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Interview with cosplayer Meepygal -





Meet Cristina, a.k.a. Meepygal, a cosplayer from Portland, Oregon, USA. She has cosplayed characters such as Rei Ayanami from Evangelion and Birdy Cephon Altera from Birdy The Mighty. Meepygal is also the Cruncyroll Ambassador from the Oregon area. Her cosplay of Yuno Gasai from Future Diary(Mirai Nikki) is breathtaking. Read on to find out more about her!

Biography :-

Name - Meepygal
Place - Portland, OR
DOB - October 28
Fav Anime - Evangelion, Birdy the Mighty & Gurren Lagann

1. How about you introduce yourself to the readers first?

Meepygal :- Hello my name is Cristina (aka Meepygal) and I am a cosplayer from from the Portland, Oregon area. Cosplay, art, & performing arts is my passion! I am a huge fan of anime, manga, comics, films, games and pop-culture in general.

2. When did you realise your love for cosplaying and for how long have you been cosplaying?

Meepygal :- I am half Japanese and was born in Japan so I grew up with Japanese pop culture in my life. Its one of the main reasons why I was introduced and influenced to cosplay/conventions when I was in middle school. I got invited to go to Sakura con 2008 so that was my first convention and my start of this amazing hobby.



3. Why did you choose to cosplay Yuno Gasai?

Meepygal :- I really enjoyed the Mirai Nikki manga and decided to cosplay her when the anime was coming out.

4. Could you give the readers some tips on cosplaying Yuno Gasai?

Meepygal :- Don't be afraid to get creative when you cosplay her. You can do a lot of action and fighting poses. I literally had used at least five different weapons props in multiple photoshoots & I loved portraying the crazy yandere side of her. Also make sure you get pink contacts that stand out, since her eyes are incredibly vibrant and expressive. I see a lot of Yuno cosplayers buying pink lenses that look too grey and I think it ruins the overall look and feel of the character.



5. How do you decide what character to cosplay?

Meepygal :- If I like it, can afford it and have time to construct it.

6. What is your dream cosplay?

Meepygal :- Ive completed quite a lot of my dream cosplays in this past year but currently my top two are Rei Ayanami's plugsuit in Evangelion ANIMA and some version of the Iron Man suit.



7. How do you view yourself as a cosplayer?

Meepygal :- I mostly do it for fun and friends. I love going to conventions and showing off my work too. Im usually a perfectionist when It comes to certain costumes and will work to make things look nice but my attitude is mostly laid back and fun.

8. Do you have any embarrassing cosplay moment that you'd like to share with us?

Meepygal :- My most recent one was at Kumoricon this year. I was backstage during the cosplay contest and was giving out donuts to everyone in the room when I tripped over someones cosplay prop, went flying with all of the donuts and took a chair to the face like a champion.



9. Could you give some advice to the beginners out there?

Meepygal :- Remember this is a hobby HAVE FUN. If you want to have amazing costumes its going to take a while for you to build the skills and knowledge that a lot of us veterans have. Practice and research is key; don't be afraid to make new things no matter how bad they look. Don't be afraid to make friends with other cosplayers, and ask for questions or help! When I first started sewing on my own my costumes were definitely not quality work.



You can see much more of her work on her deviantart, Facebook, World Cosplay, Blog and Twitter.

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Interview with cosplayer Hayato -





Hayato a.k.a. Lucky is a cosplayer from Germany. She has cosplayed characters such as Heiwajima Shizuo from Durarara, Suzaku Kururugi from Code Geass and Dino Cavallone from Katekyou Hitman Reborn. We at ProCosplay loved her marvellous cosplay of Otoya Ittoki from Uta no Prince Sama. Let's get to know more about her!

Biography :-

Name: Lucky
Place: Cologne - Germany
DOB: 31/12/84
Fav anime: Prince of Tennis, Code Geass and 07-Ghost




1. Could you introduce yourself to the readers?

Hayato :- Hello guys! :D
I'm Lucky (you can also call me Hayato), a german cosplayer for more than 7 years already. I love this hobby so much I hope it will last for many, many years! I work full-time as an accounting clerk and training supervisor in whole Germany. In my free time I work on my cosplays and love playing Videogames like Sims 3 and the MMORPG Ragnarok Online.
Every Cosplay I wear is self-made and I learned sewing on my own just because I want to cosplay! >D

2. What got you into cosplaying and for how long have you been cosplaying?

Hayato :- I guess I was all the time being a cosplayer. Even when I didn't knew what Cosplay was I wanted to be my favorite Comic- and Anime-Characters an carnival!. My first encounter with "Cosplay" as Cosplay was at the age of ~20 at a german convention (Connichi) and it dug me so deep in since this moment back then.



