When Bron (@BronDoesCosplay) stepped onto the WonderCon 2025 Masquerade stage as Dorian Storm, the room erupted—not just for the magnetic lute or the dramatic twirl, but for the undeniable presence of a cosplayer who brought heart, humor, and craftsmanship to every stitch. What followed was a performance equal parts theatrical flair and technical precision, earning Bron both the Best Recreation award and the coveted Oksana Shore Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship. In this interview, we dive deep into Bron’s creative process, backstage chaos, love of beads and Muppets, and the advice they have for anyone ready to step into the spotlight.
Spencer Williams: Alright, costume nerds. I am so excited to introduce my friend, the winner of Best Recreation and the Oksana Shore Award at WonderCon Masquerade 2025—Bron of @BronDoesCosplay! Hey Bron!
Bron: Hello! How’s it going?
Spencer Williams: Good! It’s so great to talk to you. I think the last time I saw you was on stage, right after you got your award.
Bron: Yeah, I think I handed you my lute because I was carrying too many things.
Spencer Williams: That’s right! I was standing there next to Ashley Eckstein holding your lute—a beautiful moment.
I’ve been looking forward to talking with you! I’m so excited to dive into everything you’ve been up to, how you ended up on that stage winning those awards, and what we can look forward to from you next. Let’s start from the beginning. Could you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got involved in this world of cosplay and costume making?
Bron: Every single Halloween as a kid, I insisted on making my own costume. It was really important to me that I did it myself. Six-year-old me was very determined. Most of those costumes didn’t make a whole lot of sense, but I was always figuring out ways to drape fabric, put things together—it’s always been a big part of me.
I started cosplaying around age twelve or thirteen. I remember my first one being Princess Zelda for Halloween. Back then, I didn’t even know what cosplay really was. I’d spend hours Googling Zelda costumes, and occasionally the word “cosplay” would pop up. I was like, “I don’t know what that is—I’m not doing that.”
But I loved learning how to make stuff. My parents are both creative in their own ways, so they really encouraged me. Anytime I showed interest in learning something, they made sure I had the tools.
In high school, I went to my first Comic-Con. That really lit the fire. I’d never been around so many people passionate about nerdy stuff. And the costumes—some people were on stilts, some were in full-body paint—it just blew my mind that this was a thing people actually did. I’ve been cosplaying ever since—so since about 2013.
I was also a big anime kid. I even took Japanese in high school—that was an actual class option. I loved magical girls and did a lot of Cardcaptor Sakura cosplays. Eventually in college, I got really into Critical Role, which led to some of my favorite cosplays—like Dorian this year at WonderCon Masquerade.
Another huge influence for me was the behind-the-scenes features for The Lord of the Rings. I remember Sir Richard Taylor in that little room showing the Uruk-hai gloves, and they had runes engraved into the leather. That was when I decided I wanted to be an artist. So thank you, Richard Taylor. Thank you, Wētā, for putting together such a detailed behind-the-scenes look at such a beautiful series.
I love The Lord of the Rings, but I love the appendices even more. They’re just such a glorious snapshot of all the incredible artistry that went into those films. And since Critical Role is rooted in Dungeons & Dragons, which in turn draws heavily from Tolkien, I strive to bring that same level of detail and inspiration into my work.
Spencer Williams: How would you describe your style or approach to costume making? Are you doing a lot of your own research? Do you add personal twists? What does the “Bron style” look like?
Bron: Yeah, I’m a big fan of research. I love it. I’ll look up techniques I probably won’t use for years—just because I think they’re cool.
Spencer Williams: You’re like, “One day…”
Bron: Yeah! A third of my YouTube is just videos from 2008 of grandmothers teaching obscure felting techniques.
I used to be really attached to accuracy, but I’ve let go of that a bit. Critical Role is primarily a Dungeons & Dragons podcast—kind of like your show, actually—where everything is described more than shown. There’s some official art, but a lot is left up to interpretation. That’s led to the community putting their own twist on characters, and I love that.
I research heavily and love adding new techniques into my work. Lately, I’ve realized I’m really into texture—I love dyeing, beading, chainmail. I enjoy breaking up fabric with interesting little details.
I think there are a couple of different “schools of thought” in cosplay. One is: How can I bring this character into reality while keeping them in their original style? The other school is: What would this character look like if they lived here, in our world? That’s the lane I fall into more often. I have so much respect for the over-the-top, cartoony builds—but my work tends to lean more grounded.
Spencer Williams: A translator of sorts.
Bron: I tend to ask: If this character were real, how would I interpret those features in a wearable, believable way? That’s one of the things I love most about Dorian, actually.
Spencer Williams: Perfect transition—because we’re now at WonderCon Masquerade, where you introduced yourself to the judges and audience as Dorian Storm from Critical Role.
What drew you to recreate Dorian Storm for WonderCon Masquerade this year?
Bron: Absolutely. Dorian is such a delightful character. I’m really attached to him—he means a lot to me. You can actually see his poster right over my shoulder.
