Shows
She Lights the WayStitches of Resilience, with Beverly DownenYou're about to meet a true trailblazer whose journey will stir your soul. From the humblest of beginnings to the bright lights of the cosplay world, Beverly Downen's path is one of perseverance, resilience and an unwavering belief in herself.
Prepare to be moved as Beverly shares pivotal moments that shaped her unconventional journey - like the day her single mother gave her "permission" to chase artistic dreams despite their modest means. You'll be inspired by how Beverly alchemized pain into power after 9/11 by pivoting with courage.
But Beverly's story transcends the personal. This visionary...
2024-05-2340 min
Shenanigans Cosplayers SayCosplay True Crimes C2E2 2024Cosplay True Crimes by SheProp presented by La Vie Cosplay at C2E2. Join us for deep rooted crimes of passion and intrigue....usually involving adhesives. One heinous crime involves pokemon.Panelists:SheProp Community on Facebookhttps://www.instagram.com/thirdcoastcostumes/https://www.instagram.com/mayjeanw/https://www.instagram.com/kirileecosplay/https://www.instagram.com/vantacreates/Produced by LVC Productions. You can find us on facebook, instagram, twitter, tiktok, twitch, and youtube at La Vie Cosplay. Our podcast instagram is podcastscs. Our website is laviecosplay.com. Have a fun...
2024-05-1259 min
Cosplay and CocktailsLike a ParfaitOn this episode of Cosplay and Cocktails, join Jessi and Paige as they sit down with cosplayer, author, and kindness promoter, Beverly Downen, when they discuss evil queens, cats, and what the cosplay community SheProp is all about.
2023-11-161h 01Shenanigans Cosplayers SayEp81: SheProp Has Your BackJoin Elle and Ash for a chat about the community SheProp with founder Beverly Downen of Downen Creative Studios. We'll discuss the importance of community, what is unique about SheProp, all the panels, and the importance of safe spaces especially for marginalized communities. Stay till the end to find out how many tangents we went on in this episode.Ultimate Guide to EVA Foam: https://www.downencreativestudios.com/shophttps://www.instagram.com/downen_creative_studios/https://www.youtube.com/c/DownenCreativeStudiosShePropProduced by LVC...
2023-06-251h 10
Sew & So...Jedimanda - My Life in CosplayJedimanda is a professional seamstress, author and avid costumer. She’s been features in numerous publications, won awards for her costuming, and loves travel as much as she loves cosplay. At (1:54) she tells us why C2E2 Chicago is her vary favorite convention…and shares the story of how she learned to sew…and how this led to her first job in college. She takes us through her Senior thesis project and how she made things work to her liking. (5:34) Jedimanda provides a detailed description of the costume she wore during our inte...
2023-05-2537 minShenanigans Cosplayers SayEp 65:C2E2 2022Join us for our adventures at C2E2 2022 along with information on not 1 but 3 international contests. We’ll chat about the live show, Crown Championships, WCS, Crunchyroll Hime Cup, Sheprop, and more. People we ran into:HDC FabricationsPlexi CosplayPerlertricksstitchybcosplayMpoppins cosplaySilkenStichesTristenCitrineJedimandaCasey RenaeWig-wig CosplaySakuraSunset CosplayGinoza CostumingDownen Creative StudiosShePropLearn about ICL and CWM Finals at: https://www.youmacon.com/international-cosplay/Crown Championships Chicago Regional Qualifier3rd Searin Co...
2022-08-2856 minShenanigans Cosplayers SayAnime Iowa & C2E2 LiveJoin us for 2 live events!Anime Iowa July 22-24 2022 Coralville IAFriday:130pm opening ceremonies630pm the FULL live show Sh*t Cosplayers Say on Main stageSaturday:630pm: Emcees of the masquerade / cosplay contestSunday:4pm closing ceremoniesC2E2 August 5-7 2022 Downtown Chicago ILFriday:830pm Sh*t Cosplayers Say LIVE S403530pm Shop Talk with SheProp in Cosplay Central with https://www.instagram.com/prosandconscosplay/https://www.instagram.com/wigwigcosplay/https://www.instagram.com/ginozacostuming/
2022-07-1802 min
Heroes of Cosplay SanctuaryJediManda : The Queen Has ArrivedMy next guest, friends – I’m beyond words to have someone of such accomplishment and talent on the show. Best Masters winner at Anime Central, Central Champion for Crown Championships of Cosplay, featured in Cosplay Culture Magazine, Star Wars Insider, on StarWars.com, Marvel.com, and SyFy. She has seen so much success with her Cosplay creations as a competitor, has written and published well-received books, judged many competitions, and continues to create meaningful content on social media for her ever-growing audience. Creator, Cosplayer, seamstress, author, and a driving force for the SheProp comm...
