Back in November of 2018 I joined Tumblr to follow the DBH fandom that had captured my heart and wouldn't let go. While browsing, I came across an extraordinary Gavin Reed cosplayer named @graysonfin . After seeing many of his other cosplays I was intrigued to know and see more. I knew he had a Patreon, so I joined out of pure curiosity.
I was still new to Evgeniy and his Patreon, as I'd never supported an artist this way before. But I saw something great in his cosplays and when he spoke of his dreams of making cosplay his job and coming to the United States, I knew I wanted to be a part of making that happen.
The more time I spent among his Patrons though, the more fun I was having. I saw them, so artistically talented, sending him drawings they did of him. I knew, with how kind he had been to me in such a short time, that I wanted to create something special for him. But I am no artist and cannot draw a straight line to save my life. 😅
I've done crochet as a hobby for a few years, so whenever he would talk about how cold Moscow was I imagined how cold it must've been, being from a very cold place myself. Then I remembered... I knew how to make scarves.
I had done a practice scarf once, then never made another one. But I was determined to make one so big and thick he would never feel the cold. It took me a full day off and a late night to complete, but I finished it and was so excited. Even more excited when he told me I could send it to him. Mind you - he didn't know what it was, just that I was sending him a handmade gift.
I sent it out on the 18th of December, 2018. It arrived on January 30th, 2019.
Waking up to see his reaction is one of the best feelings I have had. Since before I sent his gift out he has kindly chatted with me, despite the language barrier, about anime, games and other random things. He has offered me words of encouragement for my own cosplay plans this year and has been a good friend these past 4 months.
To anyone who follows him, but is too afraid to say hello, join his Patreon or is on the fence; I was once just like you, but knowing Evgeniy has changed my life so much for the better. I wouldn't be writing again if it wasn't for him or know all the wonderful new friends I now have.
While most of my dreams remain the same, I have added on an additional one. To help support his dreams and make them a reality, so one day I can thank him in person for changing my life for the better.
Much love, Evgeniy. My hero, my friend. 💙
