Once upon a time, Miami native Kitty Quinn ran a costume shop on Etsy. There, she explored her passion for modeling and cosplaying, donning her own wares to show them off. This gained her online fans, who loved both the artistry of her creations and the model sporting them.
Their enthusiasm fueled her own until, one night, Quinn decided to begin livestreaming on a camming site, taking advantage of the opportunity to talk with her fans while costume modeling. With tokens flowing in abundance, one thing led to another — and she soon found herself jumping into the spicier end of the pool to explore her wild side, delighting fans with the natural beauty that lay beneath her costumes.
I am pretty all over the place with my inspiration for cosplay! I definitely get a lot of inspiration from comic books, movies, cartoons and anime.
Quinn experienced a special thrill displaying her body and her outfits, a feeling unmatched elsewhere. Amid her growing success and the liberating sense of freedom that being an adult creator offered, she also realized that she had embarked on a viable long-term career.
She spent the next eight years honing her craft, rising steadily in the ranks of content creators until, at this summer’s XBIZ Creator Awards, she was crowned 2024 XBIZ Cosplay Streamer of the Year. Now, Kitty Quinn opens up about her journey, as this month’s cover star.
XBIZ: Discuss your favorite sources of inspiration for cosplaying, from gaming to comics and shows.
QUINN: I am pretty all over the place with my inspiration for cosplay! I definitely get a lot of inspiration from comic books, movies, cartoons and anime. I see certain characters that I think are beautiful, or I love their personality and I want to recreate them.
I will also sometimes cosplay my favorite wrestlers, or TV show characters, and even do what I call “closet cosplays,” where I just go in my closet and pick out a bunch of props, wigs and outfits to create my own character from scratch.
XBIZ: Among the characters you’ve cosplayed, which one do you feel is most similar to who you really are?
QUINN: When I cosplay Beatrix Kiddo from “Kill Bill,” I feel most like myself! She was my first cosplay ever, and I relate to her so much, being a mom on a mission. Ruthless, but loving. Unapologetically herself.
XBIZ: Reflecting on your streaming success, what are the top three most popular cosplays you’ve done?
QUINN: In my cam shows, there are a few cosplays that have stood out and done the best. First off, Mando Kitty, which is my own personal spinoff of the Mandalorian. I created my own armor from scratch and my fans love to see all that hard work come to life. Also, anytime I do Harley Quinn, everyone freaks out. Next, while it is not a specific character, whenever I create a vampire look, it makes the boys go wild.
XBIZ: How do you approach making your costumes and getting into character? Break down the process for us.
QUINN: First off, I order a wig that matches the character. After that, I either order a costume online or I get material. Whether I start from scratch or not, I cut up and sew the outfit to fit me in the best and sexiest way. I also try to somehow make it a little unique, different from the other cosplays of that character that are already out there — which usually means I end up making a more scandalous version. Then, when it’s all done, I get dolled up, using a picture of the character as a reference to transform my face as I apply makeup. And voila!
XBIZ: Tell us about your strategy for marketing content and hyping your shows.
QUINN: Over the years, my main marketing strategy has been to post a promo on Instagram and Twitter. Then I go live on cam and promote the new content I’ve made. Streaming has been one of the best ways to gain fans and traffic. I have also collaborated with famous models, big-name brands and high-end photographers, so I can be seen working with the best. These days, I have also gotten into Reddit marketing, which has completely demolished all the other methods!
XBIZ: How do you achieve work/life balance?
QUINN: I make sure to take a break when I need to. It can be hard to be a creator, because work never ends, even when you are home. There is always something to edit or post. So I get myself out of the house and hit the gym for a few hours, or take my dog to the park.
Sometimes I go for hikes on the weekend, or go out to dinner and go dancing with my partner. I also take occasional pole dance classes. I’m always keeping myself busy in between work hours, with things that make me laugh, smile and relax.
XBIZ: What was it like being named Cosplay Streamer of the Year at the 2024 XBIZ Creator Awards?
QUINN: It was a dream come true. I was honestly shocked! I always thought they told the winners beforehand, but I had no clue. I felt like a princess walking up onstage and receiving my award. I was also the first announced winner of the night, so it was great to see all those extra-happy faces cheering for me.
XBIZ: Discuss your personal and professional goals for the coming year.
QUINN: My goals for the next year are to blow up my new adult brand, “Too Twisted Taboo.” I have fallen in love for the first time ever, I decided to start a taboo film company with my partner. We have so much fun. I play different roles, incorporating my cosplay experience. Disguising myself in different wigs and looks to transform into different people keeps our videos interesting. It’s already blowing up bigger than my personal page, so I am so excited to see where it goes over the next 12 months. I also hope to keep my workout regime going, keep adding beautiful ink to my body and hopefully take another trip to Europe!
