Tag: Cosplayer Interviews

Cosplayer Interviews-Alita

Kevin

Today, we are honored to have Alita attend Cosplayer interviews program. In 2003, Alita cosplayed Son Pan from Dragonball GT and begun her cosplay life. For her, cosplay does not just mean a fantastic costume. An awesome skit is required. Ok, let’s welcome Alita and start our interview.

1.Please Introduce yourself first?
Hi! My name is Alita and I’m an cosplayer based in Sydney, Australia who’s been creating costumes for around 8 years now. I strive to make bigger and better costumes each year, usually with the help of my cosplay partner Ailee. I love to test the boundaries of costume making, by always wanting to present something that few people, or no one at all, has been able to achieve whether it’s the technical aspect of a complicated costume, or the entertainment factor of a good skit.

2.What does cosplay mean to you?
It’s bringing to life the imagination. Alita doesn’t believe that it’s enough to only have a fantastic costume, you need to make an awesome skit to go with it, cosplay should be stage production and to steal a slice of life from your chosen universe. A cosplayer’s duty is to bring to life something otherwise unattainable, to drag it into reality and make it their own. Most of all though, it should be fun.

3.What was your first cosplay?
Back in 2003 I dressed as Son Pan from Dragonball GT and did what everyone did when they first cosplayed, cut my own hair like her…. used no make up… store bought some pants and some belts, and modified a small red shirt. It wasn’t really tragic as it was a simple costume, but looking back it’s amazing how far the cosplay scene in Australia has come since then.

4. Does your family supports your cosplay?
Tolerate would be the correct term, but I keep it strictly as a hobby, school and work always came first for me.

5. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?
Last year I planned a trip for Japan where at Fuji-Q theme park there had been announced an SCALE VERSION of the hanger bay of Evangelion (link here) and the entry plug in a magical place called Evangelion world (http://www.fujiq.jp/eva/). As Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of my favourite animes, I decided this was the time for me to attempt the Evangelion Shinji plug suit and I would then drag it all the way to Japan so I could sit in that entry plug and fulfill my life’s dream of ultimately, being the first cosplayer to have a perfect Shinji plugsuit cosplay. So I carried the 3 kg plug suit all the way to Fuji-Q japan, got there at ridiculous-o-clock-9AM (the theme park opened at 8:30), and beat all the crowds to get into that area.

The entry plug itself is an awesome bit if furniture which you had to pay 1000 yen ( $12) to get ONE photo with from one specific angle. The Japanese treated it almost like a hazard as it was surrounded by crash mats, had handlebars for the TWO STEPS that it took to board it and it generally looked pretty dopey in real life. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. My complete non-anime-fan friend who was with me had to live with the shame of a me getting into cosplay striding around this theme park attraction in my plug suit, then had to watch me haggle with the photographer to see if she would allow me to take my own pictures with the entry plug. She agreed in a manner which said,”do not encourage the freaks” and waved me on. And I proceeded to fulfill my life on dream. The results of which are here. It was like a pilgrimage to the heartland of cosplay.

6. What are your 2011 cosplay plans?
This year I’ve already completed a light-up version of Quorra from Tron Legacy using EL wire and eva skin foam pictured here. But I also have a few costumes lined up. Psylocke from X-men in which I shall be draglicious, give myself tons of fake boobs from chicken fillets and pad my ass like a drag queen in order to look toon-fresh. The pilot from Interstellar 5555, and later in the year, myself and Ailee will do our third Ghibli cosplay where we shall cosplay characters from Ponyo and I will be Fujimoto the wizard of the sea.

7. Notice you made Sephiroth cosplay,amazing! So share more details about this cosplay :o)
Sephiroth was an endurance cosplay, made within two months. I was very particular about getting the details of this costume correct as many cosplayers have done it, but there would always be one element slightly off. I also made the costume with the intention of reusing the wings we had previously made for Howl’s Moving Castle for Sephiroth’s one wing, so the coat itself had to be installed with a invisible zipper so I could slot in the wing when it was needed. I made from scratch almost every piece in this costume surprisingly. The ‘armour pauldrons’ we made out of toy helmets (I am blessed with tiny shoulders) which were re-carved and resprayed. The other armour was made with eva-foam. The buckles of Seph’s coat were made out of sculpey painstakingly to match. I adore the coat I made as it was fully finished, lined and the collar is 100% accurate.

