What do you like best? Fanart, fanfiction, or fanvideos?
◥		Anonymous

I love all three of them, but as a writer, fanfiction is my favorite!

what was your first job?
◥		Anonymous

I was a sales associate at Halloween USA. It was awful because I had to help rude sweaty people try on costumes.

HI MANGO!!!!! Quick question... Will you and inner mind theater still cosplay young justice? Also will you review like the new batman series coming out on Cartoon Network? ---- from a wanna be batgirl. Lol
◥		Anonymous

We’re planning to do one more Young Justice shoot, but then after that, we’ll probably retire those costumes now that the show has ended. Plus we want to move on to new characters and new series!

As for reviewing the new Batman show, I’m not planning to. Honestly I just need a break from doing reviews since there are other things I’d like to do on my YouTube channel. Like more Cosplay 101 videos! :D

Hi Nina! I have a cosplay question. I'm going to be making a leotard-type outfit, and it has purple designs on it. Instead of painting it on, would it be better to sew the pattern on the leotard? Is there a specific way I need to sew it on? (Sorry for all the questions, I'm pretty new to sewing/costume making) Thank you! <3
◥		Anonymous

I can’t tell you which method would be best without knowing what the designs look like, but there are a few different techniques you could use!

If you choose to paint the designs on, use a fabric paint, and make sure that the leotard is stretched while you’re painting. The best way to do this would be to put it on and then have a friend either outline where you want the designs, or if they’re an awesome friend, paint the designs on for you.

If the designs are more structural, you can incorporate them into your base pattern for the leotard, similar to what I did for my Miss Martian costumes. (The ‘X’ shape is part of the base bodysuit pattern.)

Finally, you could use the method outlined in this Stretch Applique Tutorial. It’s a bit tricky but the results are fantastic!

Best of luck with your costume!! :D

Dear nina i've been on my diet for about 4 months now and am noticeably losing weight the thing is that i find it really hard to stray from comfort eating when i'm really stressed. what with school kicking my butt and losing a job. can you please recommend some ways to avoid comfort eating and how to deal with being overwhelmed and turning to food to comfort myself. Also i am really hoping to cosplay this year but am genuinly shy and nervous i'll make a fool of myself,how was your first cosplay?
◥		Anonymous

The best way to avoid comfort eating or any other sort of emotional eating is to occupy yourself with something else! Work on a craft project, write or draw, take a shower, play a video game, or get some exercise. If your body still wants food after some time has passed, that means it’s actual hunger as opposed to a passing craving. (And you should eat when you’re hungry! :D)

But really, when you’re feeling down, the best thing you can do to cheer yourself up is work out. Exercise will release endorphins that will make you feel happier! So when times are tough, leave the Ben & Jerry’s in the freezer and pick up some weights instead. Even just going on a walk can be extremely beneficial.

Sorry to hear that you’re going through some rough times - but keep your chin up, Anon, you’ll make it through! <3

(P.S. My first cosplay experience was nerve-wracking when I first got to the con, but after a few minutes of walking around, I totally relaxed and had a wonderful time! Cons are basically giant nerd parties, there’s no need to worry about making a fool of yourself. Just have fun enjoying the things you love!)

Thank you so much for your inspiring words. Now I feel better about cosplaying yuna and I have the inspiration to go forward. If you wouldn't mind though how much of polyethylene straps did you get? I'm scared of running out halfway when braiding and any idea of how you're gonna tackle to top? It's tighter around her waist and i'm stuck on how i'll get it on and off. Again thank you so much. <3
◥		Anonymous

I’m so happy to hear that, anon~! C: You’re going to be a fabulous Yuna!

I bought 8 yards of polyethylene straps and cut them up into four 2-yard sections. My piping filler cord was about 1.75 yards long, but yours will depend on your height. Buy around 2 yards just to be safe.

As for the top, I’m making mine out of stretchy fabric so I’ll be able to pull it on and off easily, but there’s always the option of adding a short separating zipper in the back! I’m using a spandex fabric for the top portion, then a rib knit for the middle section.

If you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to ask!! I’m more than happy to help a fellow Gullwing~ :D

Cosplay question! Hi Nina, I was wondering how do you keep fabric from fraying, I've tried a couple of different things but they don't seem to be working
◥		Anonymous

I swear by Fray Check! It’s really useful in preventing fraying while you’re working with fabric that tends to unravel (brocade, I’m lookin’ at you). Just make sure to test it on an inconspicuous area of the fabric since it can sometimes cause slight discoloration.

If you’re working with something like polyethylene straps (“tote bag” strap material), it frays like crazy. In that case you’ll want to burn the ends of it to melt the plastic fibers together. This can be done using a match, a candle, or a lighter. But do it in a well-ventilated area since the fumes can be dangerous!

Your top for your Viera elementalist looks amazing, did you follow a pattern or use a tutorial? If so would you share your secrets? I want to make a costume with a similarly designed top and have no clue where to start. <3
◥		Anonymous

Thanks so much! I didn’t use a pattern; my whole Viera cosplay has been done using a draping technique. But the top is one long rectangle that loops around my neck, criss-crosses over my chest, then connects in the back. The folds are all tacked in place with invisible thread. Sorry if that doesn’t make sense - but I hope it helps a little!

Hey Nina! Cosplay question. For your Batgirl cosplay what did you use for the torso section and how did you attach it to spandex?
◥		Anonymous

The torso section is made from upholstery foam which I covered with spandex dancewear fabric. It closes with velcro in the back and is anchored to the suit with more velcro. :D

Be rude. If this guy isn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer and refusing to leave you alone, you have no social obligation to be polite to him anymore. Tell him off, because chances are he’s not going to get the message unless you’re assertive.

I’m not sure what your exact situation is, but you could try using one or more of these phrases in order to convey your point:

• “I’m not interested in spending time with you.”
• “The attention you’ve been giving me makes me uncomfortable and I want you to stop.”
• “You’re not my type.”
• “If you don’t leave me alone, I’ll report you to (parent/teacher/faculty/management).”
• “I am not interested in you in a romantic way, and I never will be.”
• “You need to back off.”
• etc., etc., etc.

Do not be worried about ~*hurting his feelings*~ or anything like that. He’s not respecting you or your feelings, so there’s absolutely no reason for you to consider his.

Be forceful and stand up for yourself. If a guy is bothering you or harassing you even after you’ve made it clear you’re not interested, you don’t need to suffer quietly just for the sake of being “nice.”

Good luck, anon!