Building Worlds, Not Just Costumes – An Interview with Forever Cosplay
- Creative Cosplays Magazine
- Sep 27
- 9 min read
Cosplay has always been about more than just costumes — it’s about stories, creativity, and community. Few creators embody that spirit as fully as Beth, known online as @forever_cosplay. With a following of over 138K across TikTok and Instagram, Beth is an Australian based cosplayer that has built a reputation for high-energy content, immersive storytelling and bringing characters to life in ways that blur the line between fiction and reality.
From heroic cosplays to running a full Gotham City Police Department–themed reenactment group, complete with a Ford Crown Victoria patrol car. Beth pushes cosplay beyond the individual to create collaborative, interactive experiences for fans. In this exclusive CCM Interview, we dive into her journey as an Australian creator now making an impact internationally. Discovering how she combines creativity, comedy and fandom to inspire audiences of all ages.
Beth, welcome! For readers meeting you for the first time, can you tell us a little about yourself and how you first discovered cosplay? What is your cosplay origin story?
Hi! Thank you so much for featuring me in CCM! It's been 8 years since I began my cosplay journey, back in 2017. Living in a small town my options were limited, so I began my curiosity with the clothes, makeup and cardboard I owned. My focus being centered around Anime and Disney. It really sparked my love for exploring the world of cosplay through simple video creation.
Those early days taught me something I still live by, “Anyone Can Cosplay”. I started with what I had, in a little country town with not many resources. From that point, I fell in love with the creation of it all.
What drew you to cosplay, and how did it feel stepping into a character for the first time?
At the age of 9, my father took me to Disneyland and Universal studios over in Los Angeles. I was a very lucky girl to experience that in my youth. Watching characters come to life as a child made me want to step into that world myself.
I began drawing cartoons and how they would look in real life. It only grew the more I explored cosplay online, as I matured. Even in my early closet cosplays, I felt the joy of storytelling through costume and makeup. Cosplay isn’t about perfection, it’s about imagination and the connection with a character.
What does your cosplay character resume look like up to this point? Which character have you portrayed and do have any favorite or least favorites?
Throughout the past eight years I have explored anime, games, films and original characters. It's normal to dislike a costume when an expectation doesn't quite land! Take my first Harley Quinn cosplay for example, I bet you can't find that on my socials!
In all seriousness I feel that my favorite characters to portray involve connection with people. Recently a 2 year-old girl walked up to me shyly, I calmly knelt to her level for a photo. As I held my cape out creating a safe space for her to stand, a quick photo was captured. Another example is a convention mum smiling widely next to me, as she poses holding my Captain Carter shield. Moments like these remind me why I love cosplaying. They capture the simple, shared joys that make life beautiful and pure.
What inspires you most when choosing which characters to bring to life? Do you gravitate more toward certain fandoms or styles?
That's a good question! I find in my adult preference I gravitate towards heroic, and vibrant roles. I grew up watching Max Fleisher’s 1941 Superman on a family box TV. I feel that the aesthetic and nostalgia of it all, calls out to little Beth. I find that really healing for me.
Your work clearly goes beyond dressing up, it’s immersive storytelling. How would you describe the difference between traditional cosplay and the kinds of experiences you’re creating?
Traditional cosplay focuses on costume accuracy and photography, which is wonderful! I'm lucky enough to be a proud member of the cosplay group GPDAU (Gotham Police Department Australia).
We run a fully immersive Precinct display, as if you have stepped on the set of a sitcom! We create personalized arrest reports onsite within minutes, including a mugshot photo! With multiple crimes there's the option to keep coming back, especially if you're dressed up in character! The American accents and character personas are out in full swing. Take your time looking around the Gotham Police precinct whilst you wait for your friend to get bailed out!
The Gotham City Police Department group has become such a unique part of your work. How did that idea come about, and what’s been the reaction from consumers at conventions?
GPDAU started as a singular costume created by our group’s founder, Lachlan just shy of 10 years ago! Over time more faces joined Gotham Police as it slowly became a group cosplay of Gotham City Officers. In 2021 I eagerly joined, bringing more light to it online with the hashtag #GPDAU being born. A few years later after sitting on the idea for a while, we sat down and simply stated “Why not?”. With that, the GPDAU Mugshot Booth was born!
This Mugshot Booth sounds like it’s become a local favorite. Why do you think interactive cosplay experiences resonate so strongly compared to just seeing photos online?
It’s about creating a safe, engaging and family-friendly space that lets people step into Gotham for a moment. Seeing certain characters “arrested” or parents laughing over a playful family arrest report is priceless. It’s about creating experiences that bring people together, while maintaining a safe space. The mugshot booth simply allows con goers to participate, not just observe.
Have you been able to use the Gotham Police experience to offer unique opportunities for events or people?
Absolutely. GPDAU attends conventions, parades, charity fundraisers and even council events! What the event centers around can change what we offer. Some examples include Coloring In, Stickers and “Sit in the Cop Car” for little ones, or a photo op at a Gotham District Court Microphone Podium! We always prioritize approachability and inclusivity, ensuring that every interaction is memorable and positive.
If you could step into the shoes of any Gotham character for a day, who would you pick and why?
I like to think that sometimes the character picks you! Let's be clear, with my red hair, I feel that Batgirl / Barbara Gordon would be a fun choice. Would definitely be a wild time, exploring her story for a day!
What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s happened at one of your Mugshot Booth sessions?
We once put Channel 9’s weather man in handcuffs for a feature! Another occasion, Darth Vader appeared ready for his close-up with our height chart. Moments like that always feel so rewarding and remind me to take a breath and enjoy the event to its fullest
You also have a solid TikTok following. What role does TikTok and content creation play in your cosplay journey? How does the online audience differ from the in-person convention experience?