3. Why did you choose to cosplay Otoya Ittoki?

Hayato :- When I saw the Anime, Otoya was such a cheerful character and though he had something "special" in his appearance and character which fascinated me somehow and which I still can't figure out exactly. Even if this kind of character isn't normally the one I would choose I decided it should be HIM. Maybe it was this challenge to display him the way he appeared to me.

4. Could you give the readers some tips on cosplaying Otoya Ittoki?

Hayato :- Pleeeease pay more attention to the wig! To style a wig correctly makes soooooo much difference especially while cosplaying Otoya. His haircut isn't really hard to copy! (If you need some styling tips feel free to ask me! :D)
But this is a tip in general. In my opinion a correctly styled wig is nearly half the cosplay.



5. How often do you cosplay? Is it something you do for conventions and events only?

Hayato :- In general I cosplay mostly for conventions, events and shootings. But it also happens from time to time that I dress up as my friends favorite character for some special happenings (like Birthday or something) just for surprising them.

6. Which character do you love cosplaying the most?

Hayato :- Uhhh that's really hard!
But I think.... it's Atobe Keigo from Prince of Tennis und Ittoki Otoya. They are both so different but I have absolutely no problems to portray them. (And especially to Atobe Keigo I have some deeper personal bonds)



7. How do you face your difficulties regarding cosplaying?

Hayato :- I spam my twitter time with my whining! xD (I would love to say I'm just kidding, but that's the truth!)
But to solve the problems I talk with my friends to gather some tips or other opinions. If this doesn't help I browse trough some other cosplayer who did the same cosplay. (Yeah I do! I think everbody does more or less even if they don't admit it!)

8. Why do you cosplay? Everyone has a reason, what is yours?

Hayato :- For fun. Srsly!
I usually cosplay the characters/series/pairings I ship at the moment and I think it's the best to cosplay it then. Also its the best when you could act as the character you love so much during a shooting and at least see the results.
I did a lot in the cosplay scene - I had my own showgroup for many years, I moderated conventions, participated at competitions, was jury for competitions.. I loved everything a lot but it's all nothing compared to feeling when you "act" as the character and see how positive others react on this.
At leats I was able to meet so many awesome people and got friends with them. I don't want to miss this anymore.



9. Any piece of advice for the cosplay virgins out there?

Hayato :- Pay more attention to the wigs! *laughs*
No, srsly: Just have fund and just do what you want to do! Cosplay only the characters you want and when you want it to do.
Yeah, you're right: Its easier said than done and it's a hard competition out there especially as a newbie... But never ever forget why you started cosplay... Never forget the feeling you had when you made the decision for your first cosplay!



Want to keep tabs on Hayato?
Follow her on her deviantart and worldcosplay

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Attention ProCosplay Friends, due to Luna New Year holidays, it will not be possible to ship orders from 2/5/2013 until 2/19/2012. If you need your order between the days of 2/10/2012 to 2/24/2012, your order must be placed before 1/26/2013. Orders received after 1/26/2013 will not be shipped until after 2/19/2012,if you want to your order hurry,please contact our suport beforce your order...

Interview with cosplayer Shua -





Meet Shua, a cosplayer from Russia! Some examples of the characters she has cosplayed are Astharoshe Asran from Trinity Blood, Crona from Soul Eater and Larmica Lee from Vampire Hunter D. Shua is well know for her charismatic cosplays of various versions of Grell Sutcliff such as Fairy-Grell, Lady-Grell and Grell-The Little Red Riding Hood. Let's get know more about her!

Biography :-

Name � Shua_..
Place - Russia
DOB � April 1
Fav Anime � GTO, Paradise Kiss, Hetalia, Trinity Blood, Vampire Hunter D


1. Could you introduce yourself to the readers first?

Shua :- I'm a cosplayer and a photographer from Russia. I enjoy making costumes by myself. I love photo-shooting, performing on stage and making cosplay-videos.