The biggest mistake I think, for this costume, was that I left buying the boots until the very last minute. And then, ingeniously (or tragically) decided I could simply make the boots despite the fact I only had two days left. But I did. I carved out platforms out of foam. Sewed together boot covers for thigh high boots and the belts for them in under 8 hours and glued on the rubber bottom etc. I’m still not sure what kind of high I was on to finish them in such a short time.

8. Any other cosplayers you like?
I think the Australian cosplay scene has thrown out some great cosplayers in recent years. I of course think the highest of my cosplay partner as she’s been dragged into cosplay by me and constantly impresses me. Her Darl Howl cosplay: alita-b-angel.deviantart.com and her Siren costume from Tron Legacy beethy.deviantart.com are both stunning. My fellow deviants Queencattabby: queencattabby.deviantart.com, Amenokitarou: amenokitarou.deviantart.com and K, Aly, Glorflindel, Sierra, Jill: cescat.deviantart.com to name a few are a great testament to the strength of Aussie cosplay.

9. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?
Every cosplay is a new set of challenges and I always learn something new. I now know how to rewire electricity, make a wolf puppet, craft wings and gigantic robots. It’s taught me you’re only limited to your imagination.

10. Any advices you wanna share with cosplay newbies?
Use each costume to teach yourself something, nothing is unachievable if you give it your all. Cosplay should be couture, you’re making a one of a kind costume fitted only to you, it should be be perfect and special. But even if it isn’t it , have a laugh wear your mistakes because you know, it should still be fun.

Cosplayer Interviews-Hopie

Kevin

Welcome to our cosplay interview. Here we are going to introduce Hope, who is known as Hopie.For her, cosplay is art which brings happiness to life. Ok, let’s share her cosplay experience!

1.Please Introduce yourself first?
Hi! My name is Hope, but I’m known in the cosplay world as Hopie. I’m from a little town in Southeast Texas, and have been cosplaying since 2006.

2.What does cosplay mean to you?
First and foremost, I’m a huge video game and anime fan. So, to me, cosplay is a form of artistic expression, and a way to bring my favorite characters to life. I also enter cosplay competitions and perform skits, which allows me to write and perform scenarios that I’d like to see characters act out. Finding out about cosplay is easily one of the best things to happen in my life. I’ve met so many friends and mentors through cosplay, and I can’t wait to make even more.

3.What was your first cosplay?
Technically, my first “cosplay” was back when I was thirteen or so. My grandmother and her friend helped me make a little “moogle girl” costume for Halloween. However, my first cosplay worn to a convention was Thief Rikku from Final Fantasy X-2.

4. Does your family supports your cosplay?
At first, my family couldn’t really understand why I would spend so much time and effort on a hobby. However, when they started taking notice in how I have progressed as far as craftsmanship, and when they would go and watch us perform during competitions, they saw how much fun I have, and how important it is to me, and they’re now very proud of me, which is truly a blessing.

5. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?
This is such a hard question! Having done this for so long, it’s hard to pick just one memory! However, I would say it was performing our Kingdom Hearts skit, “Dearly Beloved,” at Animefest 2010 last year. That skit meant a lot to me, and after we performed it, I couldn’t help but cry tears of joy that all of my friends came together to help make such a wonderful thing happen. Here is the video below:

6. What are your 2011 cosplay plans?
As for this year, I’m currently working on Alice from Alice in Wonderland, Poison Ivy from Batman and Robin, Kneesocks from Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt, Elle from Legend of Mana, Bubbles from Powerpuff Girls, and a few surprises along the way!

