Shoot me from my good side! In this episode of Cosplay Crunch, we invite guest Yin Photo, AKA Jacqui Zhou, to have an extensive conversation about photography within cosplay. We explore the importance of different equipment, the elements of a good photo, and emphasize the creative process behind capturing cosplay in its best light. We break down the dynamics of working with new and repeat clients, and the challenges of location versus convention shoots, and our DREAM locations for future photos. We touch on the social media shift from traditional photography to short-form video content, and the STRUGGLE of satisfying our boba cravings amidst rising costs. Stay until the end where we dish about acceptable photo turnaround times, over-editing, and the uglier side of cosplay photography…

Cosplay is NOT THAT SERIOUS! In this episode of The Cosplay Crunch, we bring in Victoria Bane for a very reflective look at the cosplay community, con culture, and how cosplay has evolved from the early 2000’s to today. We explore Vickie’s journey from her early days in the community to her expertise, and now business, in professional wig styling, as well as her experiences with inclusivity and representation in cosplay and the challenges faced by cosplayers who did not “fit” a specific physical appearance. We break down the uber commercialization of conventions, and the significance of maintaining a healthy balance between cosplay and personal life. Now… we could NOT have Ms. Vickie Bane on the pod without getting her essential tools for wig styling and her personal wig-stress advice. And wait for the end of the pod when we throw it ALL the way back to the VERY memorable times of roof running at Oni-Con 2!

Calling all 3D printing girlies!!! In this episode of Cosplay Crunch, Aeicos is brought into the fray to discuss her personal cosplay journey, from learning to sew in Missouri to the evolution of her cosplay styles and skills. Of course we delve into the intricacies of 3D printing in cosplay, common misconceptions, and hot tips. Our experiences with Cosplay, CrossPlay, and Genderbending themes within cosplay are briefly explored. We ramble about the true vibes of Dragon Con (and phallic puppet shows?), the challenges of re-wearing and repurposing costumes, the realities of selling and reselling within the cosplay community, and the importance of creating costumes that are both visually appealing and comfortable. Our conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, foot dialogue, and practical advice for fellow cosplayers.

In episode 14 of the Cosplay Crunch, we discuss Mineralblu's journey through cosplay photography and videography including how Mineralblu got started in conventions and photography, the evolution of their photography style, and the transition from photography to videography. We get all of the tea on Mineralblu's collaborations with Kotaku and obtaining the coveted press badge for major conventions. International cons, changing dynamics of the cosplay community, and photos of celebrity brutality are all covered in our conversation. If you have ever wanted insight on the glamorous life of the cosplay photographer, you are NOT going to want to miss this episode.

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.

Roll Initiative! On episode 12 of The Cosplay Crunch, Feelsbender AKA Sarah joins the podcast and brings Chicago excellence to your ears! We explore Sarah's background in cosplay, Zach and Sarah’s shared love for RWBY, and the demise of Rooster Teeth. We also go into ALL of the details on the Midwest convention scene, attending conventions in Chicago, and the MUST AVOID cons of the Midwest. We dungeon dive into D&D and Renaissance Festivals, and discuss Sarah’s dice business, Pieces of Parhelia. Stay to the end when we dig into the changing landscape of conventions in Texas and provide advice for maintaining longevity in cosplay.

In episode 11 of the Cosplay Crunch, we interview full time cosplayer and long time friend Jennybelly! Jenny discusses her early experiences with cosplay, her journey from Los Angeles to Texas, and her trips to visit South Korea. Jenny shares her experience of quitting her office job to pursue cosplay full-time and the challenges of being a self-employed cosplayer and content creator. Jenny and Zavage discuss her hit podcast BLHQ about BL (Boys' Love), Danmei, Manhua and other gay stories! We also get Jenny’s photography and travel tips for cosplayers.

In episode 9 of The Cosplay Crunch, Zavage and Phee discuss their first connection via Fire Emblem and the importance of finding cosplay friends. Phee shares her first convention experience under less than desirable circumstances (re: abandoned warehouse), we walk through her “unique” and unconventional cosplays, discuss experiences with OF, and touch on body confidence and the transformative nature of cosplay. For some reason, GI Joe cosplay contest drama comes up in 2024? All of this and much, much more on this week's episode!

In episode 7 of the Cosplay Crunch podcast, host Zavage Cosplay invites guest Kadiaa Kawaii (aka Lisa) to talk about her early convention journey as an award winning cosplayer, which eventually led to her career as an anime / cartoon focused tattoo artist before finally transitioning to a full-time artist who travels to art shows / Artist Allies at multiple different conventions. We talk about our early competition experiences, get the tea on the tattoo industry, dive into the secret insides of the Artist Alley community, and provide advice to listeners who are looking to compete in their first cosplay contest or masquerade.

In this extra evil, technically challenged episode of the Cosplay Crunch, host Zavage interviews Rumplestilt Seam as they discuss their first cosplay experiences, mishaps and issues with cosplay contests, curating a cosplay program track for conventions, Rumple’s iconic Instagram stories, cursed convention experiences, and essential tools for summoning from the infernal plane.

Well…here we go! If you’re ready to hear experiences of the attendees, cosplay competitors, and guests of WeebCon, 2024 and prior years, you’ve come to the right show! The Cosplay Crunch invites extra special guests Lapaki a la Mode, Rosey Toesies, AllieCat Cosplay, and Ky Hikari Cos for an extended, tell all about their experiences attending at and working with the much talked about convention, including the lack of organization, chaotic panel scheduling, disappointing cosplay contest, and overall wild west of an atmosphere.

Get into the full Fallout fantasy, because this week for episode 4 we are joined by Viverra! Zavage and Viverra discuss her background training in professional fashion design, the reality of having your cosplay go viral, the changes to the Texas convention scene from the mid 2000’s to 2024, convention hotel horror stories, qualifications for cosplay judges, and attending local vs. large out of state conventions.

On episode 3 of the Coplay Crunch we pull in Tacocat cosplay to discuss her very first convention experience (at SDCC…no big deal), the spite which drove the desire to 3D model, Joann Fabrics bankruptcy, the costume construction process and revisiting old projects, con crunch woes, social media “tutorials”, and cosplay competitions as a group.

Join The Geeky Seamstress and Zavage as we go into all things Sailor Moon costuming, competition fraud and sandbagging, “coming out” as a cosplay anime nerd to your coworkers, modifying bought cosplay, challenges of being a larger / plus sized cosplayer, the tea of guesting at conventions, and the struggle buss dumpster fire that social media can be for us all.

On our inaugural episode of the Cosplay Crunch, we discuss growing up and becoming an adult while cosplaying, the Houston Lolita community experience (girl…), the changes in cosplay from decades past to 2024, social media, and discuss a totally hypothetical cosplay reality competition scenario. All this and more on Episode 1 of the Cosplay Crunch!

We kick off the Cosplay Crunch with a short introduction to the show by host Zavage Cosplay AKA Zach. We are excited to embark on the Cosplay Crunch journey with our listeners and fellow cosplayers!