2022-07-0443 minShenanigans Cosplayers SayEp51: C2E2 2021Join LVC for a trip through C2E2 2021. We'll cover events such as the SheProp meet up and panels, the cosplay contest, and of course our Live Show. Join us for the tale of how we found Phil, doing a podcast photoshoot, and returning to conventions.So many mentions this episode:Casey Renae Cosplay https://www.instagram.com/caseyreneecosplay/Paisley and Glue https://www.instagram.com/paisleyandglue/SheProp https://www.instagram.com/sheprop/Ginoza Costuming https://www.instagram.com/ginozacostuming/YupKat Cosplay https://www.instagram.com/yupkat/Bodoni Italic https://www...
2021-12-261h 06Shenanigans Cosplayers SayC2E2 Live Show!We are LIVE at C2E2 Friday Dec 10th at 715pm in After Dark Room S503 We will also be live with SheProp on Sunday Dec 12th at 11am in Cosplay Central for She Prop Has Your Back (cosplay culture panel). Hope to see you all there! https://www.instagram.com/podcastscs/https://www.instagram.com/laviecosplay/https://www.tiktok.com/@laviecosplayhttps://linktr.ee/podcastscs for additional listening platforms
2021-11-2901 min
ShePropTalk!CosMoms: Balancing Cosplay And Raising Humans In Style!May is about Moms! Join us as we talk to some incredible artists that are balancing cosplay and raising humans, and doing it in style.
2021-05-2536 min
Love What You LoveCosplay with Pros and Cons CosplayTamarah and Tiphani are identical twin sisters who cosplay under the names Pro and Con, and they are a DELIGHT. I had so much fun chatting with them about embodying a character; the intersection of craft and performance; making realistic armor out of foam; the challenges of being a person of color in the cosplay world; eight-foot tall costumes; articulating wings; and so much more. Find Pros and Cons Cosplay http://facebook.com/prosandconscosplay https://instagram.com/prosandconscosplay https://ko-fi.com/prosandcons prosandconscosplay@gmail.com Websites for c...
2021-05-0454 minShePropTalk!Villainous: Cosplaying Characters you Love to HateSome people want to cosplay as their favorite heroes, the people they love, idolize and respect... then there are the folks who pick the most horrendous bad guys to cosplay, characters that no one in their right mind would want to be. In this panel we explain why it’s so good to be villainous!
2021-04-2840 minShePropTalk!SheProp! Celebrates Autism Awareness day!To recognize Autism Awareness day we sit down to talk with one of our editors, Queen of Salt and Rock. She’ll talk about what media gets wrong, and sometimes right about Autism, and how we can be better allies for our Autistic peers in the cosplay community and other nerdy spaces.
2021-04-0211 minShePropTalk!SheProp Origin Story: How It All StartedSheProp turns THREE this month! In this panel we will be talking with four of the founding members of SheProp to learn more about why and how it started, how it's changed and what we see for the future!
2021-03-2934 min
Thirty, Nerdy, & ThrivingMy Cosplay Journey: #ShePropChallenge March 2021What do you do if you want to participate in the #ShePropChallenge but you're too lazy to carefully curate your social media posts? Record a podcast episode about it instead! Listen to this unedited interview with myself about my cosplay journey, as I share my challenges and inspirations, as well as my dreams and goals for the future. Help me fund my future cosplays by donating to my Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/thirtynerdythrivingFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirtynerdythriving/Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thirtynerdypodCan't get...
2021-03-2239 minShePropTalk!SheProp Presents: Imposter SyndromeIt doesn't matter how, good, talented, popular, or successful you are, Imposter Syndrome can come along and say you aren't good enough. And you aren't the only one hearing that voice. In this panel we will talk to people who will shared their experienced Imposter Syndrome, how it has effected their cosplay, creative and professional work, and how to break the cycle.
