We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Morgana Cosplays a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Morgana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I have never gone this deep into an interview question before, but I feel like this is my chance to become very clear about a lot of issues that hit close to home for me.

I have known my entire life that I wanted to create but I was not prepared for the real world being so un-creative. I was always told to ‘be myself’ and that doing so would get me the furthest in life. That continuing my art and creating beautiful, wearable pieces would make me as happy in the future, as it did then. I was not prepared for the world to be so corporate.

As a creative and artist, I have to keep a balance between my emotional world and the logistical world around me. Being able to live in my emotions has made me capable of creating so many stunning art pieces, from paintings, to wearable cosplay props and accessories. I thrive in an environment where I can just “make”. Growing up I struggled socially and academically. I could never understand the reasoning behind things like homework and testing. I was very subject focused and it was hard for me to relate outside of those subjects. Making friends was extremely difficult. I spent a majority of my time alone, at the athletic pool, pretending to be a mermaid.

I am very thankful (and often surprised) that my body gives me the energy it needs daily. When I am working my part time (4 days a week) serving job, I hold a mental mask for 8-9 hours, which causes severe mental/emotional exhaustion. The symptoms that I have from EDS (Ehlers Danlos syndrome)/HSD (hypermobility spectrum disorder) play a huge part in that exhausted state, my joints dislocate extremely easily and widespread pain is a daily occurrence. However, I am extremely grateful that I have work, which allows me to fulfil many of my creative endeavors.

There are so many creative, intelligent, hard working individuals in this world that are struggling just like I am. From health issues, to poverty and lack of resources. Our creatives are not lifted to the point of economic freedom in this country and its a damn shame.

To the question “Are you happy as an artist or creative?” my answer is “Yes”. I am happy being able to control my schedule of work, knowing when my body is able to handle 3 hours at a desk at a time and when it can only handle the tablet in bed. I am thankful that I can do all of my creative work at home, through social media and online. I’m happy knowing that my creativity is the one thing no one can take from me.

To the question “Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to have a regular job”? my answer is “I already know what it is like to have a regular job”. Sometimes it is disheartening that I do have to have this part time job (especially against odds) but in order to keep my freedom and to ensure that I can continue to make cosplays and art, I have to hold employment outside of creating.

“Never to suffer would never to have been blessed.”
― Edgar Allan Poe

Morgana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Cosplaying since 2018, Morgana has achieved recognition through print and media. Among these achievements include; award winning cosplay and performance in 2019, a feature in Voyage KC magazine, a featured cosplay in ‘Cosplayzine’ and a convention guest booth in 2021. Morgana Cosplays is referred to as an Influencer by Instagram, Facebook (META) and Amazon. Twitch recognizes Morgana Cosplays as an Affiliated Streamer, where she loves to dive into Summoners Rift and play for hours. Sewing and textile experience of 20 years has provided Morgana with an avid passion for all things ‘Craft’, winning an award with her first handmade cosplay in 2019 as Ahri, from League of Legends. Along with cosplaying, Morgana is an avid vocalist, voice actor and stage performer. Frequently performing at various art studios in her area and recording voice-over gigs in her home studio. Brands that are affiliated with Morgana Cosplays include; Re-Roll Tavern and Misty Mountain Gaming. In her spare time, you can find her creating content for socials, playing various TTRPG’s (like DnD or Talisman), PC games (like Fortnite or League of Legends) watching anime with her cats, or crafting her next costume to play in.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding thing about being a creative, for me, is connection. It’s connecting with humans from all over the planet over a thought. An expression or idea I had, that apparently MANY other people have. It’s finding new techniques and combining them with your own knowledge to make magic happen. I love learning and will always strive to apply new, streamlined ideas to projects.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The best way we can support artists is by doing just that. When you hear that an artist friend selling their new hair accessories, buy one. When your neighbor sets up a hand painted figurine stand, buy one. The nail (art) tech friend that just got certified? Go get a set! It’s the small things that matter. I think I heard somewhere, “strangers will make you a millionaire”, but I think friends should put you on the pedestal for the world to see.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.morganacosplays.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganacosplays/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorganaCosplays
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-elders-a28811261/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MorganaCosplays
• Other: https://www.twitch.tv/morganacosplays

Image Credits
Images by Susmitography 2infinity Photography Studio34 Photography