Jamila

Carnival of Masks presents Portland, OR based cosplayer and event organizer, Jamila, as part of our Beyond the Carnival: Interviews with Costume Folks Around the World series.

CoM: Jamila, tell us about what you do.

J: I created and co-host an event called BIPOC VampDay. It’s a 3-day long online event celebrating Black, Indigenous, and POC vampires in media. We fundraise for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and spread awareness about sickle cell disease. The event started back in 2021 and this will be our sixth year! I'm also a cosplayer and sewist as Black Bettie Cosplay and I've been creating costumes for over 15 years.

CoM: What inspires you?

J: Historical fashion, folklore, horror, fantasy, and movies/TV. I love creating worlds and enjoying what other creative minds make. Costuming was another way for me to explore this love for storytelling.

CoM: How did your life in costumes begin??

J: I have always loved costumes and dressing up since I was very young - and yes, vampire was one of my favorite Halloween costumes. I think I was one numerous times in a row when growing up. I became very involved in theatre in high school and later explored directing and costume design in college, one of my degrees.

After shifting careers post college, I found myself missing costuming. So, I began creating them for Steampunk, historical events, and later cosplay. Costumes have always been a big part of my life. Eventually that led to creating an event around BIPOC folks who make their own original vampires of color. It was a combination of a lot of the things I love.

CoM: Are there costumed events you make sure to never miss? And if so, what do you love about them?

J: Yes. I'm often at local conventions like ECCC and RCCC, as well as smaller events and local renaissance fairs. It's also why I created and host BIPOC VampDay - nothing like getting an early start on October and spooky season.

CoM: What's your favorite thing about costumes?

J: How they can transform and change how you feel. There's an amazing confidence you can see around costumes. People can feel more bold, become someone else, or even find themselves through costuming. I also love seeing how passionate people are about their creations - which is why I love being a cosplay contest judge as well.

CoM: Do you have a costume related business?

J: I have done costume commissions and portrait photography for individual clients.

CoM: Who do you want to shoutout in the costume world?

J: Beverly Downen is a wonderfully talented cosplayer in the PNW. Midnight Pursona is one of our co-hosts for the BIPOC VampDay event. And Azimedes Cosplay is another talented cosplayer I know.

CoM: Thanks so much, Jamila!

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