2. How did you get into cosplaying and for how long have you been cosplaying?

Shua :- I been cosplaying since 2007. My friends and I started an anime club and annual anime conventions in our town. Then began my cosplay career.



3. Why did you choose to cosplay Grell Sutcliff?

Shua :- This character fits my personality perfectly. He is quick-tempered, always happy and wild. Besides there are a lot of costumes for Grell in the anime and OVAs, doujinshi and fan-art. That leaves space for imagination.

4. Do you face any difficulties in cosplaying Greg Sutcliff?

Shua :- Only the weight of costumes and the saw! Sometimes I need people to help me transport a costume to a con or a place of photo/video-shooting.



5. What has been your most exciting/memorable cosplay experience to date?

Shua :- Astharoshe Asran. She抯 an amazing character. It was really difficult to make the costume, took a lot of time and money. I feel a different person wearing this cosplay. It was a new level for me.

6. Which character do you love cosplaying the most?

Shua :- Grell Sutcliff of course. Most people know me by this cosplay. It lets me try different types of stage-performance. It's like putting on Grell's costume and feeling excited, free and happy.



7. Where do you often go for your photoshoots? How do you choose the background for a photoshoot?

Shua :- First of all I pick up a costume and watch carefully the scenery of the anime or doujinshi. Then I recollect places of our town suitable for the photo-shoot. It's easy to shoot outside because Russia is rich in forests. As for the interiors  studios and cafes of our town are always ready to help!

8. Do you see yourself cosplaying in 10 years?

Shua :- I think age doesn't  matter in cosplay. One can always find something suitable. So I think it is quite possible!



9. How does cosplaying make you feel?

Shua :- Cosplay-world is a part of my everyday world. It is  very important for me. I think cosplay comprises a lot of branches, such as crafting, filming, acting and sometimes singing. I need to share my ideas with anime-lovers, find another way of showing a character's nature. I like to feel excited before entering the stage, feel the audience's agreement.



You can see much more of her work on her deviantart and Youtube

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Interview with cosplayer SnowChild -





SnowChild is a cosplayer from Sweden. She is a member of the cosplay group called Farbror Esters Pojkar (Uncle Esters Boys). She has cosplayed Roxas from Kingdom Hearts. We at ProCosplay were fascinated by her outstandingly brilliant cosplay of Ciel Phantomhive from Kuroshitsuji. SnowChild was kind enough to share with us some info about her. Read on to find out more!

Biography :

Name - Stephanie Strand
Place - Sweden
DOB - 4:th december 1990
Fav Anime - No one in particular for the moment.


1. How about you introduce yourself to the readers first?

SnowChild :- Hello. I am a cosplayer from Sweden who has been cosplying for about 3 years. I like horses, video-games and ofc manga and anime and spend most of my freetime drawing ,watching wired documentaries on YouTube and hanging out with friends and girlfriend.

2. When did you realise your love for cosplaying and for how long have you been cosplaying?

SnowChild :- I have always loved to dress up and my parents always encouraged creativity. We often made Halloween and mascerade costumes together. As I first heard about cosplay and saw picture of that online was I sure of that this something I wanted to do.



3. Why did you choose to cosplay Ciel Phantomhive?

SnowChild :- I wanted to cosplay him even before I knew his name or the title the manga. The Victorian, luxury and detailed design of his clothes are really beautiful and I wanted a challenge. However, I felt that I couldn't cosplay a character I didn't know and decided to read the manga. and it didn't take make chapters for to fall in love with the little bastard and the dark storyline. ^^

4. Could you give the readers some tips on cosplaying Ciel Phantomhive?

SnowChild :- Spend time on your make up.
Ciel is supposed to be really pretty almost doll-like.
My tip is to use Circle lenses who are at least 17mm big, it will not only make your eye look bigger, it will also make you look younger and more childlike. Fake lashes are a must, the dollier and thicker they are the better, however make sure to glue them onto your eyelid in a way that makes them point less upwards and more outward. Ciel's eyelashes aren't that prominent when he is facing someone but they are very visible when he looks down or in profile.
To fasten your fake lashes like that will also archive a kind of arrogant and dramatic look.
Don't forget to add a darker eyeshadow in your eyelid crease to frame the eyes even more and to create the illusion of bigger eyelids. If you don't have a double eyelid, just create an optical eyelid with lighter and darker eyeshadows.
My last tips for the make up is to couture your face, make your nose and chin smaller by darkening and highlighting.