7. Notice you made many final fantasy cosplay, any special reason?
The Final Fantasy series is easily one of my favorites. It was not only the first RPG series I played, but was also the first video game series period that really meant a lot to me. The characters, storylines, plots, graphics, and gameplay are truly spectacular, and I’m in love with each and every game. I cosplay characters that I enjoy first and foremost, so that’s why I have quite the Final Fantasy cosplay list done, with many more to come!

8. Any other cosplayers you like?
I have quite a few cosplayers that I look up to! First of all is Kaname. He’s probably my favorite cosplayer, for many reasons. He always portrays the characters he takes on so well, and the costumes and wigs are always top notch. He has wonderful photshoots and from what I’ve read, is a very nice guy. I’d love to meet him some day! Also, I really admire QuantimDestiny and Glay, they’re two sisters who really turn out amazing cosplays and bring every character they create to life. Their Dragonball Z costumes are really inspirtational for me. Finally, I really look up to my twin and cosplay partner, Hee-Hee. She makes the most amazing wigs you’ll ever see, and does them with ease! She can pull off any character, from beautiful, to swanky, to crazy! I admire her a whole lot.

9. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?
I think I have become more confident in myself, and in that if I want to do something, I know I can go through with it if I just put in the time and effort. I’ve learned to sew through cosplay, which is something I never through I’d be able to do. I also have learned I’m not too shabby at acting and voice acting, which I have a whole lot of fun with.

10. Any advice you wanna share with cosplay newbies?
The best advice I can give is to always remember to have fun. It doesn’t matter how well you sew, or if your costume is 100% accurate. If you’re having fun being your favorite character, that’s all that matters. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you don’t know how to do something, there are plenty of peope and tutorials online that can help you out. So have fun, and no glomping without permission!! ^_~

[Feature]Cosplayer Interviews-ninjahobbit09

Sherry

Today, we are going to interview Lindsey, also known as Linger Zero Lindsey. She has collected Zoids for 15 years. To some degree, you can say she is really a Ziod fan. Bringing Zoids to life may be one of her wonderful dreams. Here, let’s welcome Linsey and share her cosplay story together!!

1.Please Introduce yourself first?

-My name is Lindsey, or people know me as Liger Zero Lindsey. =] I am a Zoids Cosplayer.

2.What does cosplay mean to you?

-Everything. Zoids is my life and I have been collecting them for over 15 years (My collection is HUGE), so being able to bring them to life by making cosplays means the world to me! And seeing how many people still remember Zoids just makes it ALL the better!

3.What was your first cosplay?

-Liger Zero from Zoids New Century Zero. It had its problems, but overall I loved it and it was a pretty big hit =]


4. Does your family supports your cosplay?

-For the most part yes, they love watching me build it and seeing the finished product, and they really support me when it comes to going to cons to wear it. Only thing my mom does not like? The big mess I make while building it! Hahaha!

5. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?

-I have only made 2 cosplays so far, but my best experience has to be when I was Liger Zero Jager in the Sakura Con 2011 Cosplay Contest. I was nervous at first, but as soon as that Zoids Theme started playing, I went out and all for it and hearing that crowd cheer and all the flashing cameras actually made me shed a couple tears of joy!

6. What are your 2011 cosplay plans?

-2011 was and still is for Liger Zero Jager. Jager went to Sakura Con 2011 in Seattle, WA and I’m hoping to take him to one more con this year. My next cosplay which will be started this summer will be Liger Zero Schneider for 2012.

7. Notice you made Liger Zero Jager Cosplay,really amazing! So share more details about it, i think many cosplayers are interested in how you make it.

-Jager took 6 months to build, compared to the 3 months that Zero took. So it being my 2nd cosplay really still made it difficult! The mask itself took 3 months, and the booster backpack took about 2. So the remaining time was spent on the rest of the armor. Zero Jager was made of foam board, cushion foam, and fun foam. So overall was pretty light and comfortable to wear! The heavy thing was of course my backpack because he had lights and the battery pack inside. The mask was pretty light as well seeing as how it was made of the 3 previously listed materials, but with all the stuff on the back of the head, made it very back heavy! Jager is pretty much all foam board and spray paint, oh, and a lot of hot glue!

