S1 E13 The Cosplay Crunch W/ Phalafel Cosplays

On episode 13 of The Cosplay Crunch, we welcome Karena of Phalafel Cosplays and we have an ABSOLUTE BALL!  We run through the convention scene of the DMV area, including Katsucon, Otakon, and MAGFest, and delve into the issues with modern day Katsucon. We reminisce on our first time meeting and judging at San Japan, as well as Karena’s many experiences streaming on Twitch for the past 4 years. You aren’t going to want to miss conversations on the decline of cosplay magazines and the controversy surrounding the bought contest cosplays from Russian cosplayers. All of this and more, so join us for a delicious cosplay kiki.

Karena Ingram, commonly known as Phalafel Cosplays, is a cosplay artist, streamer on Twitch, and video game content creator. With a great love and passion for gaming and art, Karena has hand-crafted costumes inspired by video game characters, as well as animation and figures in pop culture. Her EVA foam and armor work has been featured in several digital and print publications including Cosplay Realm Magazine and The Geek Lyfe, and she is an official brand ambassador for ColourPop Cosmetics, Capcom Games, Bokksu, and PlaidFX. She has also worked with Arda Wigs, Cosplay Supplies, and Bisoulovely, Karena is dedicated to using her platform to spread inclusivity and positivity throughout the cosplay community. She has created cosplay video tutorials and visual content to encourage others to cosplay freely regardless of race, size, or gender, showcasing that cosplay can be for anyone.

Find Karena on Instagram @phalafelcosplays

Photo by @irissummon