Cosplayer Interview – MichikoKojima

Tohru Cosplay

American girl, MichikoKojima, whose Adventure Time Fionna cosplay hat making tutorials was found by us yesterday, accepts our interview today. Actually, I do love many cosplay works created by her. All of them can be seen in her Deviantart gallery. Except stunning cosplay pictures, her cosplay tutorials do help most cosplay fans. Now, focus on this interview, to know more about MichikoKojima.

1. Please introduce yourself first.

My name is Alisha Klein. I am 21 Years old and my cosplay name is Michiko Kojima or just Michiko for short.

2. What does cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay is a way of expressing myself. In my normal daily life I can’t always act like the silly goofy person that I am. Cosplay is the ultimate way for me to be who ever and whatever I want regardless of age, gender and skin color.

Bluebell Cosplay

3. What and when was your first cosplay?

My first Cosplay was Kagamine Rin from Vocaloid. I wore that costume to my first ever convention (Anime Detour) in 2009.

4. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?

My first photo shoot at Anime Detour 2009. I was sooo nervous but I was still able to make some new friends and enjoy myself. It was a large group of vocaloid cosplayers. They were all so inviting and friendly to me and my friends. I will never forget all the laughs and silly poses.

5. What’s your favorite photo shoot?

I finally was able to get my cosplay group to do a photo shoot this past summer. We were in our Eeveelution cosplays. The costumes were very quickly thrown together not much time was put in but the photos that I got were still amazing in their own way. Photo shoots with your friends are always the best ones.

haruhi suzumiya cosplay

6. What’s your favorite anime/manga/game character to cosplay as?

For along time now I’ve loved cosplaying Tohru Honda from Fruits Basket. I didn’t make the costume myself but I still felt so comfortable in the costume and as the character. There is something so sweet and simple about the character that I enjoy.

7. Any cosplay plan in future?

I have a long list of costumes that I would love to make, but currently I’m working on Fionna The Human from Adventure Time and Serah Farron from Final Fantasy 13.

8. Do you make your costumes yourself or buy them?

I have purchased many costumes but I am now working on making them myself. Sewing is a lot of work but at the same time when you finish a costume and put it on for the first time you feel so good about what you’ve created.

K-ON Tsumugi Cosplay

9. Any other cosplayers you like?

I look up to a lot of other cosplayers I truly don’t like to pick and choose between them though. especially when my list of awesome cosplayers keeps growing every day. I know this means I’m avoiding the question but I honestly find something great in every cosplayer I see.

10. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?

I wish I could understand this question better. I guess you could say that I find I’m happier after I cosplay. I feel like I’ve done something that I myself am proud of. I cosplay for myself and for my own enjoyment so I always feel good about my work even if I made some mistakes.

11. Any advice you wanna share with cosplay newbies?

I myself am still a cosplay newbie, so to all those other newbies out there just have fun! Don’t cosplay to be cool or well known. Do it because you love it! It doesn’t matter if you make the costume yourself or if you buy it. If your having fun that’s all that matters!

Cosplayer Interview – Mishi-ko

Emeraude Hime Cosplay

While finding Mishi-ko’s Final Fantasy IV Rydia of the Mist cosplay, I felt really confused, because I don’t know which photo should be selected. All of them drew my attention since the first glimpse. And the cosplay girl does seem irresistibly appealing with that exotic costume. Today, this Peruvian cosplay talent accepts our cosplayer interview. She shares us her cosplay experience here. To detect some finishing touches for your own cosplay performance, don’t be hesitant to stop to take a look at what she says below :P.

1. Please introduce yourself first.

Hi! My name is Susan Escalante, also known as Mishiko in DeviantArt. I’m a Peruvian cosplayer since 3-4 years ago. I’m studying communications, marketing and graphic desing at Lima’s university and IPAD. I also have radio show about cosplay named “Cosplay Time!” in Fan-Radio.com

2. What does cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay means to me a lot of things, like creativity, perseverance, confidence, teamwork, and much love for your favorite characters.

Hatsune Miku Cosplay

3. What and when was your first cosplay?

My first cosplay was Dejiko from DigiCharat 3-4 years ago at Todaiji’s Xmas Party.

4. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?

I think the first time when I went with my friends to a cosplay party. I went as Dejiko from Digicharat and I was very nervous. People started to take a lot of photos with me and they told me that they liked my cosplay. My friends and I decided to participate in the cosplay contest, and I won the First Place :). I was very happy and I would like to “remake” my Dejiko’s cosplay ^w^ as soon as i can because I have better knowledge of how to do it better.

5. What’s your favorite photo shoot?

I think Rydia’s photo shoot with my mom, it was in my house. I like to do photoshoots with her. She is very patient and works hard to get the best pictures.

Chii Cosplay

6. What’s your favorite anime/manga/game character to cosplay as?

I love all my cosplays, but if I have to choose one, i think it will be Rydia from Final Fantasy IV.

