Championship Of Cosplay Competition Judge
I'm a fashion designer, educator, researcher, and lifelong maker with a passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and bringing ideas to life. As a lecturer at STADIO School of Fashion, I specialise in fashion design, garment construction, pattern making, and exploring how emerging technologies such as AI are shaping the future of creative practice.
Cosplay combines many of the things I love most: storytelling, problem-solving, design, and craft. Having worked extensively in fashion and garment construction, I have a deep appreciation for the skill, dedication, and attention to detail that goes into creating a character from scratch. I'm also passionate about encouraging makers to develop their sewing and design skills and helping grow the craft side of the cosplay community.
When I'm not teaching, designing, or judging cosplay competitions, you'll usually find me exploring folklore, the paranormal, the occult, and the strange and mysterious corners of human imagination that so often inspire my creative work.
The ultimate cosplay showdown returns! Watch the region's finest craftsmanship take the stage — from intricate armour builds to jaw-dropping original designs — as competitors battle for the title of Champion of Cosplay 2026. The countdown has begun. The talent is rising. The stage is waiting. Who will be crowned? 🔗 Enter at: comicconafrica.co.za/cosplay-champs/
Join Jonathan, founder of the Cosplay Construction Lab, for an exploration of the creative and technical process behind building cosplay. This session unpacks what happens between seeing a character on a screen and bringing them into the real world, from analysing silhouettes and understanding garment construction to pattern drafting, fit and creative problem-solving. Whether you are a beginner who has always wanted to make your own costume or an experienced cosplayer looking to strengthen your technical skills, this session will encourage you to look at cosplay differently. Discover how understanding the construction behind the costume can give you more creative freedom, greater confidence and the ability to transform almost any reference into something you can build yourself.
