About Me

Hi, I'm Raisa, otherwise known as Raisin Cosplay!

I'm a superhero impersonator aka cosplayer, but that's the obvious descriptor. I'm also: a sewist, patternmaker, 3D modeler, photographer, lifelong comic book lover, gamer, and proud geek. So proud, in fact, that I studied sequential art and comics for my minor in college and founded a student organization for comics that is still thriving today. My obsession with superheroes was the beginning of my journey to cosplay.

I've been cosplaying since summer of 2013 when my dad took me to my first convention, my home con, Florida Supercon. I've been sewing all my life, so combining my love of comics with sewing just made sense. I give my parents a lot of credit for fostering my interests. My mom taught me to use a needle and thread at a young age and recognized my passion for it early on. She bought me a sewing machine when I was 10 and in no time I was (badly) sewing outfits for my stuffed animals.

I discovered cosplay from my love of Halloween and my desire to sew my own Batgirl costume. I started researching how to make superhero costumes and came across the term "cosplay." I discovered icons like Yaya Han and Kamui Cosplay. I found a video by Kinpatsu Cosplay on how to make a breastplate out of craft foam that fascinated me. But what finally made me start calling myself a "cosplayer" was a cosplay music video by Sneaky Zebra of the amazing costumes at San Diego Comic Con.

Sewing is my oldest skill, but I'm always seeking new ones. One thing about me: I'm a jack of many trades, but master of none. That's why I'm always trying to learn more. Most recently, I’ve taken up sculpting, 3D modeling, and painting with an airbrush. I started learning Photoshop and Illustrator as a teen, which led me to start digitizing my patterns, taking and editing my own cosplay photos, and creating fun graphics. I got my master's degree in business and currently work in fashion retail. All of these things have culminated into this: Raisin Cosplay, Raisin Creations, and RaisPhoto.

I am excited to continue learning from the community and sharing my skills with you all in turn. I currently reside in New York City, but love traveling for cons! Whether it's Dragon Con in Atlanta or NYCC in New York, come say hi if you see me!