We’re so excited to be hosting the Cosplay Masquerades at MegaCon Live London in just a few days! Now all of the entrants have submitted their applications, it’s time to announce the judges for the Sunday Cosplay Masquerade. We’ll be introducing one judge a day and you can meet all of them right here.
Announcing the second judge for the Sunday Cosplay Masquerade: BexiBeans.
Bexi began sewing at a young age and, when she went to a comic convention for the first time at fifteen and say people in their homemade costumes showing off their love for their characters and having the best time, she just had to have a go. “And, here we are, fifteen years later! In that time, she’s made more princess gowns than she can count, maintained a career as a professional character performer, and won awards for her cosplay performances.
“I’m lucky enough to work for a convention company now too, and being able to give back to the community by sharing my skills with new cosplayers honestly makes me such a happy little cos-mum!”
While her core knowledge lies in sewing, tailoring, and wig styling, Bexi enjoys expanding her skills into other areas, and recently developed an admiration for 3D printing and designing. “My first project that truly combined sewing, foamwork, and printing was my Scarlet Witch. It was a big headache, especially as I was making it before the movie release of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but it’s easily one of my favourite things to wear.”
Bexi loves putting her own spin on designs like her Rex Lapis costume, and encouraging people to get into making, especially when so many bought cosplays aren’t size-inclusive. “I’ve become so much more appreciative of the changes you need to make to a design to fit a realistic body type or a disability,” she reflects. “I’ve had to change how I do things as I get older and my illnesses get more tricky, so I’m always curious to see how others adapt too. I love seeing people incorporate mobility aids into a design, or come up with a smart way to adapt shoes, pockets for heat pads, and even Velcro flaps to make injections easier. It’s important to notice that adaptions to cosplays don’t have to detract from accuracy, and, as a judge, I always mark that accordingly.”
As far as Bexi is concerned, everyone should give competing in cosplay a try: “Competing encourages you to develop your confidence, even when you don’t win,” she says. “The enjoyment of getting out there and telling a character’s story through their poses and mannerisms is a true joy.”
She also has some wise words for this weekend’s entrants: “Whatever happens, you came this far. You signed up, and you agreed to stand here and let people judge you. That is something to be very proud of. Not winning today doesn’t mean that you’ll never win. Just keep at it, and keep learning from your experience, and you’ll get there.”
