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the cosplay corner

TCC - Alex Drastal

29/4/2019

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​Introduce yourself.

My names Alex Drastal, I'm from San Diego California and I currently reside in LA. I currently do Cosplay and acting for a living.

What made you start cosplaying? And how long have you been into it?

I've wanted to cosplay since I was a kid and I wore costumes all the time and even to cons but it was usually my Halloween costume. My GF got me into cosplaying last year, because she did it and finally gave me a great excuse to start for real.

What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself?

I try to take characters I see and bring them into the real world so I tray and make them as live action as possible. But I also do silly stuff and things but I try to be very much if you were to see a live action version I wanna make that.

Do you find things about the characters you cosplay that are similar to yourself?

I do and don't I've done characters much like me and others very much not I will say I try to do characters that i look like or that I can make my self look like. for example I don't usually try to do younger characters because I'm almost 30, so usually I try to do the older or mid age characters unless its a Genderbend, then stuff is more interpretational.

Where do you find inspiration for your original characters?

Original characters are usually I find a fabulous garment on sale at a thrift store or something and I build a character around that one item. It's usually a coat or something that's a big part of the outfit, but it could also be a hat or anything really. I just like being creative, but sometimes the hardest point is finding a theme or a place to start, but once I do then I just go for it haha.

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What is your fav cosplay project? Why?
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Stain was my favorite because it was the first cosplay I pretty much made all of it and my GF helped a little. It's also one of my favorite characters and one of my most popular cosplays.

Do you think it's important to be "in character"?

I like to be, but I'm never always in it I go in and out. I like doing it because it not only makes you look more like the character but I think people love to see their favorite characters come to life. Also I love being characters and it's a great acting tool. But I don't think its necessary to cosplay its just what I like.

What cosplays are you planning on doing (or redoing) in the future?

God this list is forever changing haha stuff I think I'm gonna do I don't and others come out of now where and I do them. I do want to do more DBZ, My Hero, and Disney as well as much more well just have to see what end up coming out first 😛

Are there any cosplayers that you really admire?

I admire  Leon Chiro, the man's always working and loves his fans and really does what he can to make them happy and makes people smile wherever he goes and that's what I wanna do.

Have you learned more about yourself since you started cosplaying? If you have, what did you learn?

I learned that I can stay up for 3 days before I need sleep working on some last minute cosplays before a con.

Homemade cosplay or bought/commissioned cosplay?
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I prefer to make as much as I can some things you gotta buy but then you re purpose. Plenty of people buy stuff and that's ok, it's just my preference to make stuff. It makes me feel more accomplished. Commissioning is great too, because it supports other creators. 

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​How are your photoshoots organized and set up? Do you work with many photographers, or only a few in particular?

I usually work with a few that I know because they are consistent and they know what kind of shots i like. But I do occasionally get cool random shots from cons and stuff.

Besides cosplaying, what do you like doing most in real life?

I love playing D&D and doing real life Sword fighting.

Favorite book and/or movie?

favorite movie is "Kingdom of heaven", favorite book is the third "Lord of the rings".

What's your workout routine?

Honestly its never the same I change things up all the time but I do a lot of lifting and circuit training.

Short message to our readers.

Just that you're never to old, fat skinny unskilled or whatever thing you think is preventing you from cosplay to Cosplay. Anyone can do it and its all about fun. Some of us do it for a living and that's a little different because I have to please an audience not only my self. Cosplay is about fun and being a character you love, so as long as you like what you're wearing and think it's cool then you don't need the approval of anyone else. Don't judge your cosplay on how many likes you get, judge it on how many people you made smile while in it and how much fun you your self had wearing it!

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TCC - Willow Creative

22/3/2019

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Introduce yourself.

Hi! I’m Willow Creative, a cosplayer and digital artist from the Netherlands. My daily occupation is making cosplay for myself and others, and I’m graduating in Game Art at university.
 
What made you wake up one day and decide that you wanted to try your hand at Cosplay?

Back in highschool, one of my highschool friends invited me to join him for a renaissance fair. It’s one of the biggest renaissance and fantasy fairs in the Netherlands called Elfia, and I think more than 75% of the visitors are dressed up in some way or another. I felt out of place, and I wanted to make my own costumes too! My continued visits to this event were of course in my first costumes.

What was your last convention?

I just got back from the Facts convention in Belgium! It’s a comic-con style convention with lots of attention to cosplay and gaming as well.