5. What do you think about the cosplay scene in your country, Sweden?

SnowChild :- I like the cosplay scene in Sweden but I think it's too small. It doesn't take too long time before almost everyone somehow knows everyone but it's very cozy. :)

6. What is your dream cosplay?

SnowChild :- My absolute dream cosplay is a Big Sister from Bioshock 2. I think they are really interesting and it would be a real challenge to make such a costume. I will begin to work on it as soon as possible, I just need to figure out how I should be able to breath in it.



7. What is the most difficult cosplay challenge you've faced so far? How did you pull it off?

SnowChild :- I believe my most difficult cosplay challenge yet was to begin to make my own costumes because I have never sewn anything before, at bleats not clothes. I decided to look at clothes and see how they were sewn together to understand how fabric and thread worked together. I began to sew and learned more and more with every cosplay I made.

8. In what way has cosplay changed your life?

SnowChild :- I have more friends then what I have had in my entire life. Also, I have gained more confidence and believe much more in myself.



9. Can you give some advice to the beginners out there?

SnowChild :- People cosplay for different reasons, some do it just for fun and other do it because they want a challenge and want to give the illusion of brining the character to life.
No matter if your cosplay is really simple or not, it's important to make it look complete from head to toe. Make sure to have the right shoes for the cosplay and use a wig even if you have the same haircolor as the character. The same goes for the eyes: Use colored contact lenses, even if you happen to have the same eyecolor as the character. It will much better on pictures and give a complete look. :)
Also, cosplay is supposed to be fun. Don't choose a character you feel nothing for but who you think will give you attention. Choose a character that you really love because those cosplays will always become your best. :)



Want to keep tabs on SnowChild?
Follow her on her deviantart

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Interview with cosplayer Sushi Monster -





Meet Sushi Monster, a cosplayer and hairdresser from California! Kneesocks from Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, Serah from Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Winry from Full Metal Alchemist are some examples of the vast number of characters that she has cosplayed. We at ProCosplay were fascinated by her incredibly sexy cosplay of Rei Miyamoto from Highschool of the Dead. Sushi Monster was kind enough to share with us some info about her. Read on to find out more!

Biography :

Name:Sushi Monster
Place:Orange County, CA
DOB:January 4
Fav anime:Not anime, but I am obsessed with The Legend of Korra!


1. Could you introduce yourself to the readers first?

Sushi Monster :- I'm a veteran cosplayer from California who also loves fashion, hair and makeup! I like to cosplay and hang out with friends on my free time and do fashion shoots and hair in my work time.

2. What got you into cosplaying and for how long have you been cosplaying?

Sushi Monster :- I have been cosplaying since summer 2005, so it's been 7 years now. I got into cosplaying when I was in high school and my friend wanted me to go to an anime con with her. I heard people dressed up, so I made an original ninja costume and went. I was amazed and overwhelmed by all the awesome cosplayers I was seeing, and ever since then I was been sucked in.



3. Why did you choose to cosplay Rei Miyamoto?

Sushi Monster :- I love the show Highschool of the Dead and wanted to cosplay from it. I originally wanted to do Saeko but decided in the end to portray Rei and make her look more fierce and confident than in the show. I also always wanted to do a shoot where I could fight off zombies!

4. Could you give the readers some tips on cosplaying Rei Miyamoto?

Sushi Monster :- Don't be afraid to show some skin and be a bit perverted! You are cosplaying from a super fanservice show drawn by a hentai artist, so it's ok to do fanservicey shots. You can do a lot of action and fighting poses too, since the show is about fighting zombies. Also when looking for a wig, her hair isn't blonde ?it's more of an orangey brown tone. And don't  forget her hair antenna! It is a major detail of the character Rei herself. Confidence is key!



5. Did you face any difficulties in cosplaying Rei Miyamoto?

Sushi Monster :- I didn't really face any difficulties other than figuring out the ahoge/hair antenna on her wig. She was one of my easier cosplays to do!

