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Photos by Mariam Koslay
Goulburn cosplay enthusiast, Jasmin Jesenkovic, was always a creative child.
“I had a fascination with being a different character,” Ms Jesenkovic fondly recalled.
“I would always dress up.”
Learning how to sew in high school, she stumbled into university with a new found passion and drive, idiolising strong and quirky female characters across the pop culture scene.
“It’s a culture where the people put themselves into it,” she said.
“When people wear their costume it’s an armour. Introverts become extroverts. No one shuns you.”
Rarely buying the pre-made costumes, Ms Jesenkovic often takes pride in sewing her dresses and making her shoes, adding a personal touch to every garment she makes.
ADDING COLOUR: Above is only a small fraction of the props used by Jasim Jesenkovic for her cosplay costumes.
“Normally, I’m a bit more shy and reserved but when I put on Harley Quinn’s costume on, I’m bubbly, bright and change my voice. You open yourself up and you meet people.”
Ms Jesenkovic actively promotes positive body image in the cosplay scene, especially amongst teenage girls who plan to participate.
“It doesn’t matter your size or shape you are, anyone can wear a costume so long as you feel comfortable,” she said.
“If you’re a blonde and you know Wonder Woman has dark hair, you can be that. You can be Tiana the frog princess if you’re Caucasian. You can be Elsa even if you have slightly dark skin. If you relate to that character, do it – there’s nothing really stopping you but yourself.”
She encourages attendees of every shape, size, colour and age to get involved in this year’s Comic Con events in Goulburn.
“We’re trying to grow the cosplay community in the region, it is a lot bigger in Canberra. We would love to see more people involved,” she said.
Goulburn Comic Con will be held at the Veolia Arena on March 18 between 11am and 5pm. It is organised by the Goulburn Mulwaree Library.