What is your most expensive cosplay project?

My most expensive project was Nex from last year. I had to experiment with a lot of electronics to get the wings working, the feathers took more than 16 yards of fabric, the mask is 3d printed that I bought a 3d printer for, and the armor is made out of worbla.

What materials do you usually use to make your costumes?

My favorite materials are eva foam and 3D print. I like working with both of them and both have their own purposes or suitability in different situations.

What's your favorite cosplay that you have done already?
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My favorite cosplay was my Demon hunter i started making 2 years ago. It was my biggest and most difficult costume at the time, and i’ve improved and changed a lot to it. It was also my first costume with large animatronic wings, which took a lot of time to develop and build into a working prototype. But it was still great and comfortable to wear, and I’ve had some amazing pictures made of it, and won competitions with it that made me really proud.

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When approaching a cosplay, what are some Do’s and Dont’s?

You need to have confidence in your skill or ability to learn! If you’re not confident about your project, you will not have any faith into completing it and you’ll never enjoy making it.

What are the three most essential things to have with you when cosplaying at a convention?
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Glue, painkillers and water!

Where did you learn how to make/craft props?

Back in middle school, I picked arts for my curriculum. They also taught you a lot about woodworking, paper mache and papercraft and soldering which helped me a lot. I started with paper mache for my first costumes, and later learned more about cosplay materials through following other cosplayers!

When it comes to props: the bigger the better or it’s more about the details and functionality?

I love large props! But I always pay attention to every necessary detail that the reference provides. I love adding mechanics to my props to make them look like they work too. And of course it’s important to make them durable but lightweight.

Give us some basic crafting tips.

Make sure you being with a great crafting plan, break your project apart in parts, sketches and notes. List what materials you need and what kind of approach you want to take for each part.

How can 3D printing be used in cosplay?

3D printing is getting very popular in crafting, it’s amazing for symmetrical shapes, details, complicated shapes and durability. However it can get quite heavy and break when you drop 3d printed props. And of course, you need a 3D design which is an entire skill in itself if you want to do it yourself! It’s important to weigh out the advantages and disadvantages for the project you want to use it for, and consider other options. A 3d print requires a lot of time to make and refine, you should not just paint it straight out of the printer.

Besides cosplay, what are your other interests?

I do some gaming, and I like collecting merch occasionally. Cosplay takes up 90% of my free time however! There’s so many more things i’d like to try out if I had more time and energy.

Send a short message to our readers.

Interested in doing cosplay? Go out to conventions, speak to cosplayers and make pictures, follow cosplayers online and learn about their craft, and don’t be afraid to experiment! You will fail, but don’t let it bring you down. Get feedback, be your own critic and keep going!

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Photoshoots and commissions: info@willow-creative.nl
Featured photos by: J. Grootes, Miradel, J. Wolf, VincentLee, J. Weimar, PGB, T. Schmelzer 
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TCC - LADY ANGIE

23/2/2019

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​Introduce yourself.
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Hi everyone, I'm Angela. I am 25 and I live in Florence, Italy where I study architecture. This is my last year and I'll do my graduation research in Japan, hopefully I'll find some work there as well.

What made you start cosplaying? And how long have you been into it?

I started cosplaying in 2011. I used to visit some local cons and every time I was amazed by people interpreting their favourite characters, so I started too. I took some pauses, due to university, but I'm still into it!

What was the first cosplay outfit you designed?

The very first was Nurse Akali from League of Legends. I just had a nurse outfit, but I did the giant axes on my own, very proud!
The second one was Nidalee, actually it was my very first handmade costume. Many people loved the accuracy of it, so I'm very happy and I also did some events with it.


Why do you cosplay?
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I do cosplay to give life to my dreams, express my creativity with makeup, styling and costumes, but mostly to have fun with my friends. 

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​What's your favourite cosplay that you have done already?

I would say Shuten Douji because the kimonos are original: I bought them in Kyoto and they are so special to me, I also enjoyed crafting the horns.
Also the very last one, Tamamo no Mae, because I made a big fluffy tail and ears by myself and I'm very proud of them.


What’s easier - to cosplay Japanese or Western characters?

Well I think it's a tie: I have western physics features but I loove Japan so much, so I try my best to achieve the Asian look studying the makeup and the traditions.

Which one is more important: the costume itself or how its presented?