6. What according to you are the pros and cons of cosplaying?

Sushi Monster :-
Pros: If you make your costumes, you gain tons of skills, such as wig styling, sewing, prop construction, just creative ways to make things in general. You get to make yourself look totally different and to portray your favorite characters. You also meet a lot of people at cons with the same interests and can make a lot of lifetime friendships. Sometimes you may even find love! You have a nerdy group of friends you can freely fangirl with haha! You also get recognition from other talented artisans and fans of series if you do a good job on a costume!
Cons: It's a pretty expensive and time consuming hobby. Materials to make or buy costumes add up, and if you attend conventions, it's l cost even more! It can get really stressful days before the con when you are crunching to get costumes done by a deadline. A lot of people, especially on the internet, are very harsh and cruel and may make mean, horrible comments, but you are putting yourself out there so you kind of just have to take it along with the good. People also tend to become pretty cliquish or elitist over this nerdy hobby so that is another con.



7. Do you see yourself cosplaying in 10 years?

Sushi Monster :- Of course! I see myself being an old grandma and still cosplaying. Of course as I age I'm l pick more character and body appropriate cosplays, but there is always all sorts of characters I want to play dress up in, even if it's not anime or video game related. Cosplaying and cons are a huge part of my life so I can see myself still attending cons and cosplaying for the rest of my life, even if it's only once a year.

8. How do you view yourself as a cosplayer?

Sushi Monster :- I view myself as someone who just likes to do it for fun and for friends. I do costume construction pretty seriously because Iam a perfectionist but my actual attitude about it is pretty laid back and that we should just do it as a hobby and to have fun with it.



9. Any piece of advice for the cosplay virgins out there?

Sushi Monster :- Remember that this hobby is for FUN! If you are not having fun and stressing out too much, you are not doing it right. Don't be afraid to ask questions, however, there is a good chance that there is some sort of guide to what you are cosplaying out there already, so do your research first! Google, Deviantart and Cosplay.com forums are a great help. You can ask for advice, but don't expect people to give you step by step or to just outright give you their patterns and techniques. Also, if you want to make something, break the costume down as much as possible into little pieces. It's a lot easier to figure it out when you break it down into parts. Also, a must is hair and makeup! A costume isn't  truly complete when you don't have a wig or at least some light makeup on. You can use your real hair but a wig tends to look better.



You can see much more of her work on Facebook and deviantart

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Brave 10 anime review -





Plot - (4.5/10)

The anime, which is set in the Sengoku period of Japan, begins with Saizo Kirigakure, an Iga ninja, saving Isanami, a priestess from the Izumo shrine who is being attacked by Tokugawa Ieyasu's forces. After Saizo defeats her assassins, they head to Ueda as Isanami wants to seek the help of Lord Sanada Yukimura. Her town Izumo was burnt down and destroyed by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Yukimura refuses to offer help at first but agrees to later. Isanami seems to exhibit some weird sort of power that can consume her surroundings. She wears a hair pin, the Kushimitama that keeps this power of destruction contained. Yukimura decides that he needs one brave warrior for each finger on his two hands. He manages to gather ten warriors namely :-



1. Saizo Kirigakure - The Light.
2. Isanami - The Darkness.
3. Sasuke Sarutobi - of the grass, whose playground is the forest.
4. Anastasia - of Ice.
5. Kakei Juzo - of metal who fights with a metal gun.
6. Rokuro Unno - of water who recalls everything just as the water surface reflects all.
7. Kamanosuke Yuri - of the wind, who controls the wind.
8. Benmaru - of fire who knows about explosives.
9. Miyoshi Seikai - of the earth who causes the ground to shake.
10. Jinpachi Nezu - of thunder who summons lightening.

The plot is very shallow with negligible development. Most of the 10 warriors are introduced in the last few episodes, with the last warrior being introduced in the 8th episode(the anime being only 12 episodes long).

Characters - (6/10)

Despite being the female protagonist Isanami is hardly likeable. She has a very annoying personality and the only thing she seems to be capable of is getting herself kidnapped and thus resulting in everyone getting terribly hurt in order to save her. Saizo who is the male protagonist is rather emotionless(though he does seem to burst up with emotions in the last episode thereby suggesting some character development). He does not wish to serve a master yet he eventually does. The rest of the characters have the potential to be interesting but the anime is too short for character development. The antagonists aren't even worth mentioning. Also it's rather surprising that the producers did not bother to show us a little bit about Saizo's past.

Animation - (8.5/10)

The animation of Brave 10 is excellent. Probably the only compliment that could be made on this anime. We get to see around two battle scenes in every episode which are displayed fantastically.



Music - (4/10)

The soundtrack is disappointing. It has nothing to do with that era. The opening theme has some weird rock element to it while the ending theme is basically over use of auto tune so much that it hurts your ears.