I started on Musical.ly in 2017, filming content outside in the natural light. Often recruiting my mum to hold my iPod, or wedging it in a tree for angles. In a time where videos were filmed inside, I broke out of that normal. Soon visiting proper locations with my mum on weekends, just to film 15 second videos in costume. Historical Estates, Shipwrecks, City views, Forests, Aquariums, Snowy fields etc.
An online audience also broadens the opportunity to make more international friends! Whether it's been past or present day, I have met some really special people. Some examples can be England, Ireland, America, Germany, New Zealand etc.
TikTok allowed me to reach those who might be too shy to cosplay in person. I have always loved helping others with wigs, makeup, or even costuming tips. I want to see people shine and always love helping where I can.
Have you learned any tricks and tips as a content creator that may be useful to other content creators to help them grow their followings and viewers?
You’ll feel silly at first, and sometimes question your creativity. Just don’t let analytics and metrics control that. With a 1-2 year long social media break in the past, I'm not where I was in 2018 and that's okay! Create and share your art because you love doing it! Keep posting, let social media platforms figure out who your audience is. Always remain kind and humble, your audience connects with you personally more than a costume.
As an Australian creator now based internationally, how has your background shaped your perspective in the cosplay community?
Growing up in Tasmania, a smaller cosplay scene taught me humility, resourcefulness, and approachability. My parents raised me to view opportunities as privileges, not rights. This has kept me grounded in how I approach any situation today.
Collaboration seems to be a big part of your projects. How do you choose who to work with, and what makes a collaboration successful?
I prefer to work with creators, photographers and cosplayers who share my values. Respect, humility, and kindness are things I source in both my professional and personal life. A successful collaboration is not just about costumes matching, it’s about everyone contributing in a way that's endearing.
Do you have a dream fandom or franchise you’d love to collaborate with officially someday?
Partnerships are always so fun to be a part of! I'm always so grateful for any opportunity gifted as a content creator. After sourcing their high quality products over time, I feel that Magic Wardrobe Costumes is number 1 on my list.
In relation to a franchise, I’ll always share my admiration for DC. I was fortunate to spend time working in the costume department at Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast. Stepping out of your work lunchroom to see the Batmobile drive past was a time I’ll never forget. In the most simplistic terms, I will forever be a DC girly.
Looking back on your journey so far, what moment or project are you most proud of?
In a beautiful and pure form of romance, I met my soulmate through cosplay. My partner Lachlan and I simply exchanged glances at a cosplay convention 4 years ago. I had never viewed anyone through the same lens as I did for him that day, a pure trance I was in.
Conveniently meeting through a mutual friend, we became friends. He was the boy I grew to admire and care for deeply, in silence. We both like to think we met twice in our lifetime. First as strangers to friends, Second as friends to lovers.
Loving him will always be one of my greatest blessings. Experiencing life with him by my side, will always be one of my greatest achievements. In the present day, we run GPDAU hand in hand.
What advice would you give to aspiring cosplayers who want to push their work beyond costumes into storytelling and immersive experiences?
What was Cinderella’s term? “Have courage and be kind”. Be approachable and respect those around you. With any life lesson there will be times where you have to make big decisions on who you give your energy to. Focus on looking beyond toxicity, communities unfortunately always have negativity. As long as you are proud and confident in knowing who you are, that's enough.
Outside of cosplay, what are your favorite hobbies or passions?
There's a couple to list! I enjoy Movie Nights, Cooking, Hogwarts Legacy, City drives, sometimes even a Bar Hop with a girlfriend!
If you could design any new interactive cosplay experience with unlimited resources, what would it look like?
Unlimited resources you say? Conventions need more photo op areas don't we agree? I’d create a walk through photo op for any cosplay aesthetic! Possibly a mirror room, cute Kawaii wall, industrial zone etc. Completely pop up, fun and convenient.
When it comes to cosplay creating, what are some of your strengths and weaknesses?
With media and photography knowledge I like to believe I have a strength in editing and photo structure.
As for weakness, it is sadly my perfectionism. We are our own worst critics, right? There's only one way to learn skills and that's by practice! I’m still learning that self-respect and patience always matter more than exact replicas.
Do you have any future cosplays, projects, collaborations, etc. planned that you’re looking forward to?
Lachlan and I are close to debuting a second Gotham Police vehicle for myself. Surprise!!
A V6, 1998 Ford Explorer Limited SUV. Fully equipped with lights, sirens, a radio, even a sunroof for those city drives! It will complement Lachlan’s Crown Victoria Police Interceptor beautifully. I am so excited to showcase her at our local Halloween 2025 Parade, stay tuned for content!
And finally, what is a CCM exclusive bit of information about yourself that only readers of this article will get a chance to know?
For Creative Cosplays Magazine readers who’ve made it this far, here’s a little sneak peek. My next Cosplay project is surprisingly from the Disney universe! Nothing other than a newly updated Zootopia cosplay, bringing Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde to life.
It makes perfect sense for a duo like us, since we already have so much duty gear from the Gotham Police setup. With the new film coming out this November, I couldn’t be more excited to share this cosplay in the coming months! After all, she was one of my first ever wardrobe cosplays.
Beth, thank you so much for sharing your story and giving us a deeper look at your journey. To wrap up, is there anything you’d like to say to the cosplay community and your supporters? And where can readers go to follow your work and stay updated on your latest projects?
Thank you so much CCM for letting me share my story. My advice to the cosplay community is to face opportunities with grace and curiosity. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, embrace it.
Follow my journey on TikTok and Instagram at @forever_cosplay, or check out GPDAU on @gpd_au!
Comments