I think both are important: I'm a perfectionist so I put soo much attention in the small details, but I also love good photography to give life to my works.

Name an anime/game/movie that has influenced you in real life. How?

Sailor moon was my favourite when I was young, especially sailor Mars is so me, anyhow I would say Evangelion. It has a deep philosophical meaning and I love getting lost in my thoughts when I watch it.

If you could have the power of any fictional character, whose power would you choose? Why?

I've thought about this so many times, but still can't find a decent answer. Maybe cat powers like catwoman or the ability to fly. Not a big deal, I'm satisfied with my human life.

Tell us about the conventions in your country.
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Cosplay has become very popular in the last years, so many cons  are born in a few time. The biggest one is Lucca Comics and games, is the second biggest con in the world, only after Tokyo comiket.

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Besides cosplay, what are your other interests?

I study architecture, so of course this is my main interest, then art in general and music. I love going to exhibitions and concerts, also makeup and fashion. I love anything about creativity. Oh, and cats, I'm a true cat lady.

Favorite male and female gaming character?

Oh well I have so many, it depends on my mood. Genji from Overwatch is surely one: I love the design, his story and the general mood, they blended so well traditional Japanese culture with robots, The oni skin is to die for! For women I would say Ahri from LOL, Morgana and D. Va, but also Shuten Douji is a perfect waifu.

Short message to our readers.
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Thank you so much for reading this! I'm always happy to tell my story, I hope you liked it and that made you smile ❤ Follow me on my Instagram if you like my cosplays!


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TCC - Hannah Éva Cosplay

25/1/2019

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​Introduce yourself.

Hi, I’m Hannah Éva. I am a full time cosplayer originally from Minneapolis and based in the Midwestern United States.

How and why did you start cosplaying?

I’ve been a fan of costumes and dressing up all my life, but I had never heard of cosplaying until I attended my first convention in 2014, and I immediately fell in love with the culture, and knew it was something I had to try.

Where do you find inspiration? 

This is a tough question for me to explain. Most of my inspiration appears randomly in my head when I look at a character or thing, but I think a lot of it comes from me wanting to make something beautiful, and for me to prove to myself that I can make that happen.

How many costumes do you have, which one is your favorite?

My favorite costume that I have is my Princess Zelda from Breath of the Wild royal gown, because I feel very confident when I wear it, and I’m very proud of the work I did. So far, I have created about 10 costumes.

You’ve won many awards, which one of them is the most memorable for you?

My most memorable award is the gold medal I received in the National Scholastics Art and Writing Awards that I received for my photography. This was very memorable for me, because I accepted the award at Carnegie Hall in New York City. As for cosplay awards, my most memorable was the first one I won as Elsa, because it was for my first cosplay I created, so it made me feel like I was doing something right as I was just starting out my career.

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Which one of your costumes took the most time to make? 

Technically my Elsa cosplay took the longest (about half a year) because I was very new to sewing and making costumes. However, now that I am more familiar with making costumes, the costume that took the longest is my Zelda dress. That took about 2 months of non stop work, and I’m still to this day making changes and updating my design.

Tell us about the conventions in your country.

I haven’t had the privilege of attending many conventions, but from what I’ve seen, people are very friendly and welcoming in the community, and everyone has a lot of fun.

Share a funny story/fail from a convention.

Well one time I forgot to pack normal clothes when I attended a convention, which normally would be fine, but my friends wanted to go out to dinner afterwards, and unfortunately I couldn’t really sit in my costume, so I had to awkwardly shop for clothes dressed head to toe in my cosplay. I’ve definitely learned from this incident.

How did you learn to sew?

I learned how to sew while I was in the hospital. It was taught to me as a form of therapy.

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​Favorite Disney character? 

No surprise, but it’s Elsa. I just feel a strong emotional connection to her. Although my favorite movie and Disney Princess is Cinderella.

What's you New Year's resolution?

My New Year’s resolution is to finally set up my sewing room. I’ve lived in my house for 4 years, and I’m tired of working out of boxes. I’m excited to finally have a space just for my costumes.

Planned cosplays for 2019?

I have a lot of ideas, and I will have to see how the year goes, but my goal is to make all of Princess Zelda’s outfits from Breath of the Wild.

What are you looking forward to in 2019?

There’s a lot of movies I’m really excited for this year, although I know it’s just going to end up as more cosplay work for me to do.

Send a short message to our readers.