Overall - (5/10)

Brave 10 is the sort of anime that has a promising start but then leads to nowhere amid the confusion and the need to end within 12 episodes. If you do have a lot of time in your hands and are willing to watch something with absolutely no story and characters swaying around in elaborate clothing then I suggest you watch it. Otherwise chuck it.



 

Interview with cosplayer Akane -





Akane is a cosplayer from Germany. She is a member of Animexx. She has cosplayed characters such as Ciel Phantomhive from Kuroshitsuji and Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII. Akane has been well known for her Sora cosplays which are outstanding and breathtaking. Let's get to know more about her!

Biography :-

Name - Christine, but all of my friends and even my sister call me Akane
Location - Munich / Germany
DOB - May 4th 1983
Fav Anime - Oh, I'm nostalgic so I'm say Ranma 1/2.


1. Could you please introduce yourself to the readers?

Akane :- Hi, my name is Akane :)
I hope everyone of you is well and happy <3

2. How did you get into cosplaying and for how long have you been cosplaying?

Akane :- In 1999 I met a huge anime fan group in a manga store in munich during a shopping trip. I already knew what cosplay was, but I was never done it before. They told me that they meet up once a month and it sounded like so much fun, that I wanted to do it as well ^^ And as you can see, I did. And the group I was meeting back then turned out to be the Anime Musical group Tsuki no Senshi (I'm a member there since 2000) and the german biggest anime society "Animexx"



3. Why did you choose to cosplay Sora?

Akane :- It all began, that TnS planned to do a little Kingdom Hearts musical. At first I should played Kairi, but our Sora stepped out of TnS. Obviously we needed a new Sora and no one wanted to do him because of the huge shoes and the hair XD Because Sora is more needed for Kh than kairi, they told me I had to play him XD I was never played KH before but I knew it was a leading role, so I bought the game and totally fell in love with him <3 It was the best thing that could be happen to me ^__^ And now I can't stop doing more pictures and outfits. He really got my heart

4. Did you face any difficulties in cosplaying Sora?

Akane :- At first, yes. A friend of mine knowing as Fujimiyaran (DA) made my wigs, because I was such a wig noob. And I had big troubles with the shoes, the keychain and the shoulder armor. But after a few cosplays I knew how it works best for me and I finally learned how to style wigs ^^v



5. Can you give the readers some tips on cosplaying Sora?

Akane :- Hm, it's hard for me to describe things in english and without knowing what kind of problems people have with the outfits. So I'm l give tips for things people most often ask me for: Use 3 fabric parts for the shoe covers, not 2. For the shoulder armor I uses pipes and before you start styling your wig, sew another wig into it to make it thicker. This way, you can prevent "holes" in the hairstyle. I use a tail comb, a blending scissors and normal hairspray for it And the most important tip is : Have fun <3 <3 <3

6. How do you decide what character to cosplay?

Akane :- There are 2 options: I totally love the character *_* Or one of my friends or Franka asks me to cosplay it with her/him. I don't do cosplays because the anime/game is popular. Cosplay should be fun and not a popularity contest



7. What has been your most exciting/memorable cosplay experience to date?

Akane :- Hm... that's very difficult... I was got so many great memories <3 I think one is the reaction of the people and my friends when I first cosplayed Sora and the second when Franka cospalyed for the first time with me ^__^~

8. Why do you cosplay? Everyone has a reason, what is yours?

Akane :- Because it's so much fun and I can be a character for a short time. Sometimes you can forget the reality a bit and be a part of the Anime/Game you like so much. Especially when you  are part of an musical group like TnS. One of my most favourits moments ever was being sora on stage. I really miss it and I don't  keep it as a special memory in my heart




Want to keep tabs on Akane?
Follow her on tumblr, Livejournal, Formspring and deviantart

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Interview with cosplayer Suzumi -





Meet Suzumi a cosplayer from Japan! She has cosplayed characters such as Hagumi Hanamoto from Honey & Clover and Suzaku Kururugi from Code Geass. We at ProCosplay absolutely loved her cosplay of Yui Hirasawa from K-On! Suzumi was kind enough to share with us some info about her. Read on to find out more.

Biography :

Name - Suzumi (すずみ) Takafumi
Place - Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
DOB - July 28
Fav anime - DRRR!
                     Vocaloid
                     Pokemon BW *blush* etc etc...


