We had the good fortune of connecting with Trinere Cole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trinere, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking is a journey of ambiguous feelings with a potential happy ending. Though taking a risk can be viewed as a double edge sword, the experience of taking the risk is valuable no matter the outcome. Taking risks has not only provided me with knowledge, but also created opportunities in my life to continue to learn and grow as a person. One of my biggest risks has been relocating to another state to pursue further education in Graphic Design and Illustration. I’ve spent most of my life in Florida, but wanted to give myself the option to move to an area that pertained to my career dream. The big risk was moving out to Atlanta without the help from any familiar faces of family and friends. Knowing that I would be alone without their immediate assistance was a frightening risk I had to weigh in on. The reward outweighed the bad by a milestone. I don’t regret my decision as this relocation has not only taught me independence, but I am now one step closer to fulfilling my aspirations. Risks are worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
While I am a visual artist, I outwardly express myself creatively through my cosplay. Cosplaying is an outlet that allows me to create without many limitations. It’s allowed me to gain experience working with textiles/fabrics, styling wigs, and practicing makeup techniques. I’m most proud of all of the experience I’ve gained learning how to sew costumes. This now allows me to create clothing outside of the hobby such as pattered skirts and blouses. Being able to adhere my skills into an everyday setting I feel is invaluable. Getting to a place where I could cosplay comfortably was not an easy task. I compared myself to other crafters who seemed to catch onto techniques a lot easier than I did. It took patience to be able to create in a way I felt more complacent with what I was creating and sharing with an audience. I continued to practice sewing and crafting over the years and always had my work photographed to chronicle my progress when I felt stuck. Looking back at where I started my journey inspired me to continue to improve. Through cosplay, I want to provide representation for people of color. When I began cosplaying and taking it as a serious path, there were not many people who looked like me. As time as changed, many others began taking an interest in the realm of cosplay as a form of self expression. Encouraging people, no matter what they look like, is what I want to pass along as my message through cosplaying. I thank all of my family, friends, and supporters along the way who have cheered me on to continue this passage.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Every time I’ve had a friend visit the Atlanta area, I take them to all of my favorite spots that were previously introduced to me. Starting in Little Five Points, I would introduce my friend to Vortex. It has an interesting skull theme with great all American food and a 21* atmosphere. The staff is enjoyable and relaxing which I believe is perfect for a 5PM and onward outing. Cator Woolford Gardens is across the street from Vortex. This location is a beautiful area that is frequented by photographers and videographers. It’s a natural spot with supple foliage and unique architecture that allows for creating quick memories. Assuming my friend has a sweet tooth, I would recommend Sweet Hut in Duluth. There’s a large variety of desserts and even light snacks and drinks to choose from right in the heart of the city of Duluth. I enjoy the seating and also recommend it as a great place to finish some homework and meet up for a nice friendly date.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Through tough love, tears, and many years of patience, my mother is responsible for helping mold me into the powerful personality I am today. I dedicate my shoutout to her as she is my inspiration: strong, courageous, empathetic, and soft hearted. My mother has always taught me that if I’m not taking any risk that I will stay in a stagnant place my whole life. Without her support and words of wisdom, I may not have ever taken the risk to relocate to Atlanta. Being the youngest, my mother did not want me to leave the nest. Regardless, she endorsed me into following my dreams for the betterment of my life.

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Image Credits
Photography By Amie E. , Momstressful, Madster.Photo, Solita D. Photography

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