Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Wilson.
Hi Michael, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I would say my story started with Halloween 2012. I’ve always loved dressing up for Halloween and that year I wanted to dress as John Stewart Green Lantern but that’s not a costume you could find at a Halloween store so I had to piece it together. Prior to this I never really created anything except a character I developed named “Knightmage” for when I auditioned for the reality show “Who Wants To Be A Superhero” but it was pretty basic. I went out to some Halloween parties with the Green Lantern costume and had a great time.
Shortly after I was asked to participate in a Cancer walk charity event with the costume. From there I started getting asked to do more events to the point I figured I should have more costumes. I bought a Spider-Man costume then made a Captain America and Batman costume. At the end of 2013, I went to my first Comic Convention and from the moment I stepped on the show floor, I was hooked. It truly felt like I was home and with my people.
I started becoming enthralled by the art of cosplay as far as crafting, so again I started making more costumes and it quickly became a passion. For the most part all self-taught with making armor and doing makeup, I saw this as a challenge for yourself and what I could do. While still doing the charity events I was also trying to attend as many conventions as I could. Somehow my name started circulating through the cosplay and convention scene and in 2014 I was asked to be a guest at a convention and it’s been a wild ride since then.
So many doors have opened due to cosplay. For me today it’s 50% about the art and 50% about giving back through the art. To date, I’ve created over 320 costumes, traveled the world for conventions hosting panels, workshops, and judging costume contests, worked on Hollywood films as a stunt actor, worked with World Wrestling Entertainment Superstars and with video game companies, raised over $250,000 for charities around the world, won numerous awards for the craft and charity work including the “Presidential Volunteer Service Award” from President Barack Obama and I’m regarded as one of the most influential and diverse cosplayers in the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest struggle for me was finding a way to balance everything. My schedule is pretty crazy. The day job, charity events, conventions, other obligations, creating new things with deadlines, and having a social life. It took a while but I figured it out. I had to learn to prioritize and also say no to things but also combine my passions. An example of that is when it got to a point where I would have a charity event but also an opportunity to go across the world for a different event. I want to do and make an impact with both but how do I do that? So, I decided that I could attend the conventions and while there fundraise for local charities by giving out my autographs and prints for free with an optional donation to whatever charity I’m supporting there. Also, when traveling and if it’s possible I’ll contact the local Children’s Hospital to see If I can do a visit in costume. I figure if I have a costume with me already then why not? It’s a win-win. I get to have fun and do some good.
Other struggles include being put in a public spotlight and navigating that including the negativity that comes from being on social media and an artist. Cosplay is very much an art form and all art is very much subjective. With that comes opinions, unwarranted critiques, and downright negativity for the sake of being negative. Racist, sexist, body and age comments are bound to come and it’s easy to overlook the thousand positive comments and focus on the few negative. I had to get comfortable and confident with who I am, what I do, and what my message is in the face of that struggle. Not just for myself but to show others who may want to do things but is afraid of that negativity to not give up on doing what they love.
In the end, if I can inspire someone, make someone laugh, do some good and have fun then those struggles were well worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I basically have two full-time jobs; both pay but it’s just that one is my career and the other is my passion.
My career is in Law Enforcement. I’m a 23-year Deputy for the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office in Youngstown, Ohio. When I first joined, I didn’t fully understand or appreciate the need for Law Enforcement but as time went on, I realized the difference it truly does make. I also didn’t know the extent of how broken the system is which is why I’m still doing it. I believe that the only way to see the change you want is to be it. I’m very fortunate that my department sees the value in my passion for the arts and fully supports it. It brings me great satisfaction being a community outreach Deputy and connecting with kids and even adults, I’m very open with my career and passion as I like to break the stigma of people who wear a badge and the actual person behind it. I’m of the belief that many people don’t need authority but sometimes just needs someone that understands them. I’m fully aware that no one person can make a mass change in attitudes, policies, and morals but if I can make a positive impact on just one person, then it’s worth it.
My passion for cosplay and the arts is going on 10 years. I’m a huge advocate of expressing yourself how you see fit, especially when it comes to cosplay. Cosplay at the core is nothing but your fan art of a character and while art is subjective to others, there’s no wrong way to do your own fan art. It doesn’t matter your race, sex, body type, or anything else. Cosplay is for everyone! I’ll often speak on the physical and mental benefits of cosplay and how therapeutic it can be. The truth is the cosplay and convention community is a very social community full of socially awkward people, which is exactly why we all understand and accept one another. I also love to teach the things I’ve learned whether it be armor making or makeup techniques. If I can help another person improve themselves then the goal has been met.
In general, I’m pretty much known as the “positive diverse cosplay charity cop” and I’m totally ok with that. I think have a pretty unique perspective when it comes to both the career and the passion and how I intertwine the two. I’m extremely proud of all my accomplishments and awards no matter how big or small. I’m also always humbled by the love shown from fans. Never in a million years did I think I would be doing the things I’m doing now.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I didn’t necessarily learn it but was definitely reminded how precious and short life can be. To enjoy every moment, you can. Laugh, love, and live with creating as often as you can.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knightmage100
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Knightmage1
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/knightmage
- Other: https://linktr.ee/knightmage
Image Credits
Kratos – The Portrait Dude