1. How about you introduce yourself first?

Suzumi :- Hello~ I'm Suzumi, you don't know me but let's try to get along, alright?

2. What inspired you to start cosplaying and for how long have you been cosplaying?

Suzumi :- I guess seeing all of the anime characters around and how good everyone looked dressing like them, I just wanted to try. I've been doing it for...about 3 years now.



3. Why did you choose to cosplay Yui Hirasawa?

Suzumi :- Because she's cute! And I love how easy going (yet ditzy) she is.

4. Could you give the readers some tips on cosplaying Yui Hirasawa?

Suzumi :- Make sure the hair is right. And don't get lazy if you want to get her uniform. AND just because she wears casual things does NOT mean you can go out in casual cosplay. It really is not the same...



5. Do you have any favourite cosplayers that you admire and get inspired by?

Suzumi :- I really like Chen Mei Ting (RabbitMillet), Celestine (astral17), OkiyaDaze, and... Oh! I like Kaesaru but she doesn't cosplay anymore. They all inspire me alot.

6. Which character do you love cosplaying the most?

Suzumi :- Obviously Yui Hirasawa. But I like Hagumi Hanamoto and I wish I could do more of Suzaku Kururugi.



7. What are you planning to cosplay in the future?

Suzumi :- Someone (I don't know who) from Angelic Layer, Rei Ayanami, and Japan from Hetalia.

8. How does cosplaying make you feel?

Suzumi :- It makes me feel awesome. I really can't describe it, I just love doing it. And my greatest joy comes from actually getting the cosplay done..Even if I may have made the costume too small.





You can see more of her work on deviantart, blog, CURE and Facebook


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Interview with cosplayer Mika -





Meet Mika, a 17 year old cosplayer from Philippines. Despite having entered the cosplay scene just in 2010 Mika has managed to stand out with her charismatic costumes and personality. Tifa Lockheart from Final Fantasy VII, Sophitia Alexandra from Soul Calibur III and Madoka Kaname from Puella Magi Madoka Magica are some of the characters that she has cosplayed. Mika was kind enough to share with us some info about her. Read on to find out more.

Biography :

Name - Mika. I'm also known as Mikachu. XD
Place - Philippines~
DOB - July 9, 1994 (17)
Fav anime - That's hard to answer! XD Angel Beats, Guilty Crown, AKB0048, Fate Series, Code Geass, Macross Frontier, Cardcaptor Sakura, Magic Knight Rayearth, Full Moon wo Sagashite ---- I come to love animes that either stir lots of emotion in me or make me think more about life.


1. How about you introduce yourself to the readers first?

Mika :- Hello~ I'm Mika! I've been an otaku for as long as I can remember, and I love anime and games to bits. If I didn't, I don't think I'd be -me-. Its a big part of my life, and characters have had impacts on me that have made me into who I am today, in the same way that people around you shape you as a person. Aside from being a cosplayer, I'm just your typical student who loves to sing and eat. XD

2. What inspired you to start cosplaying and for how long have you been cosplaying?

Mika :- It began when I first saw these photos of famous cosplayers such as Kipi, Arisa Mizuhara, Aira, and Kaname (If I remember right? XD) on the internet a couple of years ago. The thought of seeing such inhumanely beautiful and anime-esque people thrilled me. I immediately thought of trying the same, and thus I did my first (and really fail cosplay @_@) as Haruhi Suzumiya back in 2007. I stopped because I needed to focus on school first, and felt that I wasn't too fitting for it yet. Around April 2010 I began to cosplay again now that I felt more confident. I've been cosplaying for two years now, but I dont really feel like it's been that long. XDD



3. Why did you choose to cosplay Yuri Nakamura?

Mika :- The moment I saw the Angel Beats trailer, something about the soundtrack was so appealing to me that it convinced me to try watching. I instantly loved the show because of Yuri who has this extremely similar personality to Haruhi Suzumiya (one of my top favorite anime characters of all time), she was just too amusing/funny/interesting. But just when I thought she'd be another Haruhi, the show shocked me when things went for a turn and more of her character was fully revealed. It hit me emotionally, I really sympathized with Yuri; her personality is extremely if not exactly similar to how I am in real life.

