ROAD TO ANIME PICNIC 2026 - Beyond the costume — the story of Justine McKenzie

This week, the focus turns to Justine McKenzie, a cosplayer whose story shows how a simple introduction to the hobby grew into a rewarding outlet for creativity and self-development.

For Justine, cosplay began with a friend.

Several years ago, she attended AnimeComFest after being invited by a friend who was already involved in cosplay. Watching her friend walk around in character and fully embrace the experience immediately caught her attention.

“Walking around while dressed up as and acting like her favourite character seemed fun,” Justine recalled. “So I also wanted to do it.”

What started as curiosity soon became a creative passion. Through cosplay, Justine learned skills she may never have explored otherwise, including sewing and prop making. Each project presented a new challenge and an opportunity to grow, helping her develop both practical skills and creative confidence.

Working towards cosplay goals has also motivated her to push beyond her comfort zone. Whether learning a new technique or completing a difficult costume, the process has encouraged her to try new things and continue developing herself.

Being featured in the Road to Anime Picnic 2026 campaign is something Justine views with gratitude. While she simply describes herself as thankful for the recognition, the feature represents the effort, time, and dedication invested in a hobby she has come to love.

Justine also believes Anime Picnic has helped expose Jamaicans to different cultures through the many forms of media showcased at the event. Through anime, cosplay, gaming, and other creative expressions, attendees are introduced to stories and perspectives from around the world while connecting with others who share similar interests.

When choosing characters to portray, she often gravitates towards those she finds cool or relatable. Whether it is a character’s personality or design, that connection helps inspire her next project.

For aspiring cosplayers, her advice is simple: avoid comparing yourself to others.

“We all have different circumstances and starting points,” she said.

Growth comes from focusing on personal progress rather than measuring success against someone else’s achievements. Above all, Justine hopes people understand that cosplay is far more than a childish game of dress-up. Behind every costume is a significant investment of time, resources, creativity, and dedication. It is an art form that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds.

McKenzie’s story serves as a reminder that cosplay is not just about the costume. It is about creativity, growth, and having the confidence to express yourself through the characters and stories you love.