Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Candace Birger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Candace, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
As an ‘elder cosplayer’ — someone in my late 30s — I have been able to witness a bit of the evolution of cosplay and costume creation. Also, as an adult with adult money to spend, I’m able to invest in higher pricepoint items to help me in my fabrication processes.
I’ve noticed that in our industry, we’re seeing more tech-savvy creations. While handstitching and traditional fabriction methods are still very much valuable and utilized, we’re seeing the introduction of 3D modeling/printing, laser cutting, and digital design in the industry. I have also been the manager of a makerspace in our local library system which provides access to software and equipment that are typically difficult to find as an individual, and cosplayers are some of many who have begun to utilize these machines.
I think this trend will only continue as Gen Z and future generations with more tech skills make their way into industry-level costuming. We’ll see more 3D printed designs on fabrics and laser-cut armors, and we’ll continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with tech and cosplay.
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 a professional cosplayer and costume designer. I work alongside other industry professionals and have made costumes and props for companies like The Hacksmith, Netflix, Digital Extremes, and more. I also am hired to judge cosplay contests and host workshops and panels at conventions for cosplayers.
As someone who is inspired by tech and the possibilities that come along with digital design and fabrication, I’m very proud of being someone known for pushing the boundaries of cosplay creation in an accessible way. I put my money where my mouth is and work in a public library system managing a makerspace to try to continue reaching more community members with no cost services.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no “brief candle” for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” – George Bernard Shaw
What drives my creativity is not only the love for the game but also the deep sense of responsibility for sharing information and passing along my knowledge to future generations.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
I started cosplay in order to satisfy my need to create, and I began competing in order to put myself in the room with people I admired. These contests many times had a cash winning, which I then would use to fund future projects. As I made more costumes, I’d sell my old ones to fund the next. I churned my cosplay business until I was able to start putting out patterns and items for sale that would take me over the top, and now I have minimums that are above and beyond ‘covering costs’ that I insist I must meet before I’m able to do something new. This is so I can maintain a healthy work/life balance.
I am fortunate to be able to share the things I love and get sponsored by companies with new materials or equipment to do it. I did start all on my own though and have worked hard to get to this point in my career. I hope others can utilize local makerspaces like the one I work at to reduce the barrier to access and get started on their journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.plexicosplay.com
- Instagram: @plexicosplay
- Facebook: @plexicosplay
- Twitter: @plexicosplay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/plexicosplay
- Other: TikTok: @plexicosplay
