Today we’d like to introduce you to Khristina Brucker.
Khristina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started off in a little, backroad town in the mountains of North Carolina. Tiny town, where the biggest thing was my own dreams. A lot of people get stuck in places like that, but I will be the first to tell you; with hard work and a will that doesn’t quit, you can achieve anything or go anywhere.
I moved to Atlanta as soon as I graduated high school, I attended my first Dragoncon when I was 18, which from what I’ve come to understand, is a late start.
From the moment I saw cosplayers, I felt a flame in myself, and I certainly never felt more at home.
Ever since I was attending conventions just hot gluing what I could and was terrified of sewing machines. Over the last year, I’ve been able to complete over 20 of my own cosplays from scratch! I amaze myself every time I make something new. I’ve had so much help along the way. The community has really shown me that there are people who just want to connect out there, and they are so willing to help even total strangers.
This year I also started into cosplay photography with the help of some Atlanta and Florida local photographers. I have to give a special thank you to Matt Parks (MK Parks Photography) and Marc Overcash (Overcash Photography) who have spent long hours helping me grow and develop. Yet another example of this wonderful world we are a part of.
I am grateful for people like Sophie Haley (dragonlordcosplays) who have spent so much time helping me grow as a person and an artist and especially a person. I don’t know where I would be without her! She is certainly the one who helped me develop a lot of my skills, and I’ve been so fortunate to be connected with so many people because of her.
I certainly have a long way to go, but I will say I have found so much peace and passion in this artistic outlet and I can not wait to see what the future holds!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Unfortunately, it has not been the smoothest road. From nights tearing seams to nights in tears.
I’ve seen hundreds of dollars of work go down the drain because of a sewing machine malfunction or a fabric not acting as it should. I’ve seen so many people including myself be subjected to social media blasting, who have had their entire reputations destroyed by spiteful people in our cosplay community. I have seen and experienced people taking advantage of women, and young people, under the guise of “mentorship.”
However, no matter what, you can ALWAYS rise above. I have seen so many people struggle, and I am so grateful that I have been provided with so many supports throughout this journey. It’s important to remember that there are still good people out there, and YOU can be one of them! Just pick yourself up when you are knocked over, and learn from your mistakes!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
If I had to brand myself as anything I would saw Model/Photographer.
I am honestly such a modge podge of things though. I make cosplays for myself, but also take basic commissions for costumes, cosplays, rave wear, etc. I have had the privilege to work for a modeling agency for a number of years as a model, then shortly after, a posing coach. I can’t say I specialize in anything specifically, but I am always willing to learn to make something new!
People certainly recognize me for a few things, such as a couple of my favorite cosplays, Koga, Lucoa, etc.
Something I have the most pride in as an artist is my ability to make fun, and eye-catching costumes from time to time. Things, not everyone would normally think of. I like to have fun with my cosplays, whether they are silly or they are body positive. I certainly have had a few cosplay groups that are soul intentions were to make sure that people of all shapes, colors, and sizes were included and felt like they were beautiful and loved!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My future seems to constantly be in question. I never know where I’m going to end up or who will be around when I do, but I do know this; I won’t forget where I came from.
I have some large costume goals coming up for the next two years, and I certainly have been up to my eyes in work. I have a lot going on in my career and I may make a serious transition into doing commissions and art full time. I have been inching closer towards this goal and it keeps showing itself as a more tangible option.
Hopefully, I will be able to keep the momentum forward and I will be working in sewing/commissions full time!
Pricing:
- Photoshoots – $50 per hour
- Commissions are available, just send a message to discuss
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @khristinakrunk
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xKhristinaKrunkx/
Image Credit:
Pao Images, Overcash Photography, Hyphanation Creations, Rosson Photography, David Hobbs Photography, TJR Photography
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