Geralt of Rivia

Happy October!!! It is now spooky time, and officially socially acceptable to wear costumes… which is why I’m starting this month by sharing my recreation of a character that has had the most influence on me.

Also, next week is The Butterfly Empire’s fourth anniversary, and in celebration, I am introducing something new and exciting: cosplay. I have loved dressing up, and transforming into characters for as long as I can remember. It’s part of why I love makeup so much. It is a creative, therapeutic outlet for me, and while it’s a LOT of work, I enjoy every second. The main reason I haven’t added cosplay sooner is because honestly, I was afraid of failure/criticism. I thought in order to start, I had to be the biggest, the best and crush the competition. I had to be perfect. Having that mentality kept me on the sidelines, and sucked the fun out of cosplay. As Tony Stark would say, “If you’re nothing without the suit, then you shouldn’t have it.”

I’ve learned to do what I can with what I have, and that makes me resourceful.

The exciting thing about cosplay is there are no rules! Anyone and everyone can do it, and they can do it however they want! How you interpret a character will not be the same way that I interpret them. So there will always be a beautiful, unique flair to your personal recreation. Even if someone uses your look as inspiration, it will never be exactly the same.

Here’s to being courageous, bold, and doing something new!

If you have been wanting to step out of your comfort zone or even attempt cosplay for yourself, let this be a sign. DO IT! Don’t allow perfectionism to hold you back from doing something you love.

I share so much of my life with you, and this is just another piece to the puzzle. Even if you don’t know the characters, I hope you can appreciate the art, and be inspired. Thank you for being a part of my journey!

Geralt of Rivia. White Wolf. Gwynbleidd. Butcher of Blaviken.

A witcher from the School of the Wolf trained at Kaer Morhen.

His job requires killing ghouls, vampires and fiends that have been pestering the town folk, but he finds out rather quickly that humans are the real monsters.

Witchers are supposed to be emotionless, cold, calculated, greedy and ruthless. Once they finish a job, they demand their coin, and disappear. They’re supposed to be neutral in all affairs, especially politics. Not Geralt. No matter how hard he tries, fate always finds him.

“Wolves asleep amidst the trees

Bats all a swaying in the breeze

But one soul lies anxious wide awake

Fearing all manner of ghouls, hags and wraiths…”

“For your dolly Polly sleep has flown

Don’t dare let her tremble alone

For the witcher, heartless, cold

Paid in coin of gold…”

“He comes he’ll go leave naught behind

But heartache and woe

Deep, deep woe…”

“Birds are silent for the night

Cows turned in as daylight dies

But one soul lies anxious wide awake

Fearing all manner of ghouls, hags and wraiths…”

“My dear dolly Polly shut your eyes

Lie still, lie silent, utter no cries

As the witcher, brave and bold

Paid in coin of gold

He’ll chop and slice you

Cut and dice you

Eat you up whole

Eat you whole…”

“Evil is Evil. Lesser, greater, middling… Makes no difference. The degree is arbitrary. The definition’s blurred. If I’m to choose between one evil and another… I’d rather not choose at all.”

Geralt will always have a special place in my heart. I’ve never connected with another character so deeply, and I can promise that you’ll never find someone who loves him more. His story originated from books written by Andrzej Sapkowski, and then was put to life in a series of video games. And very, very soon, my favorite witcher will be on Netflix. I have mixed emotions on Netflix tackling a franchise so important to me, but I’m holding out hope.

Henry Cavill, I’m trusting you!

Are you familiar with The Witcher? Who would you like me to recreate next?

PS: Next week’s anniversary blog post will be hysterical so brace yourselves! 😛

All my love,