Ivy Doomkitty

Ivy Doomkitty was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. Her professional journey initially involved cake decorating and baking, a career path she pursued before discovering cosplay. Her involvement in the cosplay community began approximately 13 to 14 years ago, stemming from an initial fear of participating due to body image concerns. She transitioned into full-time cosplay unexpectedly, evolving from a hobbyist to a professional who attends conventions globally.

Her career progression includes working as a live model for artist Frank Cho. She started cosplaying in 2011 and gained prominence for her detailed costumes and public advocacy. Ivy Doomkitty has been invited as a guest and judge at various high-calibre costume competitions, including the ReedPop Crown Championships. She also conducts panels on topics such as “Cosplay 101,” “Cospositive Movement,” and “Cosplay is Not Consent,” emphasizing the importance of respect and self-esteem within the community. Her work involves extensive research and crafting of costumes, with notable examples ranging from affordable ensembles like her Star Trek redshirt to elaborate creations like Mantis from Guardians of the Galaxy, which cost approximately $3,000. She utilizes materials such as Worbla thermo-plastic and EVA foam for her armor builds.

Beyond cosplay, Ivy Doomkitty engages in various activities, including managing her social media presence, packing and shipping merchandise, and conducting Twitch streams and podcasts as a gamer. She travels internationally for conventions, having visited locations such as Dubai, New Zealand, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Australia, and Manchester, often accompanied by her sister. Her public persona focuses on promoting body confidence and a positive environment, carefully curating her content to ensure it remains appropriate for her diverse fan base, including a significant young following. She actively addresses negative comments and unwanted interactions by promoting respectful engagement and setting clear boundaries.