Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Haley.
Sophia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began taking up cosplay as a small side hobby to do with my friends in middle school. Something very simple, like a wig and similar clothes to the character. We would parade around our local town wearing whatever character we wanted to be that day.
I made my first few cosplays from scratch four years ago. The character I worked the longest and hardest on was Undyne (from the game Undertale), where I learned several new skills in terms of foam crafting, original concepts, and special effects makeup. I was so proud and happy with this cosplay that I entered her into my local cosplay competition and placed in best overall novice. This was the turning point of my cosplay career, as I had created something award-winning. That made me proud, and lead to me investing almost all my free time in what was once a side hobby.
I began working on several new characters, picking up various techniques along the way. When I was gifted a sewing machine for graduation, I learned basic stitching and sewing etiquette. I started researching and experimenting with new materials, such as worbla and Angelus paints. My skills were growing rapidly.
When moving to Atlanta, I found a new part of the hobby that I ended up loving just as much: modeling. I began doing professional photo shoots for my cosplays two years ago. I branched out to many new photographers, who all praised me for how natural I was in front of the camera. When the photographers began posting these images on their page, I grew a bit of a following on Instagram. That’s eventually what lead me into the brand and cosplayer I am today.
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?
Definitely not. Cosplay has always had its challenges for me.
Unfortunately, when I moved to Atlanta and became a full-time student, I didn’t have as much time as I used to for creating new cosplays from scratch. Ever since, I have usually bought parts of my cosplay and modified them to my liking, such as altering a dress or creating the props from scratch. It’s much easier, although I do miss the satisfaction of making something completely of my own.
Budgeting my expenses on materials has been the biggest challenge. I put in hours of research on the best places to buy my supplies from, and I often find myself going to thrift stores for at least one part of each new cosplay. However, while there have been challenges, I have always come through even stronger and more skilled than I was before.
What do you do? What do you specialize in?
I go under the alias Dragon Lord Cosplays at conventions and on Instagram. I create full HD photo sets of all the cosplays I wear, and sometimes I do small prop commissions. I have recently gone to Patreon, where you can subscribe for monthly photosets.
I’m most well known for my attention to detail in my props, and my confidence and composure as a model. I am most proud of being able to grow and shape my brand into what it is today with little to no help. I started this brand on my own, and I still run it completely on my own.
I am set apart by my ability to reach out and connect with other cosplay brands in the community. When I am not under my own brand, I am a brand ambassador and represent many big name brands in Atlanta such as Coca-Cola and Aflac. I’ve learned the skills on how to be an influencer and create strong connections with companies or cosplayers for a mutually beneficial relationship. The ability to market myself in this vast community has lead to my growth over the past year, where I have started from nothing and gained so much along the way.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Sometimes, you have to be in the right place at the right time in order to make a connection that can positively affect your entire brand. This is the primary way I have connected to such big-name cosplayers, as the personal interaction comes first and the brand swapping comes second. It’s how I’ve been able to be introduced to those I would normally have difficulties interacting with, and create genuine memories and bonds with reputable cosplayers in the community.
I definitely believe luck has a factor in how well a brand can go, especially if you use Instagram as your primary marketing tool. Any post can find its way to the explore page and blow up overnight. Jessica Nigri can find your cosplay account and put you on her story, leading thousands of new followers to your page. It’s all a matter of the right place and time and presenting yourself at your best always.
Pricing:
- Patreon photosets range from $10-$75 Monthy
- Message for commission rates
Contact Info:
- Email: sophiehaley1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragonlordcosplays/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragonlordcosplays/
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/dragonlordcosplays
Image Credit:
@lafeetz.photography, @mkparksphotography, @sliced_photos, @marc.overcash, @arcane_shutter, @mineralblu
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