Dorian is a brilliant character for costuming because—minor spoilers—he’s kind of a runaway prince. He grew up in this very rich, cloistered environment, and now he’s trying to hide that… but not very well. That’s such juicy material for costume design! That kind of backstory begs for layered costuming.
When we meet Dorian, he kind of knows what he’s doing, but not really. He has these spiky bracers that are supposedly metal—mine are foam, of course—but they’re impractical. They’d catch on his cape constantly. And that tells you so much about who he is. He’s trying to be this humble traveling bard, but he’s still drawn to flashy things.
Spencer Williams: Part of the competition included an optional behind-the-scenes session where cosplayers could meet with the judges—which you did. We got to walk up, really look at your costume closely, and assess the technical craftsmanship. That has to be intimidating, right?
Bron: Oh, absolutely. Everyone at WonderCon Masquerade brings their A-game, and even then, having someone get up close and examine your seams is nerve-wracking. I know you went to fashion school, so you know what it’s like when someone stares at your seams!
Spencer Williams: The trauma is real.
Bron: For Dorian, I definitely leveled up my foam work. This was actually my second time making all his foam details. I made everything once, then redid it all because I wasn’t happy with the first version.
Foam is a tricky material—it’s not complicated, but it’s still kind of new. We’ve only been using it in this way for about 20 years. So you can learn the techniques fairly quickly, but it’s unforgiving. One wrong cut, and you’re starting over. Especially for someone like Dorian, who’s very polished. You can’t have ragged edges—it’s got to be clean. I was especially proud of the re-sculpted boot wings. He’s got wings on his boots, and I was really happy with how those turned out. I also improved a lot on my ombré dyeing.
Spencer Williams: You definitely did. I remember the cape!
So let’s talk about the stage moment. You had this beautiful look, and part of the competition is stepping on stage for a performance. What was going through your head when the music started and you walked out there with your lute?
Bron: Yeah. I remember standing backstage, watching the Witches of Dathomir—they won Best in Show, by the way. Incredible work. One of them had a macramé belt I was obsessed with. I was admiring all the detail, but in the back of my mind I was like, I might pass out. Just kept telling myself: Keep breathing. Keep going.
Spencer Williams: And for everyone reading—this is a big room. It feels like a million people, even if it’s not.
Bron: It feels enormous. Something you should know about my lute—it’s magnetic. The fretboard is made of steel or aluminum; my dad helped me cut it—thank you, Dad! And there are magnets sewn into my cape to hold it on because in the official art, there’s nothing holding it up. I wanted to recreate that… of course. Magnets are great for dramatic flourishes when you’re pulling the lute off your back. But when it’s still on your back? Any wrong shift and the whole thing pops right off.
I had a handler backstage—bless her. If you’re ever in a complicated costume, get a handler. It makes all the difference. You might feel a little dramatic asking for help, but having someone watching out for your costume is invaluable. She was doing last-minute checks, making sure the lute was stable and reminding me, “Okay, don’t lean this way—you’ve got this.” Then I stepped out, and the music kicked in—Song of Storms from Legend of Zelda, because… Dorian Storm. I thought it was a clever touch.
Performing as Dorian is a blast. He’s socially anxious but also a total showman. So you get this fun mix of “Haha! I’m here!” and also “Oh no, people are looking at me!” I love leaning into the overacting. He’s a delight.
But—he’s tough to perform in. Once the lute’s on, you can’t move much. You can bend a bit, shift your arms—but that’s it. If the lute falls off, there’s no recovering. I mean, you could do a silly “whoopsie” in character, but ideally, no.
Spencer Williams: Right. You want it to be seamless.
Bron: Exactly. Luckily, my handler nailed the placement. The lute stayed put until the exact moment I wanted it off. I hit the music cue, pulled it off for the big moment, and suddenly—ta-da! I had the lute in my hands.
Photographed by @shotbyericcarrol
Spencer Williams: It was brilliant! You did such a great job—and not long after, it was announced that you were the winner of Best Recreation and the Oksana Shore Award. What was it like hearing your name called—not just once, but twice?
Bron: Oh boy. [laughs] Obviously—elation! It’s so satisfying to have your hard work recognized. I’d been working on this costume on and off since 2022. Not every day, of course—sometimes I was in school, sometimes I was focused on other things—but months of effort went into it.
So to have that acknowledged by people who really know their craft? That’s amazing. That’s validating. That’s crazy in the best way.
So I’m in line, waiting, and one of the wonderful WonderCon Masquerade volunteers comes over—shoutout to the WonderCon volunteers, seriously, we’d be falling off the stage without you. She leans in and says, “Hey, when you get your award, take your photo—then come right back in line.” And I’m like… wait, what?
Spencer Williams: [laughing] Am I in trouble? Did I do something?
Bron: Total whirlwind. Suddenly I’m like, Wait—I get two things? What?!
