Interview: Little Dipper Cosplays

Trenton Rupert is an experienced cosplayer known as Little Dipper. You can see some of his work on Facebook @LittleDipperCosplays and on instagram @little_dipper_cosplays.

Emma: So Trenton! You're a cosplayer who has created many incredible cosplays and attended many conventions. For those who don't know, what is cosplay?

Trenton: Cosplay is a kind of a play on words [costume play.] A lot of people do it for fun, running around as their favorite characters- kinda like Halloween. The biggest difference between just wearing a costume and cosplaying is that the people who are really into it will hand make or modify their own costumes for their characters.

E: Sounds cool! What cosplays are you most proud of? Can you describe that creative process?

T: Jughead from Riverdale, 9s from NieR Automata, Dipper from Gravity Falls, Star Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy, and Spider-Man's homeade suit.

My creative process depends on the cosplay. I'm not that creative in terms of hand-making, so I'm on the modifying side of cosplaying. I normally start by rewatching a show or replaying a video game to study the character I'm going to cosplay- what they wear, how they act, and even what music they listen to. Once I have an idea of what to make, it ranges from stuff I wear daily, searching Goodwills and thrift stores (which are great places to find costume pieces.) Right now, I'm in the works for one of my favorites [9s.] For that, since I don't want to buy the costume someone else has made, I'm looking deeper. I've been looking to see if there are different outfits that can be unlocked in the game, or even fan art of the character wearing more normal clothes.

E: That makes sense. Those all sound excellent. Now, on a different turn of subject- I know you've been to a few cons in your time. What has been your most memorable experience from something like that?

T: I'll give you a few good ones and a bad one.

Most of my memorable moments at cons have been in a group of friends. My first con was the biggest I've been to- DragonCon, in Atlanta. That convention was memorable for two reasons:

1. I had no clue what I was doing, but people watching gave me many ideas on how to do things.

2. I was in a sling because I had shoulder surgery just the prior week.

Some of the best moments at cons have been with one of my best friends Blaze, such as the photo shoots we have done. At the last con we spent a whole night posing and taking pictures. That night might have been my favorite memory of a con.

I've only ever had one run-in with the bad side of the cosplay world. Once, this girl [no idea who she was] was in the same cosplay I was in. Ciel, from Black Butler. It was the cosplay I was most proud of until I met this girl. When I complimented her on how good her cosplay was, she turned to me glaring. She started telling me how bad I was at cosplay, because of where she got her costume, and insulted my own for numerous reasons, etc. However, I was lucky because I had just met Blaze and another friend, and they stood up for me. But if they hadn't been there at that moment, I probably wouldn't have kept cosplaying.

E: That's a good combination of some negative and positive things about cosplay. It's hard when people criticize the things you really care about, but it's awesome to have friends and a supportive community around you who also love that sort of thing. I'm sure it isn't always easy, but it must be worth it. What about cosplay appeals to you, and why do you love it?

T: Cosplaying to me is an escape, of sort. With all my disabilities, it's nice to put on a cosplay and become that character, just someone else for a little bit. Honestly, before the last convention I've been here and there, thinking about quitting and not attending many conventions. But at the last con, people starting wanting pictures with me, and they told me how much they liked my cosplay. I've been asked to join a few cosplay groups and a dance cosplay group too. I think the biggest reason I love it so much is because it feels like I am finally good at something. Making cosplays helps release a lot of stress.

A lot of people love running character pannels at cons too, which are like Q + A's, dance groups, skits, fun stuff like that. My favorite panel, which I always help with, is one Blaze and I run called Con 101. It's where first time convention attendees come and learn the con do's and don'ts.

Also, the reason I'm in it is to give my story, so hopefully cosplayers with disabilities will gain some confidence and learn it's about having fun and not worrying what others think.

E: That's very inspiring. So Dipper, I have one last question for you. What advice would you give to anyone who is curious about going to cons and making cosplays?

T: First off, don't start with what I did [going to a major con with thousands and thousands of people.] Look and see what local cons are around you. Ones in Columbia can be great as far as first time cons go. And as far as making cosplays, just have fun! It can get super stressful, especially if you want to look perfect. But honestly, it is just about having fun, so find a character you love and relate to. See what they wear. The biggest thing is that unless you have to, don't go alone. It's not a safety thing, it's a fun thing. I'm normally fine alone at cons, but I've learned that being with friends who build you up is better than anything. It's super enjoyable once you finish a cosplay and you are proud of it, and just want to show it off. Don't ever worry about making it look 100%- this is your cosplay that you've made, and it'll be perfect!

E: Thank you so much for talking with us today, Dipper. I know many people will be interested in hearing what you have to say, and will benefit from your advice. I certainly have enjoyed our time together myself.

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