If you’ve never given cosplay a chance, try it! It helps to start with something simple, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!

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TCC - Roxace Cosplay

23/10/2018

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​Introduce yourself. 

Hello! My name is Lara and I'm a cosplayer from Belgium! I'm currently a student in Computer Graphics, nice to meet you :) 

How and when did you start cosplaying?

I've always been a creative person, at the beginning ( 2014-2015 ) I was into Steampunk but I rapidly figured out it wasn't for me at all I was more into colourful, video games related costumes ... yeah it's pretty much cosplay, right ? So I quickly became addict! I then wore my first cosplay, Jinx, at the Made in Asia in Brussels. (2016) 

What was you first cosplay? Why did you choose that character?

My first cosplay was Jinx! I choose this character because, first I completely love her, it was my first main ever in lol. I love her personality because it really suits mine too (except that I don't kill people lol) end her design is bomb! And second, my figure is almost the same as her, I'm really pale and thin so I was told many many times for both reasons that I needed to do her and it was a pleasure to do so!  

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​Are you currently working on some costume? If not, what is the next cosplay you are planning?

I'm currently working on Xayah and then I will do Rakan for my boyfriend, it will be his first time cosplaying so we are very excited, maybe I'm more excited than him actually lol. 

Where do you find inspiration? 

In video games pretty much! 

How many costumes do you have, which one is your favourite?

I think I own 5 cosplays but I wouldn't be able to choose my favorite! 

How do you balance between your life as a cosplayer and your everyday routine?

I don't balance anything. I'm actually dying under all my everyday work lmao. 

What makes your cosplay style unique?

I don't know ahah, I’m still a beginner, and I don't think I have a "unique style". Maybe my endless capacity to generate derp faces at will! 

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​Tell us about the conventions in your country.

Belgians are pretty small compared to Frenchs or Germans, I wish I would be able to go there but money is really a problem when you are a student. 

Share a funny story from a convention.

Oh I have a lot, I usually go with a group of very good friends I wouldn't be able to count how many funny stories we lived! Basically I don't take myself or the cosplay world too seriously and I have tons of fun! 

5 things you like and 5 you hate.

Things I like: Gnocchis, cats, gnocchis, spinach, food!
Things I hate: Cauliflowers ewww, when someone touches my nose (don’t do that.), loud noises, fake people and whining people


Top 5 games.

1. League of Legends
2. Elder Scrolls series
3. World of Warcraft Vanilla
4. I love Overwatch but I can't play, my computer is freezing the game :( 
5. The Witcher 3


Favorite Lol champion and skin?

Odyssey Jinx! 

Send a short message to our readers.

Hi guys! Thank you for reading this interview, I hope you liked it! :)

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TCC - NipahDUBS

16/10/2018

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Introduce yourself.

My name is NIpah and I live in Illinois, cosplay is currently my full-time job! I do commission work and tutorials/content for patreon.

When did you start cosplaying?

I started cosplaying eight years ago! I have been doing this ever since 2010.

How many costumes do you have, which one(s) is(are) your favorite(s)?

I have well over one hundred completed cosplays! My favorites are probably my Kingdom Hearts ones.

Where do you find inspiration? 

I find inspiration from various places, sometimes it's a location around me that gives me an idea of a character where I could do a photoshoot at or maybe some fabrics that I come across that remind of a character I have been wanting to cosplay for years. And a lot of the times it is pure hype when a new design drops that I love.

What makes your cosplay style unique?

If I were to pick something unique about my cosplays it probably would be my wig work, I am very passionate about styling wigs and it is one of my favorite parts of cosplay in general!

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What's the best part of cosplay for you?

Aside from wigs I really do love photoshoots and editing photos, finding that perfect location for a character or even going as far as green screening and putting your cosplay in a setting custom for your cosplay!

How do you view yourself as a cosplayer?

I view myself as just another cosplayer, I don't view myself in very high regards. People think of me as cosplay famous but I don't see it as that. I just love what I do and have been fortunate to have people notice and like my work.

Which costume took most effort to make?

Probably Vanitas, I had to learn a lot of new techniques to make that cosplay. From sewing, foam work, prop making, wig styling, resin casting, painting, dying fabrics, molding and shaping PVC and quilt stitching! There was so much effort and love put into that cosplay.

What's easier - to cosplay Japanese or Western characters?

Western characters I think are easier, only because I feel that the makeup part is easier for me! I am not the best with makeup.

