Unveiling Versatility: Shady Haze - Influential Content Creator, Cosplayer, and LGBTQIA+ Advocate | Exploring Art, Cosplay, and Creative Identity with Shady Squad

Step right into 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, guided by your host, Rob Lee. In today’s conversation, I talk with Shady Haze, a highly influential and versatile Content Creator and Cosplayer hailing from Northern Virginia. She is celebrated for her innovative approach to cosplaying beloved male characters such as Superboy, Cyclops, Poe Dameron, Aladdin, and Danny Phantom. Shady's profound connection to art and geek culture began early, collecting comics and figurines at the age of six, and has evolved into a passion for cosplaying. Throughout her Cosplay journey, she has honed her skills in crafting intricate cosplays, armor builds, and creating engaging social media content, including creative videos. Shady takes pride in her identity as an LGBTQIA+ Asian American woman and has transformed herself into a brand and community hub known as "Shady Squad," fostering collaborations, connections, and virtual events amidst the pandemic. Her achievements include features in prominent magazines like Metro Weekly, Cosplay Alliance, Cosplay Zine, and Creative Cosplays Magazine. Living by the motto "I Aspire to Inspire," Shady Haze is a dynamic social media creator who artfully brings her favorite characters to life in her unique and captivating style.

About Awesome Con

Awesome Con is an annual pop culture convention in Washington, D.C. The event takes place in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Awesome Con debuted at the center in 2013. After a successful start, the annual event has become one of the largest fan conventions on the East Coast of the United States.

Shady Haze is a DMV-based digital content creator and cosplayer. She has been cosplaying for several years and has become more serious about it in recent years. Shady has attended various conventions, including Awesome Con, Blurred Con, and Katsucon. She is known for her cosplays of characters from Marvel, DC Comics, and Disney. Shady is also the founder of the Shady Squad, a group of cosplayers who attend conventions together and collaborate on cosplay projects.

In this talk, we navigate through:

• The Art of Cosplay: Exploring How to Embrace Character Transformation and Enjoyment.
• Finding Identity: Selecting Cosplay Characters that Resonate and Ignite Passion.
• Crafting Your Cosplay Adventure: Strategically Curating Characters and Themes for Conventions.
• Uniting through Cosplay: Spotlighting the Significance of Inclusivity and Community.
• Breaking Down Barriers: Advocating for Cosplay Freedom and Diverse Character Expression.
• Everyday Playfulness: Infusing Creativity with Casual Cosplay in Your Daily Attire.
• Nostalgic Escapism: Unveiling the Comforting Magic of "A Goofy Movie" as a Mood-Booster.

Shady joins the podcast to discuss her love for cosplay and her experiences attending conventions. She shares her background in cosplay and how she got started in the community. Shady talks about the importance of choosing characters that you relate to and love when cosplaying. She also discusses her approach to planning cosplays and attending conventions, including coordinating costumes with her cosplay squad. Shady emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and community in the cosplay world, while also addressing the issue of gatekeeping. She shares her favorite cosplays and characters, including Cyclops and Superboy. Shady also reveals her go-to cartoon for cheering up, which is A Goofy Movie. She concludes by sharing her social media handles and upcoming convention appearances.

Mentioned in this episode
Shady Haze's Instagram
Awesome Con

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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