Blupee.Builds (Shin) is a Sydney-based cosplayer, prop maker, and community builder who has been part of the cosplay scene for over a decade. Starting her journey as Illustris Cosplay, Shin has since become a force in the Australian cosplay community, founding AusCos Magazine (a print and digital publication dedicated to showcasing Australian and New Zealand cosplayers) and Illustris Models & 3D Printing, a business specialising in 3D modelling and printing for cosplay. Her work extends beyond personal projects—she and her team sponsor cosplay competitions across the country, supporting grassroots conventions and helping the community grow.

As a competitive cosplayer and award winner, Shin describes herself as a “jack of all trades,” with a special love for cosplays drawn from video games (especially The Legend of Zelda) and any costume with an exciting design challenge. Her passion for cosplay extends far beyond the stage; Shin is deeply committed to making cosplay accessible and welcoming for everyone. She has judged competitions at regional events such as Comic Gong, Townsville Pop Fest, and Shell Con Mania, and hopes to expand into more MC and judging roles in the future, sharing her knowledge and encouragement with the next generation of cosplayers.

For Shin, cosplay has always been about community and connection. One of her favourite memories is of a photoshoot as Twilight Princess Zelda, where a little girl at the gardens insisted on following her because she “wanted to see the princess again.” Moments like this fuel her drive to continue inspiring others and building spaces for creativity—her future goals include representing Australia on the international cosplay stage alongside her partner, LaithintheWind, and opening a Sydney-based cosplay makerspace and photo studio. You can find her across socials as @blupee.builds.