the Texas Charm of Maddie Mason
Welcome to another post in our ongoing series spotlighting talented cosplayers from around the globe. This time, we’re chatting with Maddie Mason — a self-proclaimed Texas dork who brings anime, nostalgia, and charisma to every convention floor. From her iconic Velma and Sango cosplays to spontaneous “Tina Twerks,” Maddie brings the kind of energy that keeps the cosplay community vibrant and fun.
If you want to learn more about the ever-growing world of cosplay, check out Crunchyroll for inspiration.
The Interview
What’s your full name, or what name do you go by in the cosplay community?
Maddie: Maddie Mason
Where were you born?
Maddie: San Antonio, TX- YeeHaw! 🤠
Where do you live now?
Maddie: San Antonio, TX- Yippee Ki-Yay 🤠
Age (if you’re cool sharing)?
Maddie: 31
What do you do outside of cosplay?
Maddie: Self-employed artist and content creator
When did you first dip into cosplay?
Maddie: For fun, 2008. Professionally, 2017
Who was your first cosplay character?
Maddie: Sango from InuYasha.
Childhood & Early Creativity
What were you into as a kid—comics, anime, video games? Which had the biggest impact?
Maddie: All of the above, but mostly anime and manga. InuYasha was the anime that started it all for me!
Were you a crafty or performing kid?
Maddie: I used to do clogging in elementary school and won the 5th grade talent show! Then I did choir in middle school and theater all throughout high school. I also draw and paint!
Any characters or shows that really shaped who you are today?
Maddie: InuYasha will forever and always hold a special place in my heart. My other obsession was/is A Goofy Movie. Those two things basically shaped me into the person I am today! Haha.
Cosplay Journey & Motivation
What first inspired you to cosplay?
Maddie: I had a friend in middle school who invited me to my first ever anime convention and it opened my eyes to a whole new world. I was so excited to know there was a place where I could dress up as my favorite characters and show off shows that meant so much to me!
How did your very first cosplay outing go?
Maddie: Ughhh…..Some things are better left in the trenches.
What keeps you coming back to cosplay? What does it give you?
Maddie: Honestly, I do it because it’s fun! Though, cosplaying (especially as a cosplay guest) has really improved my social skills and confidence over the years. I wish I had the confidence I do now in high school. I used to be SO painfully shy and it held me back from so many chances and opportunities.
Do you make your own costumes, or buy/commission them?
Maddie: I wish. Though I am an artist, those skills don’t carry over to arts and crafts. Mostly I buy my cosplays, but I do at least attempt to craft what I can. It’s a work in progress for me. Haha.
How long does it take you to get a cosplay look together?
Maddie: I’m a bit of a lazy cosplayer and purposely choose outfits I can whip in and out of quickly. If it takes me more than 10 minutes (excluding makeup), then it’s not the cosplay for me! Hahaha!
Conventions & Community
What was your first convention experience like?
Maddie: My first convention was SanJapan 2008. It was still a new con and hadn’t blown up to what it is today, but I still remember having so much fun. I was in awe of being surrounded by people who loved the same nerdy things I did!
Favorite cons to attend, and why?
Maddie: I’ve only been able to attend once, but Dragon Con was amazing. I was ill prepared for the size of it and feel like I missed out on so much fun. Regardless, it still holds as one of my top 3.
Do you mostly go as a fan, or do panels/guest spots too?
Maddie: I mainly attend as a cosplay guest now! As much as I love spending money, I like making money more! Haha plus, I get to meet a lot of fun people and build new friendships!
What makes the cosplay community stand out to you?
Maddie: The fact that we’re literally dorks who don’t feel the need to filter ourselves to seem “normal.” It’s refreshing to “Tina Twerk” in front of people and not worry if they think I’m weird. And if they do, then good!
Have you made lasting friends or collabs through cosplay?
Maddie: I have. Some are cosplayers and some are actors and both are equally special to me. I hope to keep them as my friends forever.
Favorite Characters & Styles
Which cosplay is your favorite so far?
Maddie: If I had to choose, I would say my Sango cosplay. It was my very first and the one I feel put me on the grid. Although, most people recognize me from my Velma (Scooby-Doo) cosplay. Both are special to me.
Any dream cosplays you’re dying to do?
Maddie: I would LOVE to do Xena: Warrior Princess one day!
Which characters do people recognize you for most?
Maddie: The ones I get recognized the most for are my Velma, Spider-Man, and Catwoman cosplays.
Do you lean toward anime, comics, games, or a mix?
Maddie: Anime all the way! I do enjoy them all though.
Memorable Experiences
Most memorable cosplay moment?
Maddie: I loved the time I dressed up as Tina from Bob’s Burgers and got a bunch of cosplayers and even voice actors to “Tina Twerk” with me for a video!
Funniest or most awkward cosplay moment?
Maddie: One time I dressed as Princess Mononoke and had to wear face paint for a costume. After the con, a couple friends and I decided to grab food. I changed into normal clothes but forgot to take off the face paint. I walked around in public catching wide-eyed stares from everyone. My friends thought it was hilarious and didn’t remind me. Mortified doesn’t begin to cover it!
Biggest costume challenge you’ve faced?
Maddie: WIGS SUCK WHEN YOU HAVE THICK LONG HAIR.
Perspective & Advice
Where do you see cosplay heading in the future?
Maddie: It’s so hard to say. Hopefully it evolves in a positive direction, but honestly it’s a toss of the coin.
Has social media changed cosplay for you?
Maddie: Social media has pros, like exposure, collabs, and meeting new friends. But it’s also made cosplay more of a competition or trend lately, rather than just dressing up for joy. I just hope the community doesn’t become toxic.
What advice would you give new cosplayers?
Maddie: Don’t worry about being accurate, worry about having fun! You can’t control people’s opinions, so ask yourself: “How does this costume make me feel?” Your happiness is what matters most.
What’s the biggest misconception about cosplayers?
Maddie: That we all smell and don’t care about hygiene! Haha YES, there are people like that, but most of us DO care about personal hygiene. At least I do!! Haha.
Where can fans follow you?
Maddie: You can find me on Instagram and TikTok at @_maddie.mason_
What’s your next big cosplay event?
Maddie: My next event is Ecchi Fiesta and following that will be Smoky Mountain Fan Fest!
Anything else you’d like readers to know?
Maddie: I’m just a dork from Texas who likes to draw, dress up, and snuggle with her kitties. If you ever see me at a con, please come say hello and talk about anime with me 🤓
Catch Maddie at her next con — and maybe a “Tina Twerk” or two if you’re lucky!
