Today Mary-Benihime Cosplay join in our cosplay interviews, share her cosplay story , thanks Mary~~
1.Introduce you first.
Hey guys! My name is Mary, but I go by Benihime in the cosplay world. I’m from Oklahoma, but I also frequent Texas
cons. I love comic books, manga, anime and playing video games. I’m also a HUGE fan of the super group CLAMP.
2. How did you get started in with cosplay, what was your first cosplay?
I actually put together a Harry Potter cosplay for the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire book release. Back then,
of course, I didn’t know it was called ‘cosplay’, I just called it dressing up. My first experience with anime and manga
came when I started working at Waldenbooks. A coworker was a huge fan, and also cosplayed. She took me to my first anime convention-anime fest (which is in Dallas, Texas), and I’ve never looked back!
3.What has been your favourite cosplay?
Oh man, such a hard question! But I have to say even though it’s so cumbersome to wear, I’d have to say Hana.
That’s the ONLY cosplay that I’ve actually remade and put 6 months into it. I feel like a princess in that outfit,
and I get to tell people about Gate 7 when people stop and talk to me. It’s super hard to walk around in that thing
(especially if I wear the correct shoes), but I do love that costume.
4. Describe your creative process for starting a costume through completion!
I start with an image. Normally it’s one that I already have, but sometimes I’ll happen upon a new image and go
with that one instead. Then I break down each area, figuring out what fabrics to use, patterns and other things
like trim, fabric paint, figuring out the wig and then how I would go about doing the makeup. The hardest part for me
is trying to find the right fabric because I live in a town that only has Joanns and hobby lobby to shop for, so frequently
I’ll have to look online to get fabrics. I’ll usually order things over a couple of months peroid and slowly start working
on everything until completion!
5. What is the biggest learning curve you have learned about the hobby in the past years?
Armor! My latest project is my first big armor project. I recently ordered some sintra that I’ve been working with.
So far it’s definitely been a learning process, especially since I’m really impatient! Fabric dying and painting fabric
is another thing I have learned. I will never use any other fabric paint besides Jacquard anymore!
6. Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?
Remember that this is a hobby, and have fun. Also, don’t be afraid to ask, but remember that
the information on how to sew, dye and style wigs is out there, you just need to look for it!
7. “Cosplay is Not Consent” (click to check the article),how do you think about this issue?any suggestion?
I think it’s a great idea to have that out there. I, personally, have not had to deal with this at cons scenes, but
I know friends have, and I know it’s a problem. People need to remember that cosplayers are NOT there for your enjoyment,
and they are actually people. I think more cons should have this posted in their program books and around the con.
8. Lastly, what is your con schedule looking like through 2013?
For sure right now I have scheduled: Anime Matsuri (houston), A-kon (Dallas), Tokyo in Tulsa (Tulsa, OK), and either
Animefest (Dallas) or Oni-con (in Houston).