We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yeraly Montes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Yeraly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
Learning new skills and failing initially. It’s a process to try and learn new skills, especially several at the same time in order to get a desired result. I’ve learned to be patient, learn from my mistakes and keep pushing forward. Initially failing doesn’t mean you’ll never learn, it just means you’re new at this and you need to build up on that experience so that you can improve.
I’ve learned multiple skills throughout my cosplay/ crafting journey and majority of these skills were not skills I was successful at immediately. I had to invest time into practicing the craft and building up the knowledge I needed it order to be proficient at them now.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am Paradox, I have been a cosplayer, crafter and seamstress for almost 15 years. I specialize in costume building, prop building and wig styling. I have been honing my craft for a long time and I still plan to keep improving and growing as a creative.
I do commissions on a case by case basis, I showcase my creations in several venues and events and I love to educate and share my knowledge with up and coming artist.
I also do photography and composite editing, posing coaching, and performance coaching. Performing and acting is an art on its own and I love to dive into that side of cosplay, as well.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I want to push myself to become the best version of me that I can be. I want to keep expanding and learning and elevating my craft. I am never satisfied but I’m a good way. I crave the knowledge and the growth so follow me as I keep getting better and better at what I do!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
You have to look like the characters you cosplay.
That’s false and very limiting. We should all be free to cosplay or portray whoever we love and not looking exactly as your reference character should not stop you from wanting to cosplay or become that character!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Paradoxcosplay.com
- Instagram: @paradoxxcosplay
- Facebook: Paradox Cosplay
- Twitter: @paradoxxcosplay
Image Credits
Scorpion: Jason Shinn
Scarlet Witch: Doc Shoots Too (Self Composite Edit)
Carnage: Warrior Pose Photography
Joker: Ismael Rodriguez
X-23: Self