2021-01-1558 minShePropTalk!SheProp Presents: Art vs CraftsCosplayers sew, mold, sketch, and embroider all to create beautiful pieces of wearable art. So why is cosplaying not widely considered to be an art? In this panel we talk about the way society views arts, as opposed to crafts, how it rooted in patriarchy and colonialism, and how cosplayers can reclaim the title "artist".
2020-12-121h 11ShePropTalk!Creating During The Pandemic: How 2020 Has Shaped Cosplay & Conventions - at PlaidFX Con!From postponed costumes to cancelled conventions, 2020 has greatly impacted the cosplay community as a whole. In this panel for PlaidFX con, members of SheProp discuss how the year has shaped their cosplay and making experiences!
2020-12-071h 00ShePropTalk!SheProp Presents: Where Do I Know You From? The Perks of Cosplaying Original CharactersIt’s no secret that cosplayers love to recreate established and well-known characters from their favorite fandoms, but designing an original character can be an incredibly rewarding experience too! Role-playing games, LARPing, and extended universes have helped to open the possibilities of designing a character that is entirely unique from backstory to costume. In this panel we will talk to cosplayers who regularly create characters that have never been seen before, why they do it, and why you should too!
2020-11-0754 minShePropTalk!SheProp Presents: New Takes on Old Characters - Yes, we know it's not canon!Canon characters are great, but cosplay doesn't have to stop there! Gender bending, pinup, mashups, steampunk and historical redesigns are just some of the options that can be explored when we put a new spin on familiar characters, and pulling it off is not as simple as it looks. We'll talk to some incredible cosplayers that can show us how its done, and tell us why they do it.
2020-10-2448 minShePropTalk!ShePropPresents: Mature Cosplay - You’re Never Too Old, You’re Never Too Anything!How many times have cosplayers been told to "grow up"? In this panel we are talking to cosplayers who have done exactly that. They are here to prove that cosplay is not just a young persons game, but also that when you can bring decades of experience you the table your creations can be out of this world. Sure, there are some pitfalls to being a mature cosplayer, but the perks far outnumber them and we're going to talk all about it.
2020-10-1037 minShePropTalk!Ep 32: C'est La Sara and her insane Zhuque Mercy build from Overwatch!Sara from @cestlasara joins the show to talk about her awesome Zhuque Mercy build, as well as the differences between the Cricut and the Brother machines! This episode is jam packed with awesome show-and-tell, and Sara shares SO many of her tips for airbrushing fabric, adding HTV, making wings, you name it, she shares it! Grab a pen and paper and get ready to learn a WHOLE LOT from this master cosplayer!
2020-10-0638 minShePropTalk!Ep 31: Geeks A Gogo made an Awesome Phoenix Monster Costume and 12' Wings!Monica from Geeks A Gogo joins the show to talk about her phenomenal Phoenix Monster cosplay build! Learn about how she overcame some of the construction obstacles with the 12’ wings, the larger-than-life wig and crown, and more! Hosted by Beverly of Downen Creative Studios.
2020-09-2956 minShePropTalk!SheProp Presents: Cosplay on a Budget-Champagne Cosplay on a Beer Budget!As cosplay has gained in popularity it has also gained in price - It’s not called "Cost-Play" for nothing! But cost doesn't have to be a barrier to successful cosplay. We'll talk to cosplayers who not only create incredible art, they do it on a budget. They'll share information on not only how to save money while making costumes, but also why they love to do it.
2020-09-2659 minShePropTalk!Ep 30: Plexi CosplayLet's talk about MASSIVE wings with LEDS! Oh MY! Award-winning, master level cosplayer, foamsmith and speed build wizard Plexi Cosplay joins the show to talk about how she created her larger-than-life, competition-winning Pride cosplay from Darksiders!
2020-09-2240 minShePropTalk!Bonus: Jedimanda and her new book: Creative Cosplay!Award-winning, master level cosplayer, Jedimanda is back on the show with a whole new book! A must-have for any cosplayer from beginner to advanced, Creative Cosplay is full of great tips and information. From how to research a costume, where to buy your supplies, to what fabrics are commonly used for what kinds of cosplays, this book has it all. "Don't be afraid to be a beginner" says it all - this book is a delight to read, and Amanda adds some personal stories and her own voice to make this book a great addition to your cosplay resource...
