Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica McDowell.
Hi Monica , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a mostly self-taught seamstress, artist, and cosplayer. Art has always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until 2013 that I discovered my love for cosplay. I mostly did sketching, and some painting. I did try to learn to sew when I was a kid, but it didn’t exactly go the way I wanted, haha. In 2013, I attended my first convention, and wanted to dress up, so I put together a costume. The character was from the video game BioShock, and I went as a Little Sister. I loved it so much that I asked my Mom for a sewing machine for Christmas that year, and she got it for me. With the help of friends, Facebook groups, and YouTube videos, my skills grew, and continue to grow.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think for the most part it’s been pretty smooth. Probably the biggest struggle I’ve had happened a few years ago. I had a job performing alterations for an independent shop and it didn’t work out the way I hoped. The expectations were very high, and while I’m confident in my ability as a whole, trying to meet those expectations left me feeling like I wasn’t enough. It’s a really hard thing to go through, but I’m starting to learn how to believe in myself again.
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 specialize in polymer clay jewelry, and fantasy costume pieces. I make headdresses, fairy wings, and I’ve recently gotten into making wire elf & mermaid ear cuffs. At my current outside job, I’m known for my polymer clay jewelry. I wear my earrings at work, and people comment on them often. I’ve gotten some orders from my shop through wearing my jewelry at work. I think among friends and family I’m known for pretty much everything, haha. I’ve made wings for friends, I’ve altered/repaired clothing for some of them, and made jewelry. I also made a lot of masks for friends and family during the early times of the pandemic.
I think the thing I’m most proud of are my fairy wings. And I picked that up through a friend that taught myself and some other friends how to make them. I loved it so much that I decided to start taking commissions to make extra money for my growing love of cosplay.
The thing that probably sets me apart from other artists is probably overall style and ideas that I get. There are so many talented, wonderful artists out there, but there can be a lot of repetition with things. Even if there is something popular that I really like, I try to figure out how I can create something different despite it being the same thing. I think a really good example of this would be these rainbow cotton candy earrings that I make. I’ve seen a lot of cute cotton candy jewelry, but I wanted to do something new with that idea. My jewelry is inspired by Japanese rainbow cotton candy, and those earrings have been one of my best sellers in my shop.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I’m still pretty new to Durham. I lived in Raleigh from the time I was 12 up until 2022, I’ve found a lot of yummy places to eat and I’ve discovered a love of bubble tea! I don’t think there’s much that I dislike so far, but I will say that driving around here is not for the weak, haha!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaskandMoonlight
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maskandmoonlight/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maskandmoonlight/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@maskandmoonlight