8. Any other cosplayers you like?

-I love any cosplayer that is not afraid to show that they are proud of what they do and are not ashamed to say they make costumes to wear to things like conventions. I of course adore other Zoids cosplayers (whether it is a human character or an actual Zoid) but I adore just about all cosplays, I also love fursuits!

9. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?

-Actually, yes. After I started cosplaying in 2010, I noticed that I had become a lot more outgoing. People that remember me from high school know me as “The Zoid girl that sits alone in the corner or the room”. But anymore, I’m not afraid to put a Zoids cosplay or fursuit on and dance to music! I no longer just sit by myself, of course I have my fiancé, but cosplaying has really brought out the fun in me and I just love it. I have severe anxiety and simply working on a cosplay can make it all go away. It may seem dumb to other people, but cosplay has done a lot for me. Not to mention it is a freakin’ blast!

10. Any advices you wanna share with cosplay newbies?

-Don’t be afraid to cosplay. People like to say that were freaks or that we need lives, but just do it. Don’t be afraid! And if you have the guts to make your own cosplay at home instead of buying it, don’t let people talk you down, cause while they bought theirs online, you made yours with your own 2 hands. And trust me, it is a good feeling, when I had people ask me if I made Liger Zero and Liger Zero Jager, it was SUCH a great feeling to say, Yes I did! So if you’re new to cosplay my advice is don’t let people talk you down, do what you love. And make your cosplay with your own two hands, cause even though it is hard, the end result makes it ALL worth it!

Cosplayer Interviews-Lena

Kevin

Today we have Lena from Germany in our cosplayer interviews. Lena seems like having a crush on Lara Croft. There’re many versions of Lara Croft cosplay in her Deviantart. She is the most beautiful Lara Croft I’ve ever seen. Lena, you did such a great job…Maybe even better than Angelina Jolie did! : )

1. Please Introduce yourself first!
Hey there, my name is Lena and I’m a 22 years old digital media designer
from Germany.

2.What does cosplay mean to you?
First it was nothing than a remarkable hobby for me, but over the years it
became a huge meaning to me. Today it’s my personal passion, which requires
on the one side much time, work and money, but also means a lot of fun. Sometimes it just feels good to slip into one’s shoes
and see that other people can appreciate the effort you put in this.

3.What was your first cosplay?
Lara Croft, of course 😉

4. Does your family and bf supports your cosplay?
Well, on the one hand, they aren’t that much interested in it and sometimes
they call me a freak for all the work I put in it, but on the other hand
they really praise me for the photos I’ve done.

5. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?
Hmm… maybe my first professional photoshooting as Lara Croft. First I was
a bit afraid of the attention I would get from all the people standing and
coming around, but in the end it was a nearly perfect and unforgetable day.
I recieved much appreciation and compliments for my cosplay, it felt great.

6. What are your 2011 cosplay plans?
At the moment I’m making a Bloodelf-costume from World of Warcraft. I hope
to finish it soon. Also I will cosplay the brand new image of Lara Croft in
the upcoming Tomb Raider game, but one thing after the other.

7. Notice you made many lara cosplay, is there any special menning?
You’re right, there is a reason. Lara Croft ist the heroine of my childhood.
She’s the woman I always wanted to be, because Lara is sexy, intelligent,
tough, athletic, cultured, well travelled and has this kind of mysterious
charm that works though. I can’t see any real woman matching up – but that’s
the reason why she became my idol.

8. Do you make costumes yourself or buy them?
Most stuff of my costumes is selfmade. Usually I only buy things which would
be very elaborate to make, like elf-ears or Lara’s guns.

9. Any other cosplayers you like?
Oh, there are many other Lara Croft cosplayers around the world that I
really like. Just to mention Illyne or XtremeJenn for example.

10. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?
Yes, I think so. To be honest, I¹m a quite shy girl and not very confident.
But when I put on Lara¹s boots I become a completly different person.
Cosplay helped me a lot to improve my lack of self-confidence.

