Which was the hardest to construct?

Yes I do! The armor costumes have been the hardest, because it’s new for me. Sewing I can handle like no one’s business — armor and props? Not so much. My boyfriend’s Malthael that he wore at Blizzcon 2013 has been easily the hardest, with the second being my Queen Ariel; both armor sets.

Some people choose to be themselves and dress up; others choose to embody and become the character they are portraying–which do you consider yourself?

I’m definitely more into embodying the character — maybe not in personality, but I use makeup to contour my face and do my best to look like the character, even if it means making me unrecognizable.

Will you be attending any conventions this year?

Yes! I have plans for PAX East, Wondercon, and San Diego Comic Con, as well as a few local conventions here in Minnesota, and more in the fall that aren’t confirmed yet.

What is your most memorable convention experience?

My most memorable experiences are meeting the people I’ve admired and loved from afar through the internet for years — people like Jessica Nigri, Yaya Han, Philip Defranco, and Kassem G. That’s why I do this, and if it wasn’t for cosplay, I would’ve never met these people. Cosplay gives you something in common, it gives that conversation starter, and not just with well-known people, but with everyday con goers too! I love meeting people at conventions, which is why I love traveling the country to show off my crafts.

You have a hoodie company called Rarity’s Boutique – how did that all start for you?

Rarity’s Boutique was actually an accident! I was practically unemployed and struggling with money, when for my birthday I made myself a Rainbow Dash hoodie. My friends encouraged me to post it on the My Little Pony subreddit, and it blew up from there! I’ve been overwhelmed with orders ever since!

You’re a bit of a gamer too – since it’s not fair to ask which one is your favorite, what are your top three video games of all time?

Actually, although I play games, I do not consider myself a gamer. I’m very much a casual player, and just enjoy a good storyline, so my favorite games are quite lame. I just thought I should clarify so there’s no judging!

1. Borderlands 2
2. Elder Scrolls: Skyrim
3. God of War series

Of those top three are there any characters you’d like to (or have) cosplayed?

I’ve cosplayed Tiny Tina from Borderlands 2 and Kratos from God of War. I have all of the materials to make a Dark Brotherhood assassin from Skyrim, as well as Mad Moxxi from Borderlands! Someday, someday….

Where can we find you online?

Facebook: LisaLouWhoCosplay
Twitter: @ItsLisaLouWho
Instagram: @ItsLisaLouWho
Blog: www.LisaLouWho.com

Thank you so much to Lisa and don’t forget to check out her costume works in progress on her Facebook page listed above!

Header is Queen Ariel an original design by Lisa. Photography by Martin Wong.