Costume College 2026 Guest Teacher:

Emilee Shield

Emilee, also known as Our Shield Maiden, is a Seattle-born cosplayer specializing in competitive cosplay, genderbent designs, and high-impact builds created for under $100. A passionate believer that cosplay should be accessible to everyone, she uses reused and recycled materials to prove that creativity—not budget—is what brings characters to life.

Beyond craftsmanship, Emilee is an activist and advocate within the cosplay community, focusing on reclaiming narratives, civic engagement, and youth involvement. Her genderbent Angelica cosplay from the Tony Award–winning musical Hamilton was retweeted by Hamilton’s official social media, and her work has been featured by Insider Magazine, Quiltfolk Magazine, Good Housekeeping Magazine, and Netflix.

Visit her website https://www.ourshieldmaiden.com and follow her on Instagram @ourshieldmaiden