Meet Heather Mckeown | Costume Designer/Cosplayer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Mckeown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, why did you pursue a creative career?
Switching into an artistic career path was one of the best things I have done. I originally wanted to get a degree in marine biology solely because at the time I didn’t realize what that would mean. I felt I was going to grow bored, and hate my job. I made the decision to switch career paths and pursue costume and fashion design. Making the switch allowed me to improve on my craft, get opportunities and connections to showcase my work, and best of all I’m doing something I love doing. Ultimately, the reason for pursuing a creative career was for my happiness.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a cosplayer is the best thing in the world for me. When I see characters I want to cosplay, I get to make the costume my own. Not only tailored to fit me, but tailored to fit my vision. I get to imagine the characters and determine how I think they would look in their environment, what details their costume would have, what fabrics would be used and so much more. I don’t always have things come out the way I want the first time, but doing it over and over has helped me learn how to do trickier things, and improve my knowledge on what I already know. Everyday is a different challenge to learn a new technique and it’s always fun to practice and overcome any obstacle.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As cheesy as it is, if I were ever to show my friend around my city, I would take him to the science center. I’ve been in the past, and it’s fun and whimsy and childlike. They always have some interesting demonstration going on, and with all the displays and interactive and immersive experiences, it’s almost like being in an adult playground. Plus, I walk away at least knowing one obscure fact about something.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of my favorite cosplayers is Amanda, or @crankykankri on Instagram. She makes the most stunning cosplays with so much maticulous handwork. She’s currently working on a cosplay from a web comic called Homestuck. This cosplay has included so much hand beading, details and fabric choices that are beyond amazing. Not only is Amanda incredible in the line of costume making, but she is a talented artist on her art Instagram @artsycrab. I really enjoy Amanda and seeing all the things she creates.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bustlebunny