Valkyria Chronicles Selvaria Bles cosplay, done by Onpaperwings, was found by us before. It’s a stunning performance, certainly :). What more delights us is this cosplay talent accepts our interview here. Before starting the interview, you are strongly recommended to pay a visit to her gallery. I most like her Selvaria Bles cosplay. But except this one, many others also seem breathtaking. Don’t forget to take a look. Now, focus on the interview.
Q. Please introduce yourself first.
Hi, I’m Crystal Graziano from California. I grew up playing video games, which led to my interests in anime and comics. I first really discovered cosplaying at San Diego Comic Con, and I’ve been hooked ever since!
Q. What does cosplay mean to you?
For me, cosplay is a way to show my enthusiasm for a character or series, connect with other fans, and be creative all at once! I’ve really enjoyed making friends in this hobby who have the same interests; it’s definitely been the most rewarding aspect! On top of that, there is something very rewarding about wearing something I’ve made myself.
Q. What and when was your first cosplay?
I first cosplayed in 2005 as Aeris from FF7. It was just a “closet cosplay” put together from things that vaguely looked like her outfit, but I still had a fantastic time! I got hooked and eventually started to try to make costumes that actually look good, haha.
Q. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?
In 2010, Hideo Kojima selected me to fly to Tokyo Game Show to participate in a Konami cosplay contest there. It was a once in a lifetime experience! Not only did I get to meet with the creators of one of my favorite game series, I got to explore a foreign country and make friends with Japanese cosplayers. It’s hard to beat that!
Q. What’s your favorite photo shoot?
Definitely my Laughing Octopus photoshoot with Eric Ng of www.bigwhitebazooka.com. It was a last minute thing, so we did it in his hotel room. I was posing on top of a dresser, in the shower, and all kinds of weird places, it was pretty funny. Still, the photos turned out great!
Q. What’s your favorite anime/manga/game character to cosplay as?
It’s really hard to say, as I enjoy all of them! Either 1942 Cammy, since it’s really comfortable to wear, or Selvaria Bles from Valkyria Chronicles, since the costume looks pretty cool.
Q. Any cosplay plan in future?
Lots! I’m currently making Black Widow from the Marvel Comics for this weekend, but I’ve got Venus from Metal Gear Ac!d 2, Klan from Macross Frontier, Ivy from Soul Calibur V, Raiden from Metal Gear Solid 4, and Risty from Queen’s Blade planned for the coming year, among others.
Q. Do you make your costumes yourself or buy them?
I make my own costumes. There’s nothing wrong with buying costumes if you give proper credit, but I personally enjoy the challenge.
Q. Any other cosplayers you like?
Omi Gibson and Jiro in Japan are my cosplay idols, haha! They are both very good at what they do, as well as pulling off a variety of characters. Stateside, I’m a big fan of Yaya Han. She’s a deservedly a well-respected member of the cosplay community here, and she makes some of the most beautiful costumes. Harrison Krix of Volpin Props is also amazing and makes fantastic quality props and armor. I really admire his construction.
Q. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?
It certainly promotes a drive to just create, create, create! It’s also a great way to come out of your shell if you’re shy, because you meet so many people through it. Other than that, the only changes you’ll notice after cosplaying is bits of fabric and thread all over your house!
Q. Any advice you wanna share with cosplay newbies?
If you aren’t happy with a piece of your costume, remake it until you feel confident about it! And most importantly, have fun!
