Art & Life with Ascheley Hill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ascheley Hill.

Ascheley, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’m Ascheley, known on Instagram and Facebook as “Ascheley Does Cosplay”. I’m from Indiana, just outside of Chicago and I’ve lived in Arizona since 2007. I graduated from McClintock High and EVIT in 2012 and began a career as a cosmetologist in 2014. I first started cosplaying in 2015 and have loved it ever since. Now I create cosplays for my husband, Michael and my mom, Selina.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My very first cosplay was genderbent Joker of DC Comics for Phoenix ComiCon 2015. I’ve attended the beginning of summer convention every year since. My most recently wrapped project is the titular character of the sailor Moon franchise and I have a few more new projects to be completed this year. Since becoming a part of the AZ cosplay/nerd community I’ve met so many interesting people, made friends whom I adore and that share the same passions as I do, and improved my own craft so much. Nowadays, I often get recognized as Ursula from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, but there’s so much more to me as a cosplay creator.

I don’t want to be put in box where what I do next is always expected. To give an idea of props and costumes, and the diversity between it all, here are a few of the things I’ve created: mace, triton, shepard’s hook, ball gowns, Amazon warrior armor, punk rocker vest, wig styling, and all kinds of makeup looks. I love Disney (especially villains), musicals, and the MCU so I often do the “Ascheley version” of characters where it goes with my style as an individual and pays proper homage to character that not only I, but so many people love and hold dearly.

Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
I totally know the struggle is real when it comes to balancing real adulting and the hobbies and projects you love. This broke chick does, however, knows a trick or two to help keep the cost as low as possible. Some people may think these tips are too much trouble for the benefits, but I’ve learned for myself, as well as from many friends within the community, what’s really effective if you’re willing to put the work in! First, shop thrift and secondhand stores for fabric. While some stores like Savers actually have fabric on their racks, you may to be willing to get a bit more creative with sheets, curtains, and even table cloths. Next, plan ahead! This gives you time to budget if you know your cons come with more financial obligation other than the tickets, like hotel rooms, long-distance travel, etc.

Furthermore, do not forget your coupons! Most craft stores like, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, and Joanns, accept competitor coupons. Keeping an eye on snail mail flyers, websites, and signing up for emailed coupons can add up to savings for your next project. Also, if you can plan 6-months to a year’s worth of cosplays at a time, you can outline and plan on what kind of fabrics and how much of each you’ll need, with this knowledge in hand, try making a trip to LA’s fabric and garment district. I recently did this and was able to get enough fabric for three different cosplays for around $120. To put that in perspective, I probably would’ve spent $100 per cosplay here in AZ. Essentially, keep an open mind when it comes to obtaining materials: there’s always a way to get what you need on a budget.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
As of right now, I mostly attend local conventions around Arizona, Phoenix Comicon(Comic Fest/Fan Fusion), Phoenix Fan Fest and Amazing Arizona ComiCon when they were a thing. This year I attended WonderCon and will be attending Saboten and Tucson ComiCon. I love to meet fellow nerds so always find out if I’ll be there too! I’m active regularly on Instagram (@ascheley_does_cosplay) and Facebook (Ascheley Does Cosplay). If you’d like to help contribute to my handiwork and see me crank more content, maybe even build towards being a guest at more cons all over, feel free to check out my Wishlist on Amazon: http://a.co/8FF8NtF

Contact Info:

• Email: ascheley.hill@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascheley_does_cosplay/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascheley.cosplay/

Image Credit:
Mort Productions
Matthew Hunt’s Photography

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.