Feature Friday: Katina Maravilla
Look at me. I didn’t miss a single feature this week! Today, I am featuring a cosplayer who is very near and dear to my heart. Katie is the Wonder Woman to my Supergirl, and she has the kindest heart. She also stands by her people through thick and thin, and I just love that she isn’t afraid to be herself in this world. She definitely inspires me to be true to myself, and I hope after reading this feature you feel super empowered.
Katina Maravilla
What is your cosplay name? Katina Maravilla
How did you come about your cosplay name? Katina is actually my legal first name. Maravilla means “wonder” in Spanish, and I have strong ties to the Hispanic culture within my family.
What is your real world name? Katie Franks
What do you do when you aren’t cosplaying? I’m a mom of two incredibly energetic kids. I hang out with them, and gym to keep up with them. I am also active in the pinup/car show scene lately.
How old are you? 33
How long have you been cosplaying? I have been Wonder Woman (WW) for 4 years now, and intend to start branching out to other characters this year.
What made you want to start cosplaying? I was invited to join on a hospital visit as WW, and loved the happiness it brought.
Why do you continue to cosplay? Purely for the joy it brings to other people seeing their favorite character in the flesh. Even as an adult, there is just something magical about it.
What is your dream cosplay? Already am. Wonder Woman is top notch. I would like to revisit Mary Poppins again at some point and maybe Snow White’s Evil Queen.
What skill would you like to learn most to improve your cosplay abilities? Sewing. At least better than what I am able to do now.
Tell us about being a pinup. It is empowering. I was at an all time low in my self confidence when I met my photographer and now best friend. She coaxed me out of that current comfort zone of sweat pants and no make up, and opened my eyes to a world where I could embrace being a woman and everything that entails.
What inspired you to get into that style of fashion? I’ve always admired the fashion and style from that era. Grease was introduced to me at a young age, and I held on to it for dear life! LoL
What is your favorite cosplay you have done so far? Why? WW all the way. Even if I’m not feeling my best or having a bad day, when I put her on or even look at that suit it all melts away. She is strong even when I can’t be. The love and passion she has for the world is definitely something I can relate to. Believe in love first and foremost.
What is your next cosplay you are working on? Zatanna… I’m excited to finally get it finished.
What is your next convention? SC Comicon. It was my first con experience, and is a forever favorite.
Who is the cosplayer you most admire? YOU! And White Knight Cosplay. Knowing you two personally is a bonus. You both are extremely creative and inspiring. Your hearts are shown in everything you guys do.
What’s the hardest thing about cosplay for you? Trying not to break character. Overthinking how you look. I’m working on it though.
What is the best advice you have for other cosplayers? Don’t overthink it! Haha! I know I may have just contradicted myself, but I have wasted so much time not doing cosplays that I want to do because I stress about it being perfect or if I would look right in a wig, etc. In this world, you literally CAN do or be anything you want. Just do it.
Anything else you want to add? I get asked a lot about the cosplay and pinup worlds. I am then told in response that they wish they were skinnier or prettier or more confident to be able to do this. That is the most frustrating thing because I want to shake the person, and tell them that they don’t NEED to be any of those things. That is what is so great about it! Cosplay and pinup embraces it all because it simply teaches you to embrace YOU. Without these things, I wouldn’t have learned to love myself again when I did.
If you didn’t just find her WONDERFUL, well I’m not sure what to tell you. Isn’t she amazing? And inspiring? And badass? Go follow her social media at the links below. Leave a comment for us, and don’t forget to subscribe via email or Bloglovin’ to never miss a post!
Katina Maravilla’s Social Media:
Instagram: @katinamaravilla
Facebook: Katina Maravilla