Peer Behind the Masks of Six Charlotte Cosplayers Just another day fighting crime for Charlottean Bob Kieffer “My favorite part is creating a 3-D version of something 2-D, like with comic book characters. It’s an art and science — it’s someone else’s illustration, but bringing that to life with color, texture, ‘feel’ and dynamic flow in three dimensions is the challenging and exciting part.” – Amberle Linnea
With Halloween upon us, we wanted to share inspiration from the world of cosplay or “costume play” by meeting some Charlotte-based cosplayers. While children and adults prepare to let their alter egos out for one night of revelry, cosplayers make a hobby or even a career out of dressing up as their favorite characters from movies, books, comics or video games year-round. Big fun. Big business. Big creativity.Cosplay is big business. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global cosplay costumes market was estimated at $4 billion in 2020 and is expected to hit $23 billion by 2030 with the growth of conventions, theme parties, and events. Cosplay can combine art, sewing, make-up, acting and even wood or metal work into its own art form. Cosplayers often make their own costumes, with a build taking anywhere from hours to years! Some said the creative process is almost as fun as the reactions they receive at events and conventions. Almost. Meet six local creatives who shared their love for cosplay with us. From comics to movies, anime to historical, these folks take dressing up very seriously. Or do they? 
These creative profiles are sponsored by OrthoCarolina.
A Few Teasers for YouHere are a handful of the amazing photos you’ll find when you read the full story!  Lambeth as Princess Leia – PHOTO: Jennifer DeVoll  Amberle Linnea as Shadowcat (with Lockheed) – PHOTO: Tonya Russ Price  DeAnna Cooper as Nightwing – PHOTO: Stephen Eide  Kara Miller as Daphne Blake – PHOTO: LMF Photography & James Helms  Jennifer Halverson as Hornet – PHOTO: Jason Keffer
Did We Miss One of Your Favorites?If you have a favorite Charlotte cosplayer that we didn’t include in this story, reach out to us at hello@charlotteiscreative.com with a description and a photo! We’ll add it to the story as a reader suggestion.
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