Lena Volkova is a model and cosplayer in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. She is the proprietor of Lokelicious Cosplay and Oddities & Chandleries, and co-host of The Cosplay Cast podcast. Outside of the Internet, Lena can be found promoting the art of cosplay as an educator and advocate in the Northern Virginia area. Lena also serves as Board member of DC Cosplay Photo Shoots and is currently the Director of Public Affairs.
During her 10+ years of experience in the cosplay community, Lena has gained substantial experience, wisdom, and insight that she's eager to share with others. She is an award-winning costumer and has served as a judge, expert, and commentator at numerous fan community events (or whenever anyone is willing to give her the microphone). Described as a "one-woman force of nature," Lena takes pride in her ability to consistently push her creative limits and expand her skills as an artist.
Lena draws inspiration from multiple genres and media, utilizing the pop culture landscape to help achieve her creative vision.
Photo Credit: Greyloch Photography
Awards
2010 - Finalist, BlizzCon Community Night Costume Contest (Open; Lady Katrana Prestor)
2011 - Finalist, BlizzCon Community Night Costume Contest (Open; Sindragosa)
2013 - Winner, Northwest Center Annual Halloween Costume Contest (Open; Star Trek
Ensemble, Lt. Uhura)
2015 - Finalist, Blizzcon Community Night Costume Contest (Open; Varian Wrynn)
2016 - Finalist, Blizzcon Community Night Costume Contest (Open; Lady Jaina Proudmoore)
2017 - 3rd Place, Awesome Con Backlot Costume Contest (Open; Kylo Burr)
2017 - Winner, NoVA Con High Fashion Costume Contest (Open; Santa Muerte)
2018 - Honorable Mention, Katsucon Cosplay Fashion Show (Master; Regency Fluttershy)
2019 - 2nd Place, Awesome Con Backlot Costume Contest (Open; Liberty Belle)
2020 - Winner, Katsucon Cosplay Fashion Show (Master; Couture Kylo Ren)
Judging
2015 - Alamo City Comic Con (Beard Con), Celebrity Judge
2016 - Terror Expo (El Barba Beard Con), Celebrity Judge
2016 - Alamo BeardFest, Celebrity Judge
Affiliations
2015-2016 -- Cosplay Guild of San Antonio
2016-Present -- DC Cosplay Photo Shoots
2018-Present -- International Costumers Guild
2018-Present -- The Greater Columbia Fantasy Costumer’s Guild
Panels / Workshops
Workhouse Arts Center, "How To Make A Costume From Scratch," invited by Performing Arts at the Workhouse Arts Center, October 2021
Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati (DCC) Cosplay Photo Shoots: "Modeling Basics," invited by DCC Cosplay Photo Shoots, May 14, 2020
DC Cosplay Photo Shoots: "Practical Cosplay Action Photography With Props," workshop sponsored by DC Cosplay Photo Shoots, February 2020
All Star Comic Con: "Cosplay Battle Royale: Marvel vs. DC," panel sponsored by All Star Comic Con, June 12, 2019
Escape Velocity: "Armor Fabrication," panel sponsored by Anime USA, May 2019
Escape Velocity: "Cosplay and STEM: Community Outreach," panel sponsored by Anime USA, May 2019
Anime USA: "Cosplay Battle Royale: Anime," invited panelist, October 21, 2018
Anime USA: "Cosplay Photography Editing, " invited panelist, October 20, 2018
Anime USA: "Worbla Fabrication, " invited as guest educator, October 19, 2018
Escape Velocity: "Cosplay Battle Royale," invited panelist, May 27, 2018
Escape Velocity: "Cosplay and Pitfalls," invited panelist, May 26, 2018
Escape Velocity: "Cosplay and STEM," invited panelist, May 26, 2018
Escape Velocity: "Cosplay Armor - Working With Worbla and EVA Foam," invited as guest educator, May 25, 2018