Genki Life Magazine 35 - Spring 2019

Photo by Ed Gomez
I was very impressed with the models at the Cosplay Deviants panel at Animé Los Angeles for their stories about
their career expenices. Left to right: Andromeda, Mira Shiver, Amy Fantasy, Shae Underscore, Foxy Cosplay, Dr
Closet Cosplay and Usatame.
Ed: Because of the nature of the
business, where there any huge
hurdles (legal, ethical, family, for
example) that you and the company
had to overcome?
Troy: Early on the idea of sexy cosplay
was still very taboo. We faced a lot of
resistance in the community, some
people going as far as to protest our
appearance at conventions, and even
“dox” myself and one of the other
owners. Luckily my family is very
supportive and proud of what I do
and my success.
Ed: In the recent years, Cosplay Deviants
has diversified by providing
other merchandise (books, calendars,
etc.). How do you see Cosplay
Deviants changing in the future?
Troy: The community is constantly
changing and we have always tired
to meet or beat that curve. We have a
few new projects that have been successful
such as the Cosplay Deviants
quarterly magazine, and the release
of our acrylic figure sets. We have a
few new projects coming out soon,
but we can’t give too much away ;)
Genki Life Magazine • Spring 2019
Ed: How do you you go about acquiring
models. Do they contact you or
vice versa?
Troy: All models must go through the
application process and be approved
by a panel of staff. No one person,
including myself has the power to
give someone a modeling position.
We do this to avoid the practice of
recruiting. It’s been our stance from
the beginning that when someone is
ready to be a nude model they need
to make that step for themselves, no
one should be pressured or feel obligated
to be apart of this industry.
Ed: It appears that your models have a
lot of freedom with what they submit.
From what I’ve seen from samples
at that were available for viewing at
your convention booths, the photos
are in good taste as compared to other
providers. I hear people comparing
your content as Playboy-like. Was
this a stipulation for models who sign
up or was this on their own accord?
Troy: This has always been our desired
look. Most important for us is a
cosplayer’s ability to continue to
bring their character to life even
once their costume is off.
Ed: There are also a few companies
providing adult cosplay photos. How
do you differentiate Cosplay Deviants
from other companies that provide
adult cosplay content?
Troy: One thing we have always taken
pride in is that ALL of our models
are genuine cosplayers, the type you
would meet at a local meet up or convention.
A true “Nerd Next Door.”
Each application is reviewed meticulously
to make sure that only true
fans make it onto our gallery.
Ed: Your industry could be compared
to the publishing (going digital)
or video game (direct downloads)
industries in where it had to change
to survive. I was a partner and technical
consultant for an internet
company that provided adult content
before the dot.com bubble of
the early 2000s. There were many
changes that occurred since then
which brings us to today. What
direction do you see the adult
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