When I watched her in the first episode I immediately told myself I'd cosplay her. But when the show explained more about her, this casual desire to cosplay her grew SO MUCH. >_<



4. Could you give the readers some tips on cosplaying Yuri Nakamura?

Mika :-

COSTUME: Yuri's costume might seem simple, but it's actually different from typical seifuku with the unusual blouse layout and collar shape. There are also lots of small details such as the SSS patch, the back ribbon and the change in fabric color of the skirt panels on her sides. The collar and skirt color can also confuse people, in the same way that her hair color is also confusing---they all keep changing hues depending on what images you are looking at. I'm happy with the colors I got and I feel confident in them because I tried to find a balance between the colors of the original concept art/promotional art and the anime screenshots. With enough thinking, planning and attention it's easy to get her costume 100% accurate. Gun props are also easy to get!

PORTRAYAL: This is a little confusing. Although I know her personality inside out, I feel like there's this balance I have to achieve in portraying Yuri---You have to give off this 'serious' and 'confident' aura, but at the same time you can still make small smiles/smirks. She also doesn't entirely make these super angry/fierce expressions. She doesnt have any iconic pose nor does she have a consistent facial expression. She's very overall balanced and 'normal'-ish for an anime character if you get what I mean. XDD She's very regularly 'human'. While she smiles and laughs roughly, she's also mostly no-nonsense. I suppose it depends on your pose, and what aspect of her you'd like to show in photos, but I feel the best advice I could give in making expressions (which I think is the most important aspect of any cosplay) is for you to imagine how she would act/behave.



5. Do you have any favourite cosplayers that you admire and get inspired by?

Mika :- Yes, a lot!! I love Aira, Spiral Cats, Rainer Tachibana, Astellecia, GundamFamiglia, Mon Shie... there are just too many of them!

6. What has been your most exciting/memorable cosplay experience to date?

Mika :- It was at this gaming event last year, 'Level Up! Live 2011' where I first debuted my Rune Knight (Ragnarok Online) cosplay. Lots of cramming was done and it was the first costume that my cosplay family/group/team, Team MARCH, made together. I was really really nervous because that was the first serious competition I had ever joined and the second catwalk I had ever had (first catwalk was in my first cosplay XD). It's a pretty heavy and energy-draining costume but I was so happy, I swung my sword, shouted, ran around on stage and the people were going crazy, the crowd stood up and cheered loudly and I wanted to cry out of happiness for the costume everyone crammed together. XD The people from Team MARCH who were there were watching right at the edge of the stage, so all my nervousness just melted. That whole day, I will never forget.



7. What is your dream cosplay?

Mika :- There are a few; KOS-MOS from Xenosaga, Inori Yuzuriha from Guilty Crown, my own Nord Dovahkiin from TESV: Skyrim, Echizen Ryouma from Prince of Tennis and Sakura Kinomoto from Cardcaptor Sakura.

8. In what way has cosplay changed your life?

Mika :- I became more open-minded, more sociable, more accepting of the fact that there will always be people who are very different from each other. It has given me friendships, has caused me to learn how to sew, how to make props, where to buy certain things, how to use public transport, how to cut and style wigs/hair, how to do all kinds of makeup, it's also made me learn how to appreciate heels (which I used to hate XD). I became more girly because of cosplay, because it has made me more comfortable with wearing skirts, heels, having long hair, accessories and the like. I have come to be less awkward towards the opposite gender and now I even feel like my close friends are mostly males because of my hobbies (games etc). Cosplay has made me a more independent person too, and it has made me learn that if a person wants to do something, no matter what happens it can and will be done. Determination overcomes nearly everything. Also, I've become less shy in crowds and public presentations and have become a better speaker.



9. Do you have any piece of advice for the beginners out there?

Mika :- The most simple and essential thing I'd like to say is this: Please, no matter what, there must always be love. If there is love in what you are doing, things will fall into place---Because you love what you are doing, you will be determined. Because you love the character, you will learn more about them, you will easily be able to -be- them. Lots of people enter cosplay these days and become clouded with the intent of becoming popular and highly photographed, of becoming beautiful and the like---this should not be the case. Cosplay for the character. Cosplay because you genuinely, sincerely, from the bottom of your heart, love whoever it is you are cosplaying. That might be a little over the top for the more casual people but still, there must always be a genuine interest in the character; cosplay is not merely a product of wanting fame or doing something that suits you. Dont be afraid to try new things and always, enjoy.



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