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!! ^_~