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​Are you currently working on some costume? 
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I am working on multiple cosplays! Two Disney cosplays, three Kingdom Hearts ones and three Halloween costumes! Gotta keep myself busy.
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Which one is more important: the costume itself or how it’s presented?

The costume itself is most important, for myself anyways. I like working with tiny details and adding my own twist on things when I can!

How do you balance between your life as a cosplayer and your everyday routine?

Cosplay is my main job so it is a little hard to separate it since I work where I live and do not leave the house much due to this but I try to give myself weekends off and to stop working once it gets late at night.

Can you name an anime/movie/game that has influenced you in real life?

It may be silly but Lilo and Stitch is a movie that greatly changed me, it showed that being weird isn't something to be ashamed off, that not everyone is going to like you for whatever reasons but so long as you like yourself then that is okay, how a family doesn't have to be just your blood relatives and they can just be a group of close friends. I could talk about this movie for days and days. Along with this Tangled and Kingdom Hearts greatly affected me as well.

Tell us about the conventions and cosplay society in your country.

Conventions here a very welcoming and lots of fun! The artist alley is definitely my favorite part of cons due to just getting to support and meet all these amazing artists. The cosplay community it just like any community, there can be drama but the people I have surrounded myself with are anything but that, they have shown me so much love and support and I can never thank them enough for how much love is shown to me, I truly am grateful to them.

Can you give us some basic wig styling tips?

The biggest thing to know about wig styling is how to use heat to your advantage, a little hairspray and a hairdryer can go a long way! You can make spikes, keep unruly parts of your wig in place and so much more.

Send a short message to our readers.

Never lose your individuality and always remember that when it comes to cosplay, there will be those who may try and put you down. At the end of the day though, if you like your work and are happy with what you have created then that is all that should matter. Move at your own pace and grow when you are ready to take that next step on your journey. Keep learning and keep moving forward.

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TCC - NiKcKu Cosplay

14/9/2018

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​Introduce yourself. 

My real name is Dominique. I´m a cosplayer from Germany and 27 years old.
I work fulltime in an office and I use cosplay as my colorful hobby next to this grey work.


How and when did you start cosplaying?

I started my education in Frankfurt am Main and so I met a really good friend. Her name is Nadine and she was since a long time in the Cosplayscene and so we wanted to visit the Frankfurt Bookfair together. I wore a selfdesigned Gothic Lolita and a normal school uniform. But at this weekend I saw so many different and colorful costumes – I wanted to do this, too!
After this we wanted to see the Leipzig Bookfair in 2010. There are so many more cosplayers. And here I wore my first selfmade cosplay: “Cait Sith” from “Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus”. It was difficult to put it on, because Nadine had to sew me into it.


What's the best part of cosplay for you? 

The best part is to find a new character you wanted to cosplay. Every time I´m so excited to start a new cosplay, but this euphoria is followed by the search for material and after that I'm always short on time for the con. 
Normaly I need much time till I start a cosplay, because of this „oh it´s enough time till the date“, but when I  finally started, I really love the progress and bringing all parts together. Painting is the best part for me. 
After a whole day of work you see what you have done and that´s so cool!
Wearing the costume for the first time is so amazing – everytime I feel so cool XD


Do you think it's important to be "in character"? 

Yes, but for me only if I do pictures or photoshootings. I don´t have to be in character while walking at a convention or talking to people.

Is cosplay a hobby you could see yourself doing in 10 years?
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Yes, but maybe not so much like now. I have no idea – what the next ten years will be.

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How do you view yourself as a cosplayer?

I´m this typical „I have enough time for a cosplay – let us start later – oh it´s only 3 days before the con – I have to hurry“-cosplayer. I know I have to change it, but I can´t.

Do you find things about the characters you cosplay that are similar to yourself? 
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Normaly not – I think. I cosplay the most time strong women with amazing strengths and so on. But I can say – they are mostly women – this is similar to me XD


Where do you find inspiration?

I really love Instagram-Storys which shows progress! I´m totally in love with progress pictures – they are so motivating and always an inspiration for the next costumes.
If I design a full new costume for me I search through my material and try to put things together. If I will redesign a character, which is already alive (from a book, movie, manga) I look at the pictures and try to find a way that other people will recognize the normal character in my creation.


Which costume is your favourite? 

