For Citrus College student Chloe Mae Campagna, cosplay is more than a costume; it’s an art form, a family tradition and a source of self-confidence.
The Southern California native, who grew up in Simi Valley and now lives just 15 minutes from campus, has spent years bringing fictional characters to life through detailed costumes, makeup and performance.
“I had friends that went to Citrus,” she said. “I knew I wanted to do community college for two years before transferring.”
Outside of cosplay, Campagna describes herself as bold and unapologetic.
“One of my favorite quotes is ‘Fortune favors the bold,’ and that’s how I live my life,” she said. “I’m just unapologetically myself. I have a lot of energy, and I live for myself in and out of cosplay.”
Chloe’s confidence in cosplay mirrors the way she carries herself in the classroom, said Eric Siberio, who has taught her in two communication courses at Citrus.
“When I first met her, she seemed shy and timid, but she was really just observing,” he said. “Once she starts presenting, she’s direct, well-spoken and enthusiastic about whatever she takes on.”
Siberio described her as the type of student who raises the level of the room.
“She’s not afraid to grab the reins and lead by example, but she also knows when to let others contribute,” he said. “She’s competitive, intelligent and enthusiastic, a prototype for what you would want in a student.”
Campagna’s creative energy extends beyond conventions. She plays both acoustic and electric guitar, draws, and builds props that often ties into her love for costume design.
Her journey into cosplay began early. Her uncle is a professional prop maker and her mom also used to dress up for conventions. She attended her first event at 8 years old, dressed as Minnie Mouse.
“It’s kind of like a family thing,” she said. “It’s just in our blood.”
Years later, she created her first major cosplay as Magic from Marvel, spending two months crafting armor and a sword from scratch.
“It was very challenging and very hard,” she said. “But cosplay is very rewarding.”
Her uncle continues to inspire her work, helping with ideas and 3D prints for new builds.
When it comes to choosing characters, Campagna takes inspiration from both her interests and what others see in her.
“People tell me I have a very versatile face,” she said. “They’ll tell me at conventions or swipe up on my stories and say, ‘You should do this character.’”
She creates her costumes in different ways, sometimes starting from scratch, other times upgrading existing outfits or buying from other cosplayers. Depending on the project, each look can take between two weeks and a month to complete.
“The makeup and performance, the transformation, is the best part,” she said. “People tell me they don’t even recognize me. You become that character.”
Photographer Antonio Perdomo, who has worked with Campagna on multiple shoots, said her energy carries into every character she brings to camera.
“What stands out is her positive energy and personality,” he said in a text message. “In my point of view, it’s the simplicity and bold creative style she puts into her cosplays and her look.”
Perdomo has photographed several of Campagna’s cosplay looks and said her energy carries into every character she brings to camera.
“I noticed how kind and social she is, and how she’s always open for photos, videos and creative ideas,” he said.
Her most challenging build remains her first, Magic. She made a foam armor and sword, which took weeks of painting, cutting and shaping to perfect. She often brings her creations to WonderCon in Anaheim, one of her favorite conventions.
“It’s a huge, diverse convention,” she said. “There’s pop culture from movies, shows and video games. It’s also a great venue for pictures.”
Campagna described the cosplay community as a creative outlet and a place to connect.
“You’re going to meet all sorts of different people with the same interests as you, but everyone executes it differently,” she said. “It’s a great place to make new friends. I met a neurosurgeon in full cosplay.”
One of her funniest memories happened during a Catwoman photoshoot with a friend wearing a latex suit on a hot day.
“After the shoot, I unbuttoned her corset for her and a puddle of sweat shot in my face,” she said, laughing. “We were just dying of laughter.”
Cosplay has also played a big role in Campagna’s confidence.
“It made me come out of the little box I was in and just not care what other people think,” she said. “When people want to take pictures with you and they tell you you’re pretty, it’s good attention. It made me feel more good about myself even out of costume.”
One of her favorite moments came when a child mistook her for the real Black Cat from the Spider-Man franchise.
“She yelled, ‘Mommy, Mommy, it’s Black Cat!’” Campagna said. “Her eyes lit up. It made me feel powerful, making an impact on somebody else.”
But not everyone understands her passion.
“I’ve had friends or family unfollow me because they think it’s weird,” she said. “There’s a negative perception that cosplay is creepy. But the community is made of people of all ages and backgrounds. The right people will accept me for who I am.”
Campagna dedicates hours to every project, often working after homework or on her days off.
“People don’t realize that every little piece and accessory is carefully crafted and made with intention,” she said. “If you love something, you’ll make the time for it.”
She mainly uses Instagram @mojocosplayz to share her work, posting as things happen and collaborating with photographers. She ignores negativity online and focuses on creating what she loves.
Her upcoming build, Widowmaker from the video game Overwatch, has already taken months to complete, featuring a light-up visor and custom sniper rifle. She also dreams of creating Commander Shepard from Mass Effect, a costume that would cost thousands to make.
“She’s unapologetically herself and doesn’t care what other people think,” Campagna said.
For now, cosplay remains a passion project, though her growing page has brought new opportunities.
“Sometimes I get paid to do shoots,” she said. “If it came down to a point where I could do it professionally, I probably would consider it.”
Looking ahead, Campagna hopes to continue cosplaying, traveling to conventions and meeting new people who share her love for the art.
“Cosplayers are people,” she said. “Don’t judge people by what you see online. You’re only seeing a part of them.”