11. Any advices you wanna share with cosplay newbies?
Unfortunately there is much inconvenience and intolerance a lot of
cosplayers have to face all over the world. But please don’t let this come
in your way or stop you, just do your own thing and have fun! I think it’s
important to show that cosplayers aren’t a bunch of childish lunatics from
another world without a real life.

12. Last questions, When will you stop cosplay?
Maybe when I become too old for looking right the part… but I think this
won’t happened anytime soon 😉

Thanks again for choosing me for the interview!

Cosplayer Interviews–Zahnpasta

Kevin

Today, we’re honored to have Zahnpasta, a talented cosplayer from Deviantart, join in our cosplayer interviews. Zahnpasta is rather addicted to cosplay, which does not just mean a great hobby. This outgoing girl had started her wonderful journey in 2009 with full support from her family. To some degree, we can say she is from a cosplay fan family. Again, thanks Zahnpasta for interview. Ok, let’s share her story together.

    1.Please Introduce yourself first?

    My name is Caroline, I’m a 20-year-old student living in Germany. I’m cosplaying for 3 years now and mostly from video games, since gaming is one of my greatest passions, besides cosplay.

    2.What does cosplay mean to you?

    Cosplay is a great hobby, sometimes even more. As much as I love playing video games, I love dressing up as the character from the game. I always try to find the perfect location for the character and try to recreate the atmosphere of the game in my photos. I hate to make the costume, I get frustrated so easily, but I love being in character, taking photos of it. It’s like being a little child, seeing your favourite superhero on TV, thinking “Man, I want to be like him.”. Cosplay is a perfect change from my everyday life.

    3.What was your first cosplay?

    My first cosplay was Roxas from Kingdom Hearts 2. I really loved the game and had a friend who made Sora to go along with me. The cosplay was completely handsewn, since I didn’t have a sewing machine back then.

    4. Does your family support your cosplay?

    Yes, they support it. My grandpa is helping me with sawing out props, my dad often suggests new locations for photoshoots and my brother even cosplays with me from time to time.

    5. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?

    Back in 2009, when Abessinier , Maryru and me were cosplaying Sephiroth, Cloud and Zack together for the first time. Zack is the character I can identify myself with the most, I met my two best friends in that cosplay and we still cosplay it from time to time. Hanging out together, being in character, teasing each other – these are the best memories I connect with cosplay. ♥

    6. What are your 2011 cosplay plans?

    My plans are: Tidus from Final Fantasy X, Popuri from Harvest Moon, Noélle Bor from Trinity Blood, Alex Mercer from Prototype and Ezio Auditore da Firenze from Assassin’s Creed.

    7. If possible, which anime/manga/game do you want to cosplay most?

    I really want to cosplay “Ghost” from Call of Duty, but it’s too expensive for me at the moment. The weapons and equipment have to be authentic and I would have to buy most of it.

    8. Do you make costumes yourself or buy them?

    Usually I make everything myself, except when the character wears a pair of jeans or any other piece of clothing you can find in your closet. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s bought or not, it has to look original.

    9. Any other cosplayers you like?

    I have so many cosplayers I look up to, one of them is actually one of my best friends, Abessinier. I adore her cosplays so much, she looks amazing in every single one of them, no matter if it’s a girly cosplay or something manly like Dante, she can pull it off.

    Fev is also one of my favourite cosplayers, her craftmanship is epic and she is very nice and helpful.

    10. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?

    Of course! Before I started cosplaying, I was very shy and didn’t talk much to other people. Going to conventions, meeting people with similiar interests and getting compliments did really boost my confidence. Cosplay also motivates me to lose weight, nothing works better for me than knowing “I want to cosplay that revealing character next month? I should better work out a little.”

    11. Any advices you wanna share with cosplay newbies?

    Don’t be shy, ask for help! Most cosplayers are very nice and helpful. Be able to take constructive critisism and improve yourself, but don’t let you get down by flaming idiots.

    12. When will you stop cosplay ?

    As soon as I stop having fun.