My favorite cosplay is „Selene“ from „Underworld“. But I also like my cosplays from „Alice Abernathy“ from „Resident Evil“ and „Magdalena“ from the comics. They are three really badass characters. And of course my Qforce-armor from „Ratchet and Clank“.
I think there is not really THIS favorite costume, because I always love my armors and all other costumes I put together.
Of course „Moxxi“ from „Borderlands“ is such a cool costume or my „Bowser“.


Do you have any other hobbies, besides cosplay?
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I really like gaming. But the problem is – If I play a new game I always find a cosplay for me. So it´s not much time for gaming. Sometimes I go for a walk with my cat or meet friends.
I love to visit the cinema sometimes.

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​How do you find balance between your everyday routine (work, school, family etc.) and your life as a cosplayer?

There is not really a balance. I don´t work everyday at a cosplay for 2 or 3 hours (I know this would be much better than my way). It´s more like If I´m not working on a cosplay (there is no convention or photoshooting) I have the time for family, friends and housework but If I´m in the cosplay-stress-mode I don´t have time for sleep, eat, family or something other. I only go to work and work on the cosplay till it´s finished.

How much time a month do you spend on cosplay? (average)

I´m not sure, there are months with much conventions/photoshootings and some with normally no convention I visit. If there is a convention I work around two weeks on a cosplay (maximum), but normaly I put the whole armor in 9 or 10 days or do other cosplay within 4 days. So I think it´s okay to say 10 days.

Tell us 5 random facts about yourself.

I hate packing my suitcase so much – really I hate it.
My favorite food is roulade and dumplings. 
I cut the ass-hair of my Norwegian Forestcat „Camillo“.
If I was younger I had a crush on Vegeta and Kaiba.
I´m a really bad looser in a game. If I loose I hate my opposide or my team member.


Send a short message to our readers.

Thank you for reading the interview!
If you wanted to start with cosplay – just do it! It´s learning by doing. 
Or just – be your hero!
If you have questions – ask me – I will try to answer all of them.
If you are interested in the scene – check out the conventions in your area and talk with the cosplayers – we are a really friendly community.

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TCC - Peekaboo Cosplay

20/8/2018

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​Introduce yourself. 

I'm Peekaboo! I'm a Canadian cosplayer, you can find me at conventions around southern Ontario and Quebec. When I'm not spending far too much time building costumes, I'm studying. I've just finished a degree and am starting a specialization program in my field this fall. 

How and when did you start cosplaying?

I developed some health issues in 2013 and had to take time off from school. I needed something to keep my hands busy, Ottawa Comic Con was 4 months away, and I had a 1982 Pfaff at my disposal. My mum taught me the basics of choosing fabrics, using a sewing machine, and reading patterns. Everything else I've learned through friends in my local cosplay community and online! Facebook groups are also super helpful for troubleshooting. 

Why do you cosplay?

I've always been a creative soul. Throughout my childhood I went through phases of wanting to be a hair stylist, graphic designer, makeup artist, painter, seamstress - and I get to be all of those things with cosplay. 

While some people choose their costumes by their love of the characters, I choose by design. I pick a particularly challenging piece that I want to try and work around that - a pair of antlers, wings, a ballgown, a breastplate, etc. I enjoy creating original designs and characters more than replicating characters. 


What's the most important part of cosplay for you? 

The community. As much as I love the craftsmanship, there wouldn't be much point if I had no one to share it with. There are a few events local to me that I would like to get involved with, and I'm specifically designing a family-friendly character to volunteer at these events - she will still be a badass, powerful lady, but with pants. 

Is cosplay a hobby you could see yourself doing in 10 years?

I would absolutely like to still be taking the time to create in the next decade, but I expect my focus may be more limited. I'm becoming more interested in making individual pieces than entire costumes. 

Which costume took most effort to make? 

Each one had its unique challenges. Glinda may still be the most labor intensive, because of the size and volume of fabric. Xerxes was the most emotionally draining, because it was next to impossible to source the materials and I had to compromise on every aspect of the design. My current project involves my first real corset, which is absolutely the most technically challenging. 

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Which costume is your favorite? 

They're all my children, I can't choose favourites. I do occasionally sell them though...

Where do you find inspiration?

I first fell in love with costume design with the Star Wars Prequels (I was 6), then Pan's Labyrinth. The costumes can make or break a movie for me, and I will watch something even if I know it's not very good just for the costumes.... cough The Huntsman cough. 

