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

Hi Jessika, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by fellow creatives, regardless of what they are creating. The act of turning an idea into a tangible product that expresses its creator’s passions keeps me creating too!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 1996, I went to my first comic convention, San Diego Comic-con. As an impressionable 12 year old, I was in awe of the beautiful women dressed in costumes. I later learned that these were hired models but I was still amazed. While attending the following year’s SDCC, my older brother’s friend dyed her hair red and wore a Chinese style dress – she was cosplaying as the anime character, Ranma. She asked me to braid her hair and I was so inspired! My mom helped me with my first few costumes, and was probably just as excited and enthusiastic as I was. I cosplayed pretty casually through the 2000’s and then a few years break when I took a job in Dubai. I eventually got back into it and when I returned home in 2016 I was surprised to see the cosplay community bustling and flourishing. I found my way around and made lifelong friends with similar values. I took pride in being able to handmake my costumes and props, and together with my friends we’d present tutorials and panels on our craft. Once Covid hit, all events ceased and we started an online live show as a means to motivate us to continue cosplaying and sharing. CosTalk Live (CTL) was born and along with my good friend Samantha Kitts (ThermoCosplay) we have been running the show almost weekly, as well has hosting events, meetups, and cosplay contests. We made it clear that CTL was inclusive, educational, motivational and positive. CTL focuses on encouraging cosplay in any form and sharing our knowledge and love for the craft. In addition to hosting CTL, I also freelance as an MC and on camera-talent around the valley.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Not only am I (basically) an Arizona native (I came here from the Philippines when I was only 1 month old), I’m a huge gamer. So for the Arizona tourist spots, I’d start with a pickup from the airport and then drive up South Mountain to Dobbins Point for a fantastic view of the city! If they’re really into history, a drive to the Superstition Mountains Museum, with some cheesy photo ops with the Elvis mannequin in the chapel on the way to Goldfield Ghosttown for some fun interactive experience. If my guest is culinarily adventurous, we’d visit the only Cambodian restaurant in town – Reathrey Seakong in the heart of Phoenix. My favorite dish is the lemongrass chicken and an iced coffee. For a sweet treat, we’ll make our way to Xing Fu Tang for delicious, authentic boba – my favorite is the strawberries and cream! And to go with that boba, we’ll pick up Fruity Pebbles donuts from Tempe’s Donut Parlor. I love arcades, so for a chill night and a great brewery selection, BRI Arcade and Taproom is a nice spot to take it easy and play your favorite retro games. But for a fun night out, my favorite arcade is definitely Level One in Downtown Gilbert. With fun drinks (like the Ecto-Cooler), DJ and an awesome vibe it’s still great fun for non-gamers. Lastly, for a great sendoff, I’ll reserve a private room at Tempe’s August Karaoke Box so we can belt it out with no judgement!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout goes to my mom, who I lost in 2012. She taught me how to sew, loved to dress up and encouraged me to start cosplaying. It was her brilliant mind that could see an image and create a pattern in her head and to work we went. She was always my biggest fan and supporter and without her unconditional love I may not have had the confidence to continue being creative.

Website: jinxcosplay.com, costalk-live.com

Instagram: @thejinxcosplay, @costalklive

Facebook: facebook.com/thejinxcosplay, facebook.com/costalklive

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/costalklive

Other: twitch.tv/costalklive

Image Credits
Plaid Hippo Orange Slice Media BrosNCons Photography Kincart Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.