I’m DeLa Doll, @Me
Hi, I’m DeLa Doll. If you’re into cosplay, you may have seen some of my cosplay pictures circulating lately, especially with “28 Days of Black Cosplay” being in full swing. In particular, you’ve probably seen my Tia Dalma aka Calypso cosplay (from Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean) photo-collage either directly on one of my pages or re-posted elsewhere:
If you’ve seen it and I haven’t been properly credited, then…
- I hope you liked it!
- Please tag me if you re-posted it so that I received proper credit, or @ me in the comments of an unattributed re-post so that people can find me!
If you don’t understand why crediting the artist matters, let me tell you a little more about me. I’ve been cosplaying since December 2014. Since then, I’ve learned to sew and use a variety of crafting techniques to create things because it’s something that makes me really happy, and it’s something I’ve found I’m pretty good at. I’ve also taken my love of writing and used it to create this blog, which focuses on cosplay and the nerdier side of pop culture.
Last year, I realized that I’d like to be a full time content creator, focusing primarily on writing and cosplay. Who doesn’t want to making a living doing something they truly enjoy? Due to this goal, it’s really important to me that I’m credited when I’m shared because it’s an opportunity for more exposure, which translates to an increase in visibility, which leads to more opportunities for a lil’ freelancer like myself. It’s as simple as a quick “@”, and it helps me a lot. I love that my photos are being posted and shared, and I love seeing all the comments and support, so please just keep in mind that if you want people to actually find me, you gotta let them know who I am. For anyone wondering, my social media accounts are as follows:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeLaDoll (@DeLaDoll)
- Instagram: instagram.com/dela_doll (@DeLa_Doll)
- Twitter: @TheDeLaDoll
- Patreon: patreon.com/DeLaDoll
- Website: DeLa-Doll.com
Recently, several accounts and publications, some with huge followings, shared my cosplays; some tagged me, others did not. Not having my creations properly attributed to me while thousands of people admire it feels like a backhanded compliment. I work hard on my creations. With my Calypso/Tia Dalma cosplay, I created my wig by hand using two straight black wigs that I combined, then twisted into dreads, that added yard and beading to. I created my top by hand before I even learned to sew. The larger necklace is handmade. My skirts were selected and modified after spending hours browsing thrift stores until something “spoke to me.” It’s one of my earlier cosplays, and still one of my favorites. I’m absolutely ecstatic that so many people enjoy it and want to share it with others.
The more people who know about me, the more support I’ll receive. Besides, nobody wants to see their work being shared only to realize that nobody bothered to attribute it to them. Crediting is simple. It’s what any artist would want, and what every artist deserves, so just tag me whenever you decide to post my photos, because that means you enjoy my work and want to share it with others.
Additionally, if you’re interested in further support, I have a Patreon, which allows my supporters to choose a monthly subscription plan in exchange for exclusive content pertaining to my cosplay and writing. I currently offer cosplay tutorials, cosplay prints, cosplay/themed NSFW pin-up photosets and content, exclusive blog posts, and other cool stuff on there, so it may be worth your time!
Thanks! I’m going to bed now because it’s late and I typed this up in the shower on my cell phone (bless waterproof technology). Here’s another one of my favorite cosplays, Enchantress from Suicide Squad:
~DeLa Doll
PS – You can subscribe to my blog for email updates on new posts if you haven’t already!
DeLa Doll is a culture writer, cosplayer, and artist based in Florida. She has been writing professionally since 2016, with some of her work being featured on sites like HuffPo and /Film. She is an advocate for meaningful diversity and representation in media, a gamer, a mom, and an avid user of DIY hair dye.