A lot of my inspiration now comes from the burlesque community, particularly Catherine D'Lish, and artists and designers I've found on Instagram, like Carla Wyzgala and Elysian Fantasy Artistry. I'm very interested in corsetry and all of its technical challenges, and regularly stalk Royal Black Couture's Instagram. 


What do you think about the new trend in the cosplay society where cosplayers (mostly female) depict a character in underwear, swimsuits or other revealing costumes that are not typical for said character?

I've dabbled in this trend a bit and really enjoyed it. I've been obsessed with burlesque dancers since my early teen years, partly because they express sexuality in a way that is different from mainstream media. Burlesque, from my perspective, has always done a better job of representing all sizes, shapes, colours, and genders than mainstream media, and highlighted their beauty and talents in a way that involves movement and personality - not just a still photoshopped image. 

I have never fit the "cosplay" mold perfectly and have heard criticism of women who wear sexy or scantily clad costumes for not being "real" cosplayers. This debate seems to have gotten even more heated as cosplay has become profitable for some through print sales and subscription platforms. Our society devalues those who choose to appear nude or in a sexualized context. I believe you can be sexy, and intelligent, and kind, and responsible, and ethical, and all sorts of things that make up a wonderful person at the same time. I do not villainize sexiness, and I personally have no issue with lewd/nude cosplayers or their patreon accounts. I applaud them for making an income from something they enjoy. 

I'm not comfortable producing lewd/nude content, due to both my own feelings about sharing my body and the risk to my career, and will stick to my borderline-boudoir stuff unless my feelings change. 

My suggestion to those who do not like sexy costumes or the imbalanced popularity of those costumes is to consume and support the content that you do enjoy. If you would like to see greater popularity of a different kind of cosplay, show your support through liking, commenting on, and sharing that content online. Our online popularity is now dependent on algorithms driven by interaction, and you hold the power to choose who gets the most exposure. 

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​Which one is harder: the part where you make the costume or the one where you try to act like the character?

I'm a terrible actress so the performance aspect has always been terrifying. I've never worried about being in character on the convention floor, but it's an expectation of costume contests. I put my headphones in and listen to my track on repeat in the greenroom to get into the mood, and shake like a leaf before I go on stage. 

You’ve won many prizes, which one is the most memorable for you?

My first Best in Show certificate is framed in my workroom, but winning Best in Show with Jessica Harkonnen as Young Ursula and the Mermaid was the most memorable. Jessica has an entire blog post on the experience on her website. 

Give us a short tutorial on how to make a corset.

I'm still learning, so I may not be the best source for information. I have learned a lot from Lucy's Corsetry on YouTube, Farthingales corset supplies, and Corsets by Caroline on Etsy. 

The key features of a corset are the strength fabric and boning. The strength fabric can be used on its own, or a base layer to support a 'fashion fabric'. Coutil is ideal. Boning may be steel or plastic. Spiral steel is more flexible around curves than plastic. Straight steel should be used at the center back, where the corset is laced, and center front for tummy support if a busk is not used. A busk is steel with hooks to open and close the corset at the front. Fitting a corset is uniquely challenging because you're not simply fitting to the shape of your natural body. In order to reduce the circumference of your waist, your panels must curve in from your natural bustline to your desired waist measurement, and curve out to your natural hips. Doing this without wrinkles, pain, or an uneven gap in the back is not easy. I'm still at the stage where a professionally drafted pattern is the safest place to start, and I alter from there. You should always do a mock up (with the appropriate strength fabric and boning) when using a new pattern, before attempting your final piece. 

A fashion corset is not intended for tightlacing to reduce the circumference of the waist, but has the same appearance of a corset. I've used the Cosplay McCalls Yaya Han pattern three times for my costumes. It uses four different layers of fabric, including interfacing, so it has enough structure in itself to avoid wrinkles and look cleanly finished, even if it's not perfectly fitted to my body. It was very forgiving with my mistakes and the instructions were very helpful in learning the how to handle so many different panels. 


5 things you love and 5 you hate?

Love: glitter, Shameless, disco, autumn, red lipstick

Hate: chiffon, every DC movie from the last 5 years with the exception of Wonder Woman, mornings, traffic, the patriarchy 


Send a short message to our readers.

