Hayleigh: The General Fan
How old were you when you fell into fandom?
Are you still active in your first fandom?
How is your life different because of the fandom community?
Can you remember the first fanfiction you ever read?
What your most difficult and expensive cosplay accomplishment?
Why does fandom matter?
The Interview was conducted on Facebook messenger. Hayleigh is a 21 year cosplayer, renfaire enthusiast with a drive for acting, singing and modeling. She has both a Facebook and Instagram specifically for cosplay.
Lauren: Hey. I just wrote out my interview questions if you want to do the thing.
Hayleigh: Hit me! I'm doing hw rn but I can answer.
L:How old were you when you fell into fandom?
H:Oh man... 8? I was introduced to Harry Potter when I was super small, but I had always loved comics and classic TV shows, and I always loved Disney, so probably since before that even.So, counting disney, since before i could walk!
L:Well that answers my second question lol...are you still active in your first fandom?
H:I am! I just recently did two different Belle cosplays, with plans for more. Disney is such a large and encompassing fandom, it's really hard to fall out of love with it.
L:I completely agree! Speaking of...how is your life different because of the fandom community?
H:Oh man... Fandom and cosplay (two things I connect pretty heavily) have changed my life for the better. While there are always going to be some toxic fans, the majority of them are positive and supportive and wonderful! At a con, it's not uncommon for people to start conversations or take pictures of you while you're either in cosplay or wearing a fandom shirt and it's such a bonding experience.
L:Also I don’t believe you and I would even know each other if not for fandom.
H:Very true.
L:Can you remember the first fanfiction you ever read?
H:It was a Dramione(The romantic pairing of Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy) one. I'm awful, I know.
L:No judgment. I’ve written and read worse. You’ll like this question… What was your most difficult and expensive cosplay accomplishment?
H:Oh man... that would probably be my Belle ballgown. Sunk a couple hundred dollars into that thing, had it made by a dear friend of mine (@k.c.cosplay on instagram) and I got great pictures with it, even though it got trashed in just a few hours at New York Comic Con. Veeeerrryy close second at Steampunk Belle, which was also made by KC and that was just a looot of bells and whistles that made it expensive.(also, i'm driving for a little bit so I won't be able to respond right away, but i'll respond i promise!
L:I have one last question. And it’s probably my favorite. Why does fandom matter?
H:Oh man, why does fandom matter... Fandom is so important to so many lives. It's a community. It's a family. It's an escape for those who need it, a haven for those who can't find it anywhere else. It's a beautiful compilation art and wonder and creativity, and it's a little corner of the world where you can be as intense a fan as you want or as relaxed a fan as you want. It's great.
L:Great! Thanks Hayleigh! I can’t wait to include this in my script
H:Also, shameless plug: https://www.instagram.com/harleynoxcosplay/on insta and facebook! https://www.facebook.com/harleynoxcosplay http://cosplay-witchery.tumblr.com/ on tumblr!
L:I’ll make sure to put it on the blog
H: <3