KCCP Member of the Week: Amber Lee Bingham

It’s that time of the week again where we premiere another talented cosplayer. We are proud to announce Amber Lee Bingham! This Belle of the ball has years of experience through the Renaissance Festival, and is currently expanding her cosplay to superheroes and Disney princesses.

How did you get into cosplay?

I’ve been a theater geek since third grade, and Halloween is my favorite holiday, so it was a natural progression for me to find a way to play dress up more often. The Renaissance Festival provides a seasonal outlet, but as I began attending cons, I realized cosplay was definitely something I wanted to try!

How many characters are you currently cosplaying and what are they?

In addition to several Renaissance Festival historical and original characters, I have a Zombie Bride that I enjoy pulling out, Belle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and Poison Ivy from DC’s Batman. So many more on the way!

What’s your favorite cosplay you’ve done so far and why?

I loved dressing as Belle for Planet Comicon 2014. I liked that kids were excited to see me, and I loved that it brought smiles to the faces of other “princesses at heart”.

What’s your favorite way to craft?

I’m a seamstress with a terrible procrastination habit, so apparently my favorite way to craft is the night before an event, hunched over my sewing machine with curses and desperation floating in the air above me.

What’s your favorite crafting item to work with and why?

I have a love/ hate relationship with my sewing machine, which I think is true of everyone that sews. I’m also a huge fan of thrift store items, hot glue, and hope.

What are your cosplay goals (e.g. professional, hobbyist, charity, gateway to another career, etc)?

As a plus sized woman, my goal is to show that there can be beauty at every size, and that your size shouldn’t be a deterrent from doing what you love. I strive to display body positivity in all of my cosplay. I also adore working with children and am hoping to take some of my princess characters to local children’s hospitals.

What’s your dream cosplay and why?

My goal, currently, is to cosplay every Disney Princess. It’s my favorite fandom, and I love being a princess for a day!

What advice would you give someone who wants to get into cosplay?

Do it! Don’t let perfection or self image stand in your way! Start small, reach out to the cosplay community, and be amazed at how welcoming and friendly they are, and how eager to share advice, tips, and resources.

What other interests do you have outside of cosplay?

I’m a mom, an avid reader, a Renaissance festival enthusiast, a board game nut, and adore water parks and swimming in general.

If you could have dinner with one fictional character, who would it be and why?

Inara Serra, from Firefly and Serenity. She’s one of my favorite characters of all time. Intelligent, graceful, sex positive, so many things I strive to be in my own life. I think we’d have a great conversation!