7. Any cosplay plan in future?

I have a lot of future plans like Princess Zelda from Zelda: Twilight Princess and Amy Sorel from Soul Calibur IV. Also you can know more of my future plans in my cosplay blog.

8. Do you make your costumes yourself or buy them?

I make my costumes myself, also my aunt and my mom help me with them. I only buy wigs at ebay 🙂

Rydia of the Mist Cosplay

9. Any other cosplayers you like?

I like a lot of cosplayers like Francesca Dani, Yukigodbless, jiagold, Jiakidarkness, LennethXVII, Sbabby.

10. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?

I used to be so shy and now I think I have become more confident with myself since I started “cosplaying”. If I want to do something, I know I can go through with it if I just put all of me. Btw, I met my best friends and I love have fun with them.

11. Any advice you wanna share with cosplay newbies?

Make the cosplay that you want to do. The most important thing is to be comfortable wearing the costume and don’t forget cosplay is for fun! If you have some friends that they would like to cosplay any character, join with them and do cosplay together, I think is more fun if you do it with your friends. Also every cosplay is a new set of challenges and you always learn something new!!

Cosplayer Interview – Sherry Lu

Most people have been inspired by information shared by excellent cosplayers’ interview content. Today, Sherry Lu also joined in. You may have known her before because of numerous wonderful works made by her. Living in the Usagi-san’s apartment at present, she has a wide interest, such as cosplay, anime, oriental world, music and the common favor for the vast majority of girls – fashion. As an outstanding cosplayer, her favorite games are Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy. Cartoon characters like Misaki Takahashi, Rin, RankaLee, Tsuna, Oz, Ritsuka and Ciel are found in her favorite role list. Okay, let’s focus on her interview below now.

1. Please introduce yourself first.

Hi to all! X3 I’m an Italian Cosplayer and my real name is Lydia, but everyone knows me with the name SherryLu! I hope you enjoy my interview and that there may be helpful > w <

2. What does cosplay mean to you?

Being a cosplayer in my opinion is above all fun! It’s a wonderful hobby that allows you to meet many friends with your own passions! And it’s nice every now unplug from reality! =)

3. What and when was your first cosplay?

My first cosplay was Kairi from Kingdom Hearts II to the Romics 2007! In the future I will report certainly this cosplay, because I love KH and I love Kairi so much!

4. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?

The most memorable cosplay experience was when I participated in an Cosplay contest with the largest group of Kingdom Hearts! It was so much fun and I met so many people!

5. What’s your favorite photo shoot?

My favorite photo shoot in this moment is this preview of Rei Ayanami, because briefly There will be a fair that will take her in pairs with my friend!

6. Does your family support your cosplay?

Yes! In fact, my mother taught me to sew! *w* And my older brother introduced me to the manga when I was tiny! x3

7. Any cosplay plan in future?

I have many plans for the future about cosplay!! (and you’ll soon see in my photos on Facebook and DA! )

8. Do you make your costumes yourself or buy them?

I sew all my costumes and I make Accessories and weapons ! (when I put the photo of my recent cosplay of Fleurette from Dragon Quest Swords you will see one of my creations! 😉

9. Any other cosplayers you like?

Regarding the cosplay in Italy my favorite cosplayer is Francesca Dani. I love his style and his photos! For cosplay in the world I love so much Kipi!! I’d like to be good as she!

10. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?

10. I haven’t had many changes after cosplay (except for less money! XD) , I am always been sociable , solar and cheerful and the cosplay has expanded the my way of being!

11. Any advice you wanna share with cosplay newbies?

An advice for cosplay newbies is do cosplay for fun! Do not underestimate the cosplay, because it’s a wonderful hobby where you can learn a lot! ^-^

Cosplayer Interview – Hyuu-Fai

Today, we found Hyuu-Fai – a 19-year-old Canadian boy and we’re glad he accepted our cosplayer interview. Also known as Nikki Lord Vandergaga, he is interested in fashion, expression, art (all forms), cosplay, Lady Gaga, Anime oh and men. He expects to be a fashion designer. But below, Hyuu-Fai shares us with something interesting and helpful about cosplay. Now, let’s take a look.

1. Please introduce yourself first.

I am Hyuu-Fai, a 19 year old cosplayer from Canada. I am a guy and I sew (because real men can sew) and pretty much do nothing else (aside from working at a fabric store).

2. What does cosplay mean to you?

To me, cosplay is a challenge – the challenge of taking a lie, woven out of someone’s wild imagination, and bringing it to life. It is a full package (costume, make-up and acting the role) so that in photos it looks like whomever I am cosplaying as alive through me.

3. What and when was your first cosplay?

My first cosplay was Fai d. Flowright from Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles – which I did 5 years ago now.

4. Does your family support your cosplay?

They do to an extent. I am sure they wish I was working on other things sometimes, however they have never been judgemental in anyway and always try to support me if they can. My mom was the one who first taught me to sew, years ago, and my dad has taught me armor crafting techniques (mold making, vacuum forming, airbrushing, etc.)

5. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?

This year I got the chance to go to Fanime con in California. Having only been to small Canadian cons, Fanime itself was such an amazing experience, but by far the most memorable part was meeting and hanging out with the Final Fantasy 7 cosplay group “CodeVII”.

6. Any other cosplay plan in 2011?

Of course! Firstly I want to get good pics of my 18’th Century France (APH) and my Mytho (from Princess Tutu) cosplays up. Then this summer I will also be premiering my Bartz cosplay (Dissidia outfit) and my Xth form Endrance cosplay (.hack/link). For both of these costumes I have also been working on collaborating costumes from the same series that will be worn by other cosplayers who will be joining me for photos.

7. Do you make your costumes yourself or buy them?

Are you kidding?!? I am very proud to say that I make all of my costumes. Sometimes if I am finding a weapon exceptionally difficult, I will ask for help or commission it. However every piece of apparel, accessory and armor is done by yours truly.

8. Any other cosplayer you like?

I see so much beautiful work done by other cosplayers, if I listed all the ones I like this interview would get far too long. However, when it comes to cosplayers whom I truly idolize and are special to me, the other members of “CodeVII” take the cake.

9. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?

Well other than the huge change in my bank account (cosplay hard, die poor), I think with every cosplay I make, my skills at sewing and crafting grow- there is so much to learn and I find cosplay really pushes me to my limits. Cosplays really are a lot of work, and I always put 110% into each costume. However it is always worthwhile because of the compliments I get in person and on DevArt.

10. Any advice you wanna share with cosplay newbies?

Remember that cosplaying is a whole package, a large portion of that is costume, make up (yes I am talking to you boys) and attitude (capturing the character’s personality for pictures), but the biggest part of it is having fun and CONFIDENCE. Be proud of what you create and how you look and don’t let anyone steal that away from you.

Cosplayer Interviews – Flytrap-Hell

This is Flytrap-Hell, a Finnish girl who is an anthro artist. In her words, she joined in Deviantart to participate in contests, show her artwork to the world and then become a better artist, sounding really ambitious, XD. Having a wide interest on horror, art, anime, cosplay (lots of stunning performances have been shown), etc, Flytrap-Hell especially loves Nightmare Before Christmas and Moulin Rouge.

Today, Flytrap-Hell joined in our cosplay interview to share us her cosplay experience. Thanks, Flytrap-Hell, XD. Now, let’s take a look at the detailed interview content.

1.Please Introduce yourself first?
Hi there everyone! I’m Lisa, but around the internet I’m called Amira. I’m 18-year-old girl from Finland and you might already guess that I’m all grazy over crafts, sewing and cartoons.

2.What does cosplay mean to you?
For me cosplay means to be someone else for a moment and show your skills in crafts. A new cosplay is always a new challenge!

3.What was your first cosplay?
I’m embarassed to admit that it was Haruno Sakura from Naruto, made and cosplayed on 2006. It wasn’t that great costume (okay, it was bad! XD) but I had really much fun at the con I was wearing it.

4.Does your family supports your cosplay?
At first my mother saw it as a really embarassing thing, but she has always been my sponsor and given me tips and opinions how I should do some things.

5. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?
Hmm… This is a tricky one. What would be my most memorable cosplay experience…. I guess it’s from the last summer (2010), when we had our “human version” Team Chaotix group (from Sonic the Hedgehog). We were trying to stay in character around the con, but it was really hard for me since I was cosplaying Espio, a really serious ninja, while the others were making jokes and fooling around.

6. What are your 2011 cosplay plans?
Well on the 15th of June I’m going to travel to USA to my boyfriends place and we’re going to go to ConnectiCon together. And of course this kind of cosplay freak will cosplay! Me and my boyfriend chose pretty childish series and we will be characters from Pokemon and Digimon.

7.Do you make your costumes yourself or buy them ?
By myself of course! I think that’s half of the point of the cosplay and it’s also half of the fun! I usually find all kinds of useful items from flea markets, like shoes, which I can use in my costumes after a small modification.

8. Any other cosplayers you like?
A lot! From DA I could give some examples…
DaKyu. She’s a close friend of mine and I just adore the photoshoot pictures she gets from her cosplay. She also does really detailed cosplay!
Jamberrii. She and her boyfriend have marvellous Sonic the Hedgehog human cosplays.
Kaksoset89. These two girls do amazing bodypainting, but also great cosplays.

9. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?
Well of course during these years I have cosplayed I have learned a lot more about sewing and crafts. But after individual cosplays I usually get a terrible urge to start many new cosplay projects, since I have met new people and seen awsome costumes in a con where I was wearing my cosplay.

10. Any advices you wanna share with cosplay newbies?
My advice would be that don’t worry if your first costume doesn’t look that great! The most important thing is to have fun! Also, don’t try to do too complicated costume as your first cosplay. Human versions from different characters are a great way to start, since you can pretty much desing the costume by yourself, but still stay faitful to the original creature.