Thank you so much for reading! If you'd like to see more of my work, you can find me on Facebook and Instagram @peekaboocosplay

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TCC - Kuromaru Cosplay

29/5/2017

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Kuromaru is a cosplayer from the Czech Republic and has been in the society since 2012.
He's here to tell us all about the conventions in his country, including one that lasts for 10 whole days! In our playful interview you can also learn all about his love for wolves, the FF games and many others, as well as his cosplay buddies and planned photoshoots!

Enjoy ~
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TCC - Misch.Axel

11/5/2017

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Introduce yourself.
Hi to everyone! I'm Misch.Axel, I was born in Poland but I actually live in Italy where I started my biggest hobby the Cosplay! I actually style wigs on commission and I make some tutorial videos on YouTube. I studied in a Cinema school and I became Makeup Artist.

How did you start cosplaying?
Oh, it's a little funny but I was already doing a sort of 'cosplay', I was dressing like some characters like Light Yagami without knowing that this hobby existed! A friend noticed my costume and told me about the Cons and the Cosplay community, haha.

What's the best part of cosplay for you?
I've always had an artistic soul, so the best part for me is the creation, when you try to sew the costume, styling the wig, doing a good makeup to be similar to the character, these are the steps I love the most.

What was your first cosplay? Why did you choose that character?
My first cosplay (when I started going to the Cons) was Shin Okazaki... it wasn't a great cosplay, hehe xP I just put my clothes the most similar to him and dyed my hair.
I chose that cosplay, because I really loved the manga and anime, I loved Nana and Reira and I was kinda similar to him.


Where do you find inspiration for your original characters?
Well, this is a hard question, I need to say that I usually just have an idea and I start to figure out how the character can be, I think about a theme and I start to draw the hair and the clothes and every detail until the character is complete. I choose the colors and search for the fabrics, of course I choose the one I like the most! ❤

Are you currently working on some costume?
Oh, I am actually doing a contest about wig styling, so I am not working on my cosplays at this time, unfortunately, I don't have enough time, but I can show some work in progress about the contest itself!

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Share your impressions of the FFXV game. What do you think about the ending?
Ha-Ha-Ha, well it's not simple to explain what I think, we need to remember that Tabata-san and the Square Enix staff had only a few years to 'save' the FFXV project , so they did a great job. I like the game, especially the side quests, because we can understand many things about the characters and the most important topic in my opinion about the game... Friendship. For the story I am not really satisfied. I think that too many parts are missing and the story could be developed better, while for the ending... the first part was ok - Noctis , Lucis, the Throne... it could be a good final, but after that there is another part of the ending...  and I was really uncertain about that part.

Which one is your favorite FF game and character?
The favorite one is the Crisis Core. Talking about characters, I like many... in the past it was Cloud, because I was feeling similar to him, especially in personality.

How did you start styling wigs?
Before starting cosplay I was already cutting and dyeing my hair, when I began and decided to cosplay some silver hair and red hair characters... I understood that I couldn't let my hair grow and then dye it... so I searched for some wigs and not being styled I just tried to do it by myself.

Tell us about the cosplay society in your country.
I think it's pretty similar in every country, there are friends, jealous people, haters... but for the most we are a big family and we see each other also outside the conventions 🙂

Recently you participated in a Worldwide wig competition, tell us more about those kind of events.
Yeah it's true, I was selected along with other awesome wig stylist for a worldwide competition all about wigs. Arda wigs sent us the materials and decided when the competition starts and all the rules about it. There are different rounds and the contestant with less points go home at the end of every round... until the final round that is starting the next days and I am still in 🙂

3 random things you love and 3 you hate?
Love: Creativity, strong personalities, good food.
Hate: egoism, hypocrisy ,  bitter.


What's your favorite recipe?
Recipe? If we talk about food I love Lasagna xP

Send a short message to everyone who's watching.
Ciao a tutti e grazie per aver seguito l'intervista! Vi auguro un buon lavoro per i vostri futuri cosplay e se avete bisogno di aiuto seguite i miei tutorial e contattatemi pure in pagina ! 😉 - Misch.Axel
(Eng: Hi to everyone! Thank you for reading this interview! I hope you'll do a good job with your next cosplays and If you need some help be sure to watch my tutorial videos and feel free to send me a message on my page ! 😉 -Misch.Axel

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Photos by: ​​Alessio Buzi Fotomania, fuyukoPH, Giorgia Cingolani,
​ Marlet, Matteo Domizioli Ph., Totoro Photoset orders, Triade photo.
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