Meet Amber “pumadoescosplay” Martin | Horror Creator, Cosplayer & Alt Pinup Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber “pumadoescosplay” Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber “PumaDoesCosplay”, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in the small suburban town of Monrovia, CA. The majority of the residents were financially very well off, while in contrast, my family was extremely impoverished. I was one of the few black students all throughout my school career. I was bullied from elementary school, and the way up until 10th grade for my weight, not having nice clothing, being nerdy, and for being alternative. I only had a couple friends, who are actually my closest friends to this day. I was very shy, introverted, neurodivergent, and had zero self esteem. I was kicked out at 16 by my mother for getting pregnant, and had to learn how to fend for myself with no help from family. I have overcome years of being homeless, and it has not been an easy road for me for a single day in my life. Nevertheless I like to think of it all as character development. Every obstacle I’ve ever conquered has compelled me to become more resilient and tenacious, and it gives me the determination to keep chasing my dreams, and to be transparent about my journey in the hopes to inspire others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It definitely was not an easy road, but thankfully I have had some amazing accomplishments attributable to my cosplays. In 2021, Hot Topic hired me to be their only plus sized model for their nation wide Halloween Forever campaign, and I got to work along side of some of my favorite creators, and got to see myself on their website, social media pages, as well as in store signage. It was the first time I was recognized for my horror content, and it helped catapult my modeling and cosplay career. Since then; I have been an official cosplay guest for Los Angeles Comic Con going on 4 years now, I’ve had the opportunity to be a panelist for topics dear to me such as; mental health, highlighting the importance of representation in the Cosplay, Horror, and LGBTQIA+ communities; became an award winning Pinup model and placing 2nd runner up in the world’s most prestigious pinup competition Viva Las Vegas; I have attended red carpet movie premiers, and met some of my favorite actors; I’ve been invited as press to cover media only nights and local events; and collaborated with some of my favorite brands. My hardships have taught me to think unconventionally, and to be resourceful. I have had very limited resources and income at my disposal, and I want everyone to know it is possible to accomplish anything, as long as you never give up. I have always overcome my challenges, and I am grateful for my past, because it gave me the strength to pursue my goals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Luckily my best friends live right around the corner. We love good food, cocktails, playing pool, and singing karaoke. Some of my favorite places to visit are; The Cove Cocktail Bar (they make the best old fashioneds), Cue-Time Family Billiards, Kalaveras, and President Thai. If I had the chance to plan a trip for us, I would love to rent out a nice cabin, and just some much needed R&R. We never get much time to treat ourselves and get pampered, so that would be a dream
after the year we just had. It would be really nice to get to use our passports and travel overseas, since I’ve never been out of the country and I love getting to learn about other cultures, and trying their delicious foods. There’s so many places I’d love to travel to, such as Dubai, Egypt, Morocco, Italy, Australia, and Japan. Hopefully one day I’ll get the chance to see visit them all.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe a great deal to a few remarkable individuals. Firstly my two sons, for giving my life purpose, and the strength to never give up; my best friends Emily and Ollie, for always being there for me through thick and thin, never judging me, and for their relentless support; Julian Jetson and Chris Riley, for welcoming me with open arms when I publicly came out as Pan, for introducing me to my amazing L.A LGBTQIA+ family, and for going out of their way to provide me with multiple opportunities to give back to the queer community and to exhibit my capabilities; Marley, the CEO of Glam Goth Beauty for igniting my passion for bold, fierce, and glamours hair and makeup, for her friendship and encouragement, and for being one of most iconic and influential souls I’ve ever met; and last, but definitely not least, Ashleeta Beauchamp for being a beacon of light, and supporting and uplifting myself and others around her with her activist, and for being a pioneer, and opening doors for other women of color to succeed.

Website: https://www.linktree.com/pumadoescosplay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pumadoescosplay

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pumadoescosplay

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pumadoescosplay

Other: Tik Tok:
www.tiktok.com/@pumadoescosplay

Image Credits
Elvira and Lil Devil by Michael Greening (@michaelgreeningphoto)

Krampus by Rawl Paredes
(@rawlofthedead)