So I get called up. You’re on stage while Jennifer May Nickel is introducing the Oksana Shore Award, and because the sound bounces so weird up there, I can’t quite hear what’s happening. A volunteer is standing next to me and says, “That’s you. Are you excited?” And I’m like—Wait, really?!
Spencer Williams: Ah, I love it. That’s so cool. The Oksana Shore Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship means a lot to our community. Oksana was such a talented and inspiring costumer—so passionate about sharing knowledge and uplifting others. That spirit is so deeply felt.
What did winning that particular award mean to you?
Bron: It’s a huge honor—truly the best word for it. I never had the chance to meet Oksana, but knowing how dedicated she was to her craft, and to supporting others, means so much. To carry even a little bit of that torch forward… it’s incredibly touching.
I really hope I can help lift up other makers the way Oksana did—whether that’s sharing techniques, offering encouragement, or just being someone people can reach out to. That spirit of generosity is where I came from. I was so inspired by projects like The Lord of the Rings—seeing people pour their love into something so creative and detailed. Now, to be part of that tradition? It’s surreal.
I’m already excited to see who wins the award next year. I’ll probably be the one messaging them like, “Hey! You did an amazing job!”
Spencer Williams: So, in that spirit, how do you hope your journey might inspire future creators or Masquerade contestants?
Bron: First and foremost—if you’re someone who’s watched a masquerade and thought, “I want to do that, but I’m not good enough”—you are. You are absolutely good enough.
Your work deserves to be seen. You deserve to discuss your process, connect with other makers, and be part of this amazing community. That’s my favorite part of cosplay—getting to share what we’ve made and learning from one another.
Look, not everyone wins every time. Statistically, that’s just how it works. This interview happens to be about a time I did win—but I’ve also competed and not won. You have to be able to cheer for others and still feel proud of yourself.
If this is something you’ve ever wanted to try—please do. The community is so warm, so welcoming, and I want more people to experience that joy.
Spencer Williams: That’s great advice. And you’re right—the energy in that room was just so loving and passionate. I don’t even remember how many contestants there were, but it was a ton. And every single one got a moment—everyone got cheered for, everyone got to shine.
Sure, only a small group took home awards, but so many others got amazing feedback and return year after year, stronger than ever. It’s really about the passion, the craft, and celebrating creativity.
Bron: Exactly. These days, I see many people asking, “Is this a good competition build?” or “Should I make this for a contest?” And I get it—but honestly, my best advice is: choose a character you’re obsessed with. Sure, if you want to get technical, builds that show off a variety of techniques might earn more points—but ultimately? The magic happens when you’re up there, proudly being your favorite little guy.
That’s what it’s all about to me. Yes, cosplay can be serious, it can grow into something big and professional—but at the end of the day, we’re all just nerds dressing up as characters we love. It’s gotta stay fun.
Spencer Williams: And finally—what advice would you give to someone just starting in cosplay? I’d love to hear your thoughts for someone who’s brand new and curious.
Bron: Cosplay looks different for everyone. Some people just want to throw on a fun outfit and hang out with friends. Others want to weave their own fabric from scratch and compete with it. Some folks focus on performance, others on crafting—and all of it is valid.
If you want to make your cosplay entirely out of recycled materials? That’s amazing. That’s still cosplay. You are a cosplayer. It doesn’t matter how many followers you have or whether anyone knows your name. You do it because you love it. Choose a character you’re obsessed with. That’s where it begins.
Personally, I’m very passionate about the making side of things—so for those looking to learn: be hungry for it. Be willing to mess up. Start small. Don’t jump straight to the ballgown—maybe try a ruffle or two with some scrap fabric.
You’ve got to push yourself out of your comfort zone, and that can be scary and frustrating. You might feel like you’re wasting time or supplies—but you’re not.
One of my favorite things a teacher said in art school—when we were painting with expensive gouache—was, “Don’t leave all the learning in the tube.” You won’t get better if you never squeeze that paint out. You’ve gotta use it. Play with it. That lesson stuck with me, and it applies just as much to cosplay.
What matters most is that you’re having fun and feeling good about yourself.
Spencer Williams: Absolutely. It’s a form of self-expression—it comes from the self. Sometimes it really is as simple as doing what makes you happy.
Bron, once again, congratulations. You killed it. I’m so happy for you. Where should people be following you?
Bron: Instagram is the best place—@BronDoesCosplay.
Spencer Williams: Thank you again for taking the time to talk with me, and congratulations. I can’t wait to see what you do next—we’ll be following your journey the entire way through.
Bron: Absolutely. Honestly, it’s kind of wild to be here—I used to listen to The Art of Costume Podcast all the time while working on builds. So, thank you for running it and this interview… I really appreciate it!
Spencer Williams: That means so much. It’s always good to know there are other crazy costume nerds out there.
Bron: Oh, I’m glad I’ve found the cult.
Spencer Williams: Not a cult! For legal reasons—we have to say, not a cult.
Bron: [laughs] Of course.