2020-09-2118 minShePropTalk!Ep 29: Fancy Fairy Wings & Things!Angela of Fancy Fairy Wings & Things chats with Beverly about her PHENOMENAL fairy wings! From cosplay to the Victoria Secret runway, her work is legendary in both the world of fashion and costuming.
2020-09-1643 minShePropTalk!SheProp Presents: Cosplay for an Adult Audience
The Funny, Scary, Genderbending & Sometimes Lucrative World of Spicy Cosplay
Creating cosplays, and attending cons can be as fun and exciting as it is stressful and exhausting. Those stressors are amplified while working with a disability. In this panel we will talk with cosplayers who create, compete, volunteer and swim all while working with mental or physical disabilities.
2020-09-1255 minShePropTalk!SheProp Presents: Cos-Ability - Cosplay Without BoundariesCreating cosplays, and attending cons can be as fun and exciting as it is stressful and exhausting. Those stressors are amplified while working with a disability. In this panel we will talk with cosplayers who create, compete, volunteer and swim all while working with mental or physical disabilities.
2020-09-0558 minShePropTalk!SheProp Presents: Can I Cosplay That? Navigating The World Of Race And Culture In CosplayHonest conversations about race and culture are more important than ever. In this panel we talk with Black and POC cosplayers about their experiences in the cosplay community, and how their culture, hair and skin has been politicized. We will talk about cosplaying a race or culture that does not match our own, and how we can do it successfully without hurting BIPOC people.
2020-08-292h 17ShePropTalk!Ep 28: Forsaken Faerie / Professional SFX and Theatrical Makeup ArtistProfessional SFX and Theatrical Makeup Artist M from Foresaken Faerie shares SO MANY TIPS and techniques for theatrical makeup application, including making your own SFX prosthetics and working within a small budget! You’ll be inspired to tackle all of those gory costumes you’ve always wanted to try! M also shares her experiences and stories from her many years of working as a black female professional in the film/live entertainment industry. Hosted by Beverly of Downen Creative Studios for SheProp.
2020-08-251h 58ShePropTalk!SheProp Presents - Ballgown-A-PaloozaJoin cosplay ballgown experts Jedimanda, Casey Renee Cosplay, Pros and Cons Cosplay, AbbyCat Cosplay, Miss Tyo, and Momma Sammu as they discuss all things ballgowns! In the world of cosplay, the ballgown sits as the show-stopping top of the sewing heap and it’s not hard to see why. In this panel we’ll talk with artists and seasoned professionals who frequent the over the top, larger than life world of ballgown creation, from what to wear underneath all those layers, to how to wear these one person parade floats on a con floor, and why they keep coming back f...
2020-08-221h 11ShePropTalk!Ep 27: Wings with Leah D'AndreaCostumer Leah D'Andrea joins the show to talk about the many methods she has used to make wings including iPhone App controlled wings (wow!!), and low tech manual controlled packs! Hosted by Beverly of Downen Creative Studios.
2020-08-1853 minShePropTalk!SheProp Presents - Cosplay As A TeamCosplay does not have to be a solitary activity. Working with other cosplayers is a great way to expand skill sets, pool resources and create group projects. Join the members of legendary Team Totoro as they discuss how to put together cosplay collaborations, from making friends all the way to enjoying wearing your completed group cosplay and having a wonderful time.
2020-08-1559 minShePropTalk!Ep 26: Sophy WongThe incredible designer Sophy Wong joins the show to talk about getting started with adding LEDs and wearable technology to your projects and costumes! She tells us about wearable electronics, sewn circuits, her original design space suit, capacitive touch, Adafruit components, and so much more!
2020-07-2359 minShePropTalk!Ep 25: The Incredible Abie Ekanezer / Babs EK ProductionsMother, actress, writer, producer and cosplayer Abie Ekenezar of Babs Cosplay and BabsEK Productions joins the show to talk about how cosplay has helped her path to a career in film. We also talk about the importance of writing stories with people of color as they are reflected in real people, and how she is bringing them to life with her production company! Hosted by Beverly of Downen Creative Studios.
