Hamilton cosplay artist competing for $20K in North American contest

What would you do with $20,000? For one Hamilton teen, it could mean pursuing a career in the art of cosplay.

Callista Sinfield has entered a North America-wide contest and has already landed in the top five of her category.

The winner of America’s Most Artistic Kid will get featured on the Bob Ross show’s updated version, a spot in the Bob Ross museum and $20,000.

Callista knows why she entered this contest – money to continue her passion for cosplay, art and college one day.

Her passion for art was fueled as young as five years old. One day, her mom took her to a cosplay convention and the rest was history.

“She made our costumes when we were young and then I was like, I want to try and make my own. So I helped a bit making my own. Then I decided I’m gonna step it up a lot and start doing mascots,” said Callista.

Her favourite costume – a giant walking castle. On average, Callista says it takes anywhere from three to six months to create one of her masterpieces.

Her dad Gary says it costs anywhere from $300 to $600 out of his wallet to make them. He says it’s all worth it.

“As she started seeing herself win in these competitions, doing the mascots at the masquerades and such, it really gave her a drive to want to go do the next step,” said Gary.

One day, Callista wants the world to know her name through her art. She’s looking for public support to vote online to make it through to the next round.

“She’s also been talking about building a portfolio more and more. This is just going to elevate that,” said Gary.

There are two ways to vote online – free or a donation vote towards Blood Cancer United, a charity working to cure what artist Bob Ross passed away from.

All the information can be found on their website.

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