Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlow Everly.
Hi Marlow, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved creating things; from a life-sized “rubber ducky” paddlewheel boat made almost entirely from cardboard that could actually transport two humans across a swimming pool to 18th century historically accurate corsetry to a fully pandemic-produced cosplay music video. There is just something in my DNA that not only enjoys creating but thrives when a new idea pops into my brain.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth? Not exactly. There is definitely a reason that the term “starving artist” exists. Smaller artists, like myself, struggle with people liking our art but undervaluing its monetary worth. I’m sure you’ve heard that trending TikTok sound that goes, “It costs that much cause it takes me … hours…”. When a craftsperson makes something by hand, you cannot and should not expect Amazon prices. Making a living off of a small Etsy shop is extremely difficult, so I, more often than not, work several day jobs at a time which leave me physically and creatively drained at the end of the day. That exhaustion then leads me to creating less of the art I love and doing the thing that is most uniquely me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am always juggling multiple projects at once, but my two main loves at the moment are Can She Craft It Cosplay and Sassenach Apothecary.
With Can She Craft It Cosplay, I create fantastical cosplay looks from a fully illuminated and motorized forest fae version of Tinker Bell (that was just featured in Insider’s Best Cosplay of New York Comic Con 2021 article) to a punk rock Queen of Hearts that won at Cosplay Central’s 2021 showcase at New York Comic Con. With Can She Craft It Cosplay, I not only accept commission builds from other cosplayers and costume enthusiasts who hire me to build them costumes and props, but I also mentor other cosplayers on how to best craft their own cosplays. Also, in an unexpected turn of events, I recently became an ambassador for Cosmoda Cosplay Runway and walked in New York fashion week in one of my original Can She Craft It cosplay designs.
My other main creative endeavor currently is my Etsy shop, Sassenach Apothecary, which is a cosplay apothecary boutique for Outlander fans. My favorite fandom is Outlander and when I read the books and watched the Starz show, I just knew I had to create something special for Outlander fans. My cosplay boutique is like if Claire Fraser, the main character from the series, opened an apothecary shop on Fraser’s Ridge in the late 1700s. I sell beeswax candles that have a real gemstone hidden inside (if you know, you know), vintage apothecary tools (bowls, jars, mortars, etc.), handmade body salves, and artisan items featured in the show like my cruelty-free “Dragonfly in Amber” pieces.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband, David, is my biggest fan and supports me in all that I do. I could not do what I do without his unwavering love and support.
Also, I have some amazing friends who are always cheering me on as I tackle my newest adventure. Their kind words and positivity really help me on days when doubt creeps in.
Contact Info:
- Email: MarlowEverly@gmail.com
- Website: www.MarlowEverly.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canshecraftit_cosplay/
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/canshecraftit
- Youtube: https://www.YouTube.com/canshecraftit
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@canshecraftit_cosplay
Image Credits:
Tinker Bell photo taken by Jean-Marc Bara Photography
