I love finding new cosplayers online. The beautiful photo shoots, the masterful creations made out of silk and cloth, the essence of magnificence that emanates from beloved characters is addicting. I mean, who can resist the allure of awesomeness that comes from the cosplay community? I recently came across a cosplayer that goes by the name Moco Latte Cosplay and OMGOMGOMGOGOMG. Please, go look through the beautiful pictures Moco Latte has on Facebook. I had the amazing opportunity to interview Moco Latte, so please enjoy!

Black Nerd Problems: What color describes you and why?

Moco Latte: Purple

Purple is regal. It’s a royal color.

It means rarity in nature. Purple is also the most powerful wavelength of the rainbow – and it’s a color with a great history. In fact, the origins of the symbolism of purple are more significant and interesting than those of any other color.

Purple is also a color that you either love or hate. What you see is what you get. I feel like that describes me. I’m presenting myself to others. This is me and who I am as a person. If you like what you see, cool. If not, well I’m still here.

BNP: Please tell us a little bit about yourself!

ML: I’m currently living in Dallas, Texas. The city where you have all four seasons in one day. Literally. Pushing my way through school. Finding my place in society.

I love all things fantasy. I think that’s why I like video games, movies and a plethora of other nerdy things. I feel these things are equally as important as the going to school and building a career. We need a creative outlet and things that stimulate our minds.

I am a huge fan of music. You know those people you see on the road dancing and singing passionately in their car? Ya, that’s me.

BNP: What random acts of kindness and beauty have you seen or done in the cosplay community?

ML: Everyone I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with has just been so supportive. I used to participate in the cosplay contests for quite sometime. While we would wait to go on stage we would all help one another and fix each others hair, make up, give tips, etc. The fact that everyone was so enthusiastic about helping one another, that alone showed the kindness and beauty within this community.

BNP: What are some negative interactions you have personally had in the cosplay/convention community and how did you overcome it?

ML: My negative interactions have sadly been with more photographers than cosplayers.

I’ve honestly been denied shoots mainly because as a Black Cosplayer, I wasn’t someone they could envision as the character I was cosplaying. I’ve literally had a photographer tell me “I’m not taking any photos,” “I’ll get back with you,” or “I’m not going to this con.”

And then next thing you know they have photos from the convention up and most of their galleries consist of only White or Asian Cosplayers. It didn’t take long for my assumptions to be proved as valid assumptions when other Black Cosplayers mentioned having the same issues. So while disappointing, it’s okay. Because I found a great team of people to work with who shoot Cosplayers of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities that I ended up becoming good friends with.

BNP: What are some of your favorite cosplays? Do you create your own? What is that like?

ML: My all time favorites that I have made so far are Midna from Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Princess of the Crystal from Mawaru Penguindrum, and Dance of Machera from one of the Sakizou art books.

I make a good 90% of all my cosplays. It’s very hard. It’s not always easy, especially when you’re on a deadline. The construction process is not always the smoothest and when you have to start over on something, that’s a pain. But it’s all a learning process and I feel it’s always rewarding to see the final result.

BNP: What anime/comic-book character would you want to cook breakfast with and why?

ML: Probably Spike from Cowboy Bebop. I don’t know why. Honestly he was the first character that came to mind.

Check out Moco Latte’s Cosplay on Facebook and Youtube.

Photo Credit: Aperture Ashley and A.L.P Photography

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  • Oona Sura is a cosplay enthusiast with an appreciation for Framboise Lambic, Haruki Murakami, and cats. Catch her at the next anime convention on the East Coast!

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