2020-07-151h 11ShePropTalk!Ep 24: Yupkat Cosplay / Ana Bastet from Overwatch Costume WalkthroughKatrina of Yupkat Cosplay joins the show to talk all about her Ana Bestat costume build! We get an up close look at the details of her work, how she constructed the trench coat, and how she installed magnets to a harness to secure her foam armor pieces! Hosted by Beverly of Downen Creative Studios.
2020-07-0948 minShePropTalk!Ep 23: Latex Costuming with Jerikandra CosplayHave you ever wanted to making a latex costume? Jerikandra walks us through the process of some of the basic steps involved with getting started with using this unique material! Hosted by Beverly of Downen Creative Studios. Bonus Featurette Cosplayers: Pros and Cons Cosplay!
2020-07-0159 minShePropTalk!Ep 22: SheProp Pride Panel SpecialWomen, Trans and nonbinary cosplayers can face unique challenges when looking for help. Body shaming, self-esteem, ability shaming, slut shaming, and misogyny can be barriers to getting the help and support we need. The SheProp! Community is here to help. Our panelists of experienced cosplayers are ready to answer your questions, whether they are about creating a costume or surviving and thriving in the cosplay community. Special thanks to Leftfield Media, Rose City Comic Con and Awesome Con for including SheProp in this awesome Pride digital event!
2020-06-221h 34ShePropTalk!Ep 21: Cricut for Cosplay with Bodoni CosplayAmber of Bodoni Cosplay chats with Beverly about her Cricut projects! We cover tips for cutting EVA foam, Leather, Acrylic, optimizing files for Design Space, fonts, favorite accessories and so much more!
2020-05-2653 minShePropTalk!Ep 20: Historical Cosplay Special Part 2Join special guest host Renee (Pixie Bomber) and featuring Brianneopal in this 2nd episode about Historical Cosplay! Also joining the conversation is LeannaCosplay.
2020-05-1815 minShePropTalk!Ep 19: Historical Cosplay Special Part 1Do you love Historical Cosplay and want to know more? Join special guest host Renee (Pixie Bomber) and LeannaCosplay in this special two part episode! Also joining the conversation is Brianneopal!
2020-05-1115 minShePropTalk!Ep 18: Potty Talk SpecialHow do you use the bathroom in a ballgown? Today’s guest host is Pixie Bomber Cosplay, and she chats with ballgown masters MommaSammu and PinkofY Cosplay about this very important topic that we could all use a little help with!
2020-04-2020 minShePropTalk!Ep 17: Cosplay Competitions - Part 2Tiphani (Pros and Cons Cosplay / Cosplay Contest Support Group Founder) and Mandi (Teca Cosplay) join Beverly for the second chapter about cosplay competitions. Topics we cover include frequently asked questions within the CCSG group, how the contest game has changed over the years, what good judges look for, the creation of cosplay contest rules - particularly creating inclusive rules - and why we see so few people from marginalized communities compete.
2019-12-271h 06ShePropTalk!Ep 16: Calling all Members! SheProp Panels 101Beverly and Abby discuss why SheProp panels are awesome, and how you can get involved with your own panel!
2019-12-1325 minShePropTalk!Ep 15: Cosplay Competitions - Part 1Cowbutt Crunchies join Beverly, Abby and Melanie to discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of cosplay competitions.
2019-12-1143 minShePropTalk!Ep 14: Smooth-On - Level Up Your Cosplay Projects
Heather Hanna from Smooth-On joins Beverly for this EXTRA INFORMATIVE episode of ShePropTalk! In this episode, we answer a lot of common questions about resins, silicone, urethane, adhesives, and Heather gives us invaluable tips and tricks for many, many applications!. Taking notes is highly recommended - you’ll also want to save this episode to your tutorial library!
2019-07-011h 20ShePropTalk!Ep 13: Silhouette CosplaySilhouette Cosplay joins Beverly on this episode of ShePropTalk! We take a deep dive into her well-known incredible Loki costumes, as well as Black Widow, Raven (RWBY) and OF COURSE her INSANE Daenerys from Game of Thrones! Hold onto your seats and prepare to be blown away by Luisa's work!
