Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Stone
Hi Ellie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Creativity has always been a core part of who I am, and cosplay has become the perfect outlet for me to channel that energy. What started as a simple hobby quickly transformed into a huge part of my life. Cosplay has not only allowed me to express myself, but it has also opened up a world of connections that have deeply influenced my journey.
Growing up, I often felt like an outcast, never quite fitting in. Little did I know, there was an entire community out there where I truly belonged. My introduction to the cosplay world was when I attended DragonCon for the first time. I’ll never forget walking into the main area and feeling an overwhelming sense of belonging. I remember thinking, “This is home.” The energy, the creativity, and the shared passion for different fandoms made me feel welcomed in a way I had never experienced before. Since that moment, I’ve been attending conventions, fantasy balls, and Renaissance Festivals religiously!
With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, my goal is to bridge the worlds of cosplay and mental health. I’m a passionate mental health advocate and aspire to become a therapist. I believe cosplay and conventions have the power to create spaces where people can truly feel seen and celebrated for who they are.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of my biggest challenges has been living with mental health conditions—specifically PTSD, panic disorder, and OCD. These struggles have often made daily life feel isolating and overwhelming. There were moments when I thought I would never be able to pursue the things that brought me joy again and that there was no hope for me. However, through it all, cosplay has been an incredible source of strength and support for me. It has made me go to different events where I’ve found people who lift me up and remind me that I am never alone in my struggles.
While my mental health challenges will always be a part of me, I have learned to live beside them. Going to events can be difficult for me at times if I get overstimulated but I have learned new coping skills that help me. The support and encouragement I’ve found within the cosplay community has been transformative, and I truly hope that everyone can experience the same sense of connection and empowerment that I’ve found in the friendships I have made there.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
While I’m not new to the cosplay community, I began diving into the craftsmanship side just last year, in 2024. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, spending many hours crafting costumes, then bringing them to life at conventions or through content creation. For me, cosplay is a powerful form of self-expression—it allows me to celebrate and share the fandoms that I love. Some of my current favorites include Baldur’s Gate 3, Lord of the Rings, and anything related to vampire horror, whether in books or films.
I specialize in making costumes out of EVA foam which is great for props and armor. My goal is to compete in my first craftsmanship cosplay contest in 2025.
If you’re considering jumping into cosplay, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it! Whether you buy a costume or dive into crafting your own, there are so many amazing resources available online, from tutorials to inspiration. Many of these resources are free, so it’s easier than ever to teach yourself and start bringing your favorite characters or even original character to life.
What matters most to you?
What truly matters to me is ensuring that people feel seen and understood, that they never feel alone in their passions. There’s something magical about watching someone pour hours of effort into creating their cosplay, and then witnessing the pure joy when someone approaches them and says, “I love this character, and you look amazing!” The way both of their faces light up is beyond words.
I am so grateful I found cosplay as it has allowed me to find myself and has given me such a purpose that I hope inspires others.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Wes Carter
Geekykokopuff
Marc Overcash
