Cosplayer Interview with ThDeathAndStrawberrY

ThDeathAndStrawberrY cosplay2

Here, we are glad to share the interview with ThDeathAndStrawberrY, a cosplay talent from Spain. You may get fascinated by her Kaito Setsugetsuka Cosplay which we posted on our blog about a month ago. Very Impressive 🙂 ! ThDeathAndStrawberrY, thank you so much for accepting our interview.

1. Since cosplay becomes more and more popular, how do you think about the good things and also bad things on this performance art?

First of all, I think that most of these things are good. Now many people know about the hobby and they don’t see it as a weird hobby, even they congrats you if your costume is good. Bad things? Well I don’t know right now, but maybe the level of competitivity has increased a bit, because even If we say no, everyone wants to be the best or at least one of them.

ThDeathAndStrawberrY cosplay1

2. Do you consider yourself a “cosplayer” year round, or only when participating in certain activities?

In my case is all the year, because there is no day I don’t think about cosplay o month I don’t plan something for the next convention or simply the next photoshoot, also when I’m shopping and I see for example a shirt like one of the characters I want to cosplay I buy it! Cosplay is incredibly addictive once you have started and you liked it!

3. Going to a venue with many people to watch you in costume and simply taking a photograph, which one is more meaningful?

I think the simple fact that many people see you in costume and also congrats for your hard work on it, is more meaningful because they talk to you and you can see their faces smiling, but in a photo you can’t show your completely costume, It is like the difference when you see a painting in your book or computer and you go to the museum an see it with your own eyes. Also when you take a photo you can upload it to internet and the amount of persons who see it is bigger than in a convention but I still prefer meet the people and hear them.

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4. Is the creation of the costume or characters more valuable than the actual acting or vice versa, or is it a mix? As well, how much of the do-it-yourself mentality is admired? If someone just bought their whole costume, are they still a true cosplayer?

In my opinion, it is the mix of both of them what makes your costume in a great cosplay, well always is going to matter a bit more the appearance of the cosplay than act like the character, because the first thing people see is the costume, but If you don’t know how is the personality or the story of your character even how he/she acts, you’ll look a bit weird and in the photos the thing is to capture the character with his/her personality, so the mix is pretty important to make your costume stand out from the others.

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5. Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?

Some good advice is not to focus on making a perfect costume if you just started on this hobby, we all have started from the bottom! Mainly you have to keep this in mind as a hobby with which you can have a good time with friends and no more matters!

6. Which contest theme do you mostly want to see at Miccostumes.com?

I’d like to see a contest about D.gray man cosplay! Due to I LOVE that manga 😀

Cosplayer Interview with StrawberyNeko

We are grateful that StrawberyNeko shares her cosplay ideas via our interview :). To know more about this talented cosplayer, please read below. You may get inspirations from her.

StrawberyNeko cosplay1

1. Since cosplay becomes more and more popular, how do you think about the good things and also bad things on this performance art?

I am really excited that cosplay has gotten a great amount of attention recently, and I know this will shine a lot of light on cosplay as a hobby and as art. We are constantly using our imagination, our body, and our skills to portray the characters and the series that we admire. Cosplay is a form of fandom, and like every fandom, it brings people together. I’ve met so many wonderful people through cosplay, and they are all extremely talented in their craftsmanship and photography. There is a great amount of satisfaction in making something that I am proud enough to wear. Although there are so many great things about cosplay, there is a negative stereotype on cosplayers that many people believe. Cosplayers sometimes have an image of “ruining” series and characters because they are not “accurate” enough. The negative critiques come from a variety of sources, but mostly from other fellow fans.

StrawberyNeko cosplay2

2. Do you consider yourself a “cosplayer” year round, or only when participating in certain activities?

So far I have only worn my cosplays at gatherings and conventions. Since events occur all the time and all year round, it is arguable that I cosplay all the time. I am in constant contact with my friends who are also cosplayers and cosplay photographers, so I am a cosplayer year round.

3. Going to a venue with many people to watch you in costume and simply taking a photograph, which one is more meaningful?

To gain the full experience, I like to wear my costumes. I feel more involved when I dress up. I always bring a camera with me, so I take pictures of other cosplayers while I get my pictures taken as well!

StrawberyNeko cosplay3

4. Is the creation of the costume or characters more valuable than the actual acting or vice versa, or is it a mix? As well, how much of the do-it-yourself mentality is admired? If someone just bought their whole costume, are they still a true cosplayer?

There are many ways to answer this. There has always been an invisible checklist of what a good cosplay is. That list continues to grow as more people get involved with cosplay: accuracy of the character, portrayal of the character, and simple looking like the character. I always remembered the term “cosplay” as a combination of the two words, “costume” and “play.” Both words are so light-hearted and playful. It makes me wonder: when did cosplay become so serious? If you take it from the literal term of “cosplay”, by wearing a costume and pretending to be that character even for just a second, you are cosplaying. I do value cosplays more when they are hand made by the person who wears them; because I understand the appreciation and hard work it takes to achieve the look. I feel that there is a lot more personalization you can do to the costume to truly make it yours. It doesn’t mean that they are more superior to those who buy cosplay. Some cosplayers cannot sew or make their own costume and I respect that.

