Close Menu
NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Subscribe
    NERDBOT
    • News
      • Reviews
    • Movies & TV
    • Comics
    • Gaming
    • Collectibles
    • Science & Tech
    • Culture
    • Nerd Voices
    • About Us
      • Join the Team at Nerdbot
    NERDBOT
    Home»Nerd Culture»Cosplay»Nerdbot Cosplay Spotlight: Hey Jay
    Gambit from X-Men
    Cosplay

    Nerdbot Cosplay Spotlight: Hey Jay

    Stephanie SandmeierBy Stephanie SandmeierAugust 12, 20204 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

    I love seeing how cosplayers embrace and deliver characters. It brings me joy to see cosplayers let their hair down in cosplay and real life. I am so happy to introduce this cosplayer from Florida, Hey Jay. 

    Please introduce yourself to the readers.

    My name is Jay 🙂  Huge Sailor Moon fan, gamer, and cosplayer.

    How do you go about getting into character? What’s the process you go through?

    I usually start with one of two things: how I connect to the character or if I can actually visualize myself as them because of their design. I love when I have some idea that I think is pretty cool and implement that.  

    Please tell us your favorite cosplay memory.

    It would have to be from Dragon Con a few years ago. My best friend and I dressed as Deku and Bakugo from My Hero Academia when we ran into some kids while we were leaving the building. The kids’ eyes LIT UP when they saw us. They immediately knew who we were even though we did not go for complete accuracy and were so incredibly happy. We took pictures with them, and it was that moment that was so heartwarming. What really drove it home for me is that they didn’t say I was “Girl Bakugo” or anything like that. To them we were treated like we were actually Bakugo and Deku and it was just awesome to see. 

    What are the three of the most essential things to have with you when cosplaying at a convention?

    POCKETS! I need pockets or SOMEWHERE to store my phone and things or I will be miserable. Next thing I would say is some cool friends to be around. I love great energy and vibes. It makes the convention more fun. Last thing is probably a spare battery because I love being on the con floor for a while and taking photos/videos. 

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Jay (@heyjayish)

    As a POC cosplayer have you experienced any challenges? How did you overcome these challenges?

    As a black woman who cosplays, I have encountered challenges mainly online. The internet is just a troll’s playground, and people think they can say just anything to you while protected by the phrase “well it’s my opinion”. I have received nasty comments regarding me using natural hairstyles in cosplay mainly, which is probably my favorite thing to do while cosplaying and a few other things. Being a black woman, I tend to get the “_____ isn’t black” comments, which are VERY annoying, and I see my fellow black cosplayers receive the same thing, especially those who have a darker complexion and it just isn’t cool. I love being a black cosplayer and trying to lift up everyone in this community when people try to tear us down. I have found community within the community, and it made everything more “bearable” for me. A hobby shouldn’t be just “bearable” though. People should honestly keep their hateful comments to themselves or you know…..just not be hateful at all.   

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Jay (@heyjayish)

    How would you encourage fellow POC to cosplay characters they love?

    I always tell people to cosplay whatever calls to them! Don’t worry about accuracy if it isn’t your thing because that is not the only way to cosplay. Oftentimes, people are intimidated by these people who they have deemed the “perfect” version of a character, and they wonder how to compare. Cosplay is truly about fun so do it your way.

    What changes do you hope to see within the community in the future?

    I hope to see more inclusion. More photographers at conventions who are not afraid to shoot cosplayers with darker complexions because “they don’t know how”. More black and POC cosplayers as guests for various conventions. More diversity in panels and the industry. Just more. The community is more than what is constantly represented and I firmly believe that there is shine that can be given out that wouldn’t dull anyone else’s light. Does that make sense? LOL

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Jay (@heyjayish)

    You can find more cosplays and other fun content from Hey Jay on her Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

    Do You Want to Know More?

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleSugar Devotion Creates Cute Pop Culture-Themed Macarons
    Next Article “Halo Infinite” Delayed to 2021
    Stephanie Sandmeier
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)
    • Instagram

    Cosplayer, Host of Nerdbot's "What's Better" & "Foodie Function", cast-member of MyxTV's "The Doll Life", fashion show coordinator for Anime Pasadena and usual front-desk chick for Nerd Knights. I like cute things, love disney and dinosaurs, writer and actor.

    Related Posts

    Sailor Moon Super Live: Why You Can’t Miss the Tour!

    April 16, 2025

    We Made a Magical Sailor Moon 3D Printed Lamp, You Can Too!

    March 23, 2025

    Bandai Sailor Moon Dolls Surpass All Others That Came Before

    October 1, 2024

    Check Out Incredible Indiana Jones Boulder Chase Cosplay

    April 26, 2024

    Turn Into a Sexy Cryptid with this Mothman Cosplay

    April 10, 2024

    Make Your Own DIY Mermaid Crown Using Orbees!

    April 1, 2024
    • Latest
    • News
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Reviews

    Become the Master of the Scourge: Build the Lich King with Fanhome’s Epic New Model Subscription

    July 1, 2025

    The Connection Between Music, Colour, and Emotion in Visual Art

    July 1, 2025

    First Look at Chatsubo Bar from Apple TV+’s “Neuromancer” Series

    July 1, 2025

    Are AI Girlfriends the Future of Digital Companionship?

    July 1, 2025

    Netflix to Stream NASA Launches, Missions, and More

    June 30, 2025

    Is the BYDFi App Worth Downloading? A Practical User Review

    June 30, 2025
    "M3GAN," 2025

    “M3GAN 2.0” A Sequel That Forgets to Have Fun [Review]

    June 29, 2025

    “F1: The Movie” Thrilling Cars, Crash and Burn Story [Review]

    June 28, 2025

    David Dastmalchian to Play M. Bison in “Street Fighter”

    July 1, 2025

    Edgar Wright’s “The Running Man” Gets First Trailer

    July 1, 2025

    6-Film “Karate Kid” 4K Collector’s Set Available for Pre-Order

    June 30, 2025

    Cameras Rolling on “The Devil Wears Prada 2”

    June 30, 2025

    First Look at Chatsubo Bar from Apple TV+’s “Neuromancer” Series

    July 1, 2025
    “The Tiny Chef Show”

    “Tiny Chef Show” Raises $80k After Nickelodeon Cancelation

    June 28, 2025

    Possible “Very Young Frankenstein” Series in the Works at FX

    June 25, 2025

    Anne Burrell’s Final Season of “Worst Cooks” Gets Release Date

    June 24, 2025
    "M3GAN," 2025

    “M3GAN 2.0” A Sequel That Forgets to Have Fun [Review]

    June 29, 2025

    “F1: The Movie” Thrilling Cars, Crash and Burn Story [Review]

    June 28, 2025

    “28 Years Later” We Live, We Die, Life Goes On [Review]

    June 21, 2025

    Official My Little Pony Coffee UNICORN POWERS Will Have You Feeling Magical!

    June 16, 2025
    Check Out Our Latest
      • Product Reviews
      • Reviews
      • SDCC 2021
      • SDCC 2022
    Related Posts

    None found

    NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Nerdbot is owned and operated by Nerds! If you have an idea for a story or a cool project send us a holler on [email protected]

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.