Today we’d like to introduce you to Abra Britnell.
Hi Abra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got started in the world of cosplay very young. My mom would take me to comic book conventions and in 2000 I went to my first Megacon. I saw so many people dressed up and having fun that I knew that’s something I wanted to do too! Flash forward to 2008 when I bought my first wig and styled it (badly) for an anime convention coming up. My friends and I attended Jacon and how so much fun dressing up as our favorite characters that I knew this was something I wanted to do as much as possible! In 2011 I got hired at Walt Disney World as a Cosmetologist in their hair and makeup department. I learned so much there that helped me in the world of cosplay and costuming. I knew that I wanted to keep growing so I applied for a position within Disney’s scenic department. I didn’t know taking that job would change my life! From there I worked on things such as the Avatar project, and moved on to working for Universal building the water theme park Volcano Bay. I helped with the scenic on a few more projects before moving out to California to work at Universal Hollywood. After the covid pandemic hit, I returned back to Florida where I spent my days working at Busch Gardens Tampa, painting their animal figures, making murals, and building and painting signs for their scenic events. Currently I am a full time freelance artist and cosplayer, where I primarily focus on wig building, prop making, streaming on twitch, and traveling the country as a cosplay contest guest and judge!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think a single person can claim that their roads didn’t have bumps. Mine has had a few, but I think I’m equipped with off-road tires so I keep going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in cosplay, but more specifically, I specialize in wig work, faux painting, and larger than life props. I think I’m most proud of how far I came. When I first got started in cosplay I would see these cosplayers working with video game and comic book companies and I would say to myself “I want that.” Within the last year, I have worked directly with the video game company Capcom, in making content for their video game property Monster Hunter. Not only is it nice to be recognized for the years of hard work, it is nice to work with a company that values creators and gives them an opportunity to shine.
I have been told I am unapologetically me. I am a goofball goblin who does and says things that don’t necessarily fit within a mold of what a professional should be like. I have found over the years that I am the most happy when I can just be myself and I work better not being held back from it.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The best resources are friends. I talk directly to people who inspire me and ask them questions and learn from them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abradorable/
- Twitter: https://x.com/Abragator
- Other: https://www.twitch.tv/abradorable
Image Credits
Instagram: @woclass_weeb for all photos