StrawberyNeko cosplay4

5. Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?

Be brave! Don’t be afraid to mess up or look foolish! I know I have done enough of both and I have accomplished much success because of my failures. No one really gains overnight success, so it’s completely fine to take your time to get where you want to be.

6. Which contest theme do you mostly want to see at Miccostumes.com?

I would like to see a contest theme is “apocalyptic.” Cosplayers in pictures at the end of the world. It could be any kind of apocalypse!

Cosplayer Interview with SasuSaku-4ever

We got the chance to interview the cosplay talent – SasuSaku-4ever. We reviewed her Tekken: Blood Vengeance Alisa Bosconovitch Cosplay few days ago. Sasu, thank you so much for sharing your cosplay ideas and thoughts with us :). You can know more about her via the following interview.

SasuSaku-4ever cosplays Yuna

1. Since cosplay becomes more and more popular, how do you think about the good things and also bad things on this performance art?

The good thing is that many people likes manga and anime and would like to express their love of characters through cosplay as for the bad thing is because some people focus too much on cosplay and lost focus on whats on the real world.

kairi  cosplay by sasusaku-4ever

2. Do you consider yourself a “cosplayer” year round, or only when participating in certain activities?

I am proud to be a cosplayer therefore i am a cosplayer every single day hahah.

lightning cosplay by sasusaku-4ever

3. Do you prefer solo cosplay or group cosplay?

Well i get a bit embarrassed if i am doing a solo cosplay and dress up alone but if i am with my friends and doing partners of group i am ok so i guess.

Miku  cosplay by SasuSaku-4ever

4. Is the creation of the costume or characters more valuable than the actual acting or vice versa, or is it a mix? As well, how much of the do-it-yourself mentality is admired? If someone just bought their whole costume, are they still a true cosplayer?

Actually, both are important well of course i admire those who cam make awesome props and costumes but the true meaning of cosplay isn’t about how good youa re at sewing and at crafting etc etc. the true meaning of cosplay is about how well you portray the character and what you can do to make yourself look like the character and also looking for the right back ground and also try your best to act like that character THATS cosplay so yes people who buy costumes or props online are still cosplayers if they tried to potray their character with the right background and also tried to look like the character he or she is a cosplayer.

yuna  cosplay by sasusaku-4ever

5. Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?

Hahaha to all newbies cosplayers. YOU GUYS CAN DO IT! just put in effort on going out for shoots with the right costume, props and wig i am sure you guys will look great! so PUT IN EFFORT!~ listen to suggestions! YOU GUYS CAN DO IT!

Cosplayer Interview with Astellecia

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Astellecia, thank you so much for accepting our interview. Wanna know more about this cosplay talent? You can take a look at the interview below.

1. Since cosplay becomes more and more popular, how do you think about the good things and also bad things on this performance art?

I think a good thing is that as more people join the circle you see the level of cosplayers rising, there are more and more amazing people and costumes to look at and learn from and more resources generally for everyone (and more friends to make and fangirl with!!) On the downside, I guess more people makes the scene more competitive, it makes it harder to make friends when people stick to their own groups.

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2. Do you consider yourself a “cosplayer” year round, or only when participating in certain activities?

Personally I only consider myself a ‘cosplayer’ when I’m actually doing things related to this hobby, other times I’m just plain old me~ I think it’s a really great and fun interest to have and while I put alot of time and effort into it, at the end of the day I still keep it separated from the other parts of my life.

3. Going to a venue with many people to watch you in costume and simply taking a photograph, which one is more meaningful?

Wow, that’s a tough question D: I think both are meaningful in different ways. Cosplaying at an event I guess is really a test of how well you know your character, having to pose and just ‘being in character’ on the spot, while taking a photo at a shoot requires alot of preparation beforehand for it to turn out well. I really can’t say, I think both are just as important >.<

Astellecia_4

4. Is the creation of the costume or characters more valuable than the actual acting or vice versa, or is it a mix? As well, how much of the do-it-yourself mentality is admired? If someone just bought their whole costume, are they still a true cosplayer?

For me I think both the “cos” and the “play” elements in being a cosplayer are equally important, there’s no point having a beautiful costume if you don’t know your character and vice versa, the two just can’t be divorced from each other. As much as I would love to make all my costumes myself (and I really admire those who do their own props and outfits) sometimes I myself have to turn to tailors because of time constraints with work and school. I have nothing against people who buy costumes simply because having sewn quite a few costumes myself I understand it’s not an easy skill to pick up. As long as one tries their best to portray their character in terms of costume and acting I think it doesn’t really matter if they buy their costumes if they are honest about it.

