Cosplay might seem weird to some people, fun for some, and scary for others.

But for Otumoetai resident Courtney Smith cosplay is as much of a way of life as anything else.

Courtney has been stitching and bringing characters to life for about eight years, and says it's become a part of her day-to-day life.

And she uses it for more than enjoyment. She uses it for distraction as well.

Courtney has chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic insomnia, and fibromyalgia – 'a nice powerhouse”.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder with widespread musculoskeletal pain, along with fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.

So instead of taking painkillers every day, Courtney uses cosplay.

'If I don't want to be on painkillers every day I have to distract myself as best I can. Cosplay has been a real life-saver on that account. It's great; I enjoy what I'm doing, I love the characters I'm making.”

For pop culture convention Tauranga Armageddon – coming up in May – Courtney will be cosplaying Russian princess Anastasia re-designed by artist Hannah Alexander.

Courtney has hand-dyed, and will be hand-embroidering and hand-beading, the skirt – which is made of curtain fabric – and says it weighs about 3.5kg without the beading.

'And that's just the overskirt, there's still an underskirt and a petticoat.

'I wanted to challenge myself, so…” laughs Courtney.

But at the end of the day, after all of the pinpricks, the money, the stress and frustration, Courtney says it's worth it.

'Oh yeah, I love it.”

To keep up-to-date with Courtney's costume, follow her on Facebook or Instagram by searching ‘SparkyCosplay'.