Community Spotlight is all about putting some extra attention on the artists, streamers, and all-around helpful content creators that make Warframe's community such a welcoming and friendly place to be. But while most share their work on the official forums or Warframe subreddit, KatarinaElf takes her passion for Warframe into the real world.

Cosplay is the art of dressing up as a fictional character, but Katerina's Mirage looks frighteningly real. An artist and avid cosplayer representing Warframe in Russia, Katerina has taken us through each step of her exciting cosplay journey before, but we couldn't help but steal some of her time to find out a little more about her creative process and what inspires her.

Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Katerina. I am 25 years old and from Moscow, Russia. I have so many hobbies: drawing, cosplay, dancing, singing and playing videogames.

How long have you been doing Cosplay?

I started to do cosplay more than 5 years ago. At first it was very simple costumes from the anime, but I cannot be proud of them. They were not made well enough.

But it was your first steps into learning!

Yes! But every time I looked at the result I was displeased with it. Therefore, every new project I wanted to do better. That was my goal.

Well your Mirage cosplay definitely shows your hard work! What makes you choose a particular Warframe to dress as?

This is a special case. It's my favorite Warframe. Before her I did not have the enthusiasm to do cosplay exactly like the character. The fact is that for the past 4 years I have been involved in the All-Russia convention "Igromir" (Russian for "Gameworld", a Russian Comic Con). There I made different kinds of cosplay: League of Legends, Skyrim, Borderlands...

But these games and these characters are not very like me. I was just trying different techniques and materials. A year before Igromir 2015 I started to play Warframe, when Mirage had just come out in the game. I liked her before any other Warframe, but of course now I'm in love with every Warframe.

I knew immediately what kind of cosplay I wanted to do. Every year I went from simple to more complex, and although I saw that Mirage would be very hard the desire to make it made me believe in myself.

How long did it take to make your Mirage costume?

Every costume depends on the complexity of the cosplay and how experienced you are. Mirage took more than 5 months to make.

And, what I am about to say is a bad example for others to follow, but I decided to quit work (in part) to focus on the preparation for ComicCon Russia...

In fact, my job was just very boring. Database properties; not something that can be called fun. Now I am engaged primarily in creative activities. I can safely say that to cosplay as Mirage helped me achieve many goals, and has changed my life for the better in many ways. Amazing, is it not?

What got you into Warframe?

Warframe is a source of inspiration for me, just like books or movies. It was surprising to find a single game combination of Japanese culture and space. Just the things that I like!

Here is a strange story of my start in Warframe: On the eve of preparation for ComicCon we were quickly finishing our cosplay. It was late at night when my friend found a promo video for Warframe on YouTube accidentally. When I saw it, it didn't believe it. Is this really unusual animation and characters from the game? Also, it was a breath of fresh air among other monotonous MMOs.

All four days of ComicCon I thought about this game. I was intrigued. Playing in another language in an unfamiliar game is always difficult, but when I had time to install Warframe I liked its shooter format. I have little time to play, and this format allows you to play comfortably together with newbies and endgamers.

Do you know what you'll be cosplaying as next?

First I need to level up my Mirage Cosplay. And then I have another plans for another cosplay, but this is a secret! Also, my boyfriend and my friends are making their Waframe cosplay and I'm giving them a little help.

Any advice to someone looking to start cosplay?

Yes, choose something you really enjoy. Only that will help you not throw your cosplay. At each stage of the painting process you need to be careful. Do not rush, there is no need to hurry. Most importantly do not be afraid to try something new.

A tremendous 'thank you' goes to Katerina for all the incredible work she does bringing Warframe to life beyond the screen. Seeing our creation so vividly imagined in the real world is exciting for everyone here at Digital Extremes. If you'd like to see more of Katerina's work be sure to check out her Tumblr (http://katarinaelf.tumblr.com/) or visit her RU-Warframe community at https://vk.com/warframehobby.