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5. Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?

Cosplay a character you love, even if you pick a character for the costume, learn to love them. I think it really shows when you truly adore the character you are cosplaying and I love seeing that kind of passion in other cosplayers

6. Which contest theme do you mostly want to see at Miccostumes.com?

I have been seeing alot of water-themed cosplay photos recently, like underwater shoots and shots in the sea/waterfalls etc. I think a water-themed contest would be awesome ~

Cosplayer Interview with Fire Lily

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It’s our pleasure to have interviews with you – cosplay geniuses. Thanks so much for sharing us these useful tips and inspirations. Today, Fire Lily accepts our interview. To know more about her, stop here minutes please :D.

1. Since cosplay becomes more and more popular, how do you think about the good things and also bad things on this performance art?

The bad things I see are increased negativity and the “celebrity” obsession streak that is running through the hobby currently. We’re nerds, and cosplayers only make up a very small part of Nerd Culture. People go to conventions mainly to see guests, watch anime and see exclusive previews, and buy merchandise, and cosplay really doesn’t return much of the investment that conventions spend to make the convention happen. We have to remember that we are a small niche, a small group of like-minded people, and despite being strewn across the country and across the world, we have to remain a tightly knit group. So all the negativity I’m seeing is really disappointing, especially when we should all be encouraging each other and building each other up through the sharing of knowledge and friendship.

But the good things I see are more access to materials, costumes, prop makers, and commissioners that previously weren’t available, and I think it really helps everyone out there get a chance to have a really nice costume and to be able to cosplay what they want, instead of missing out on the hobby altogether. Cosplayers are also becoming more and more creative with how they craft their costumes and it’s a huge learning experience for everyone involved, because people are sharing their knowledge more and more so we can all benefit from their methods and experiences. I’m also really happy to see cosplayers becoming more ambitious with their costumes and props – I have seen some absolutely amazing costumes lately and whether they are handmade or not, I appreciate seeing such detailed and extravagant costumes out there.

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2. Do you consider yourself a “cosplayer” year round, or only when participating in certain activities?

I am definitely a year round cosplayer. I am always making costumes or buying materials and wigs, and even making my own clothes or gifts for other people. Sewing is a huge part of my life and I honestly don’t know what I would be doing if I wasn’t sewing or crafting!

3. Going to a venue with many people to watch you in costume and simply taking a photograph, which one is more meaningful?

It honestly doesn’t make much difference to me. I do enjoy showing off my work at conventions and getting pictures there, but I also love doing private shoots with my friends. On the one hand, convention photos aren’t always flattering and I have more control over posing during a private photoshoot. On the other hand, I love to get people’s reactions to my costume and it’s nice to have people appreciate my work in person. So, both are meaningful to me!

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4. Is the creation of the costume or characters more valuable than the actual acting or vice versa, or is it a mix? As well, how much of the do-it-yourself mentality is admired? If someone just bought their whole costume, are they still a true cosplayer?

I personally don’t like to call myself a “cosplayer” – I am definitely more of a “costume maker.” I don’t feel a need to “act” like my character, and I really prefer to just show off my costume making skills. But I think a lot of people like to act in costume and really get into character and that’s fine with me! There seems to be a pretty even division over the people who make their costumes and the people who buy their costumes. I feel that a costume is more impressive to me if I know the cosplayer made it on their own as opposed to buying it, but that’s because I am used to making everything by myself. If I didn’t have much skill or talent in sewing or crafting and I was only used to buying my costumes, I think I’d be impressed with all of it. So, I guess it just depends on your own perspective!

I certainly don’t mind cosplayers having the option to buy pre-made costumes, especially if they don’t have the skills/time/money to make their own costumes. I do have to admit that making my own costumes is a huge money pit and not a lot of cosplayers out there have the funds available to make a costume. My only concern regarding pre-made, and even commissioned, costumes is when cosplayers claim the craftsmanship for their own or lie about the costume details, especially during competitions specifically for craftsmanship. So, as long as you are giving credit where it is due, I have no problem seeing a nicely-made, bought costume and calling it cosplay!  After all, cosplay is really just about showing your love for a show or game, and it doesn’t really matter where you get the costume from in order to be a cosplayer.

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5. Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?

Have fun. Don’t get bogged down with the negatives. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of you or your costume as long as you are happy with it and having a great time in it. Take compliments with pride and ignore the rest, because you should not let those jealous and unhappy people bring you down if you are having a fun and fabulous time while cosplaying!

6. Which contest theme do you mostly want to see at Miccostumes.com?

I would love to see a contest for partners in crime! Like Vash and Wolfwood from Trigun, Chrono and Rosette from Chrono Crusade, or any number of characters from Baccano, I’d love to see a theme centered around awesome duos who either fight crime or commit crimes!! The picture ideas alone are staggering.