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!
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!
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.
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.
Are you currently working on some costume?
I am working on multiple cosplays! Two Disney cosplays, three Kingdom Hearts ones and three Halloween costumes! Gotta keep myself busy.
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.
I am working on multiple cosplays! Two Disney cosplays, three Kingdom Hearts ones and three Halloween costumes! Gotta keep myself busy.
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.