2019-05-0356 minShePropTalk!Ep 12: Akakioga CosplayThe incredible Akakioga Cosplay joins Beverly to talk about her costumes, including her legendary Orisa (Overwatch) and Paletress (Project Ebon Blade). She shares many of her building tips and techniques, including an amazing alternative to LEDs for gems! She also talks about how cosplay culture has changed throughout the years for POC cosplayers, and lends sage advice for any POC cosplayer that is just starting their cosplay journey.
2019-04-2450 minShePropTalk!Ep 11: The Cosplay JournalHolly and Meg chat with Beverly about their second volume of The Cosplay Journal, a gorgeous and unique UK based cosplay magazine promoting the craft, skill and diversity in the cosplay community. In this episode we talk about SO many aspects of creating a publication focusing on cosplay including stories from the field, a sneak peek into the featured interview with Pegsicle Cosplay and much more!
2019-02-2054 minShePropTalk!Ep 10: Tina RivetsShining star Tina Rivets joins Beverly in this 10th episode of ShePropTalk! Tina shares her techniques for applying blood and gore latex makeup fx for her genderbend Two-Face and Edward Scissorhands costumes, cosplaying many versions of the (don’t call me) Ash from Evil Dead, Lady Killer, her viral Ash Wednesday Addams mashup, Gary’s mom and more!
2019-02-1145 minShePropTalk!Ep 9: Becka NoelBecka Noel joins Beverly in this special episode of ShePropTalk! We chat about Pratt Institute, Cosplay Melee, patterning for McCall’s, working at Manhattan Wardrobe Supply, patterning, original designs vs. replicas, pearly worbla and more!
2019-01-3152 minShePropTalk!Ep 8: Cowbutt CrunchiesThe amazing and mega talented duo behind Cowbutt Crunchies join Beverly to chat about their costumes, cat charity, cosplay cocktails, and SO MUCH MORE. Are they the best humans ever? Find out in this episode! (Spoiler: the answer is YES)
2019-01-241h 06ShePropTalk!Ep 7: Deela DesignsDeela Designs joins Beverly in the studio to talk about her incredible costumes and original designs. She shares tips on how to cover tattoos with makeup, cosplay burnout and more!
2019-01-1649 minShePropTalk!Ep 6: Sewing Tips with AbbyCat CosplayIn this special episode, Abby joins Beverly again to talk about sewing stuff! Topics include: how to prevent your machine from eating your fabric, how often you should service your sewing machine, super useful sewing machine feet, tips for sewing slippery fabrics/bulky fabrics, scissors & rotary tools, and Abby's favorite patterning books!
2019-01-1040 minShePropTalk!Ep 5: AbbyCat CosplayAbbyCat Cosplay joins Beverly in her studio in a special show-and-tell episode! Abby shows us several of her costumes including her award-winning SteamPunk Wicked Witch, her famously evil Professor Umbridge, her “Bunbridge” bunny version of of Professor Umbridge, secrets for making a bunny suit, and shares many more of her sewing tips!
2018-12-3145 minShePropTalk!Ep 4: Alexandria the GeekAlexandria The Geek joins Beverly to chat about her amazing Hippolyta (Wonder Woman) & Mercy (Overwatch) cosplay builds! She shares her tips for making spartan helmets, flowy capes, foam patterning, Mercy’s staff and more!
Topics: Hippolyta, Spartan Helmet, Capes, Mercy, Staff, Worbla, EVA Foam
2018-12-2156 minShePropTalk!Ep 3: JediMandaIn this episode, master builder and creator JediManda joins Beverly to talk about her incredible Dr. Strange and Captain Marvel costumes. Amanda also shares many of her sewing and patterning tips for starting and complicated super suits!
2018-12-1546 minShePropTalk!Ep 2: Dahlia Darling CosplayIn this episode, Dahlia Darling Cosplay joins Beverly to talk about POC (people of color) within the cosplay community, body paint, cel shading, painting on vinyl, patterning and more!
2018-12-031h 04ShePropTalk!Ep 1: Sharon Rose CosplayWelcome to our first episode!! Beverly (Downen Creative Studios) chats with Sharon (Sharon Rose Cosplay)! We talk about SO many topics including the SheProp community, Sharon's incredible Captain America and Wonder Woman costumes, putting a personal touch on your costumes, getting past imposter syndrome, making patterns last longer, and SO much more!
2018-11-2555 min