ConBravo! - The Annual Festival of Everything Geek

Our May Spotlight is Artist Corky Lunn!

Check out the full interview and don't forget to apply here: http://conbravoofficial.tumblr.com/spotlight

1. How did you become interested in art?

As a kid I loved drawing all the time. Then I became obsessed with tv shows and video games like Sailor Moon and Pokémon, so I started drawing all my favourite characters and creatures. I can't remember a time that I didn't enjoy drawing.

2. What's your favourite type of art to create and why (illustrations, sculptures, etc.)?

I draw a lot of illustrations to sell at conventions, but I've recently been tinkering in creating designs for apparel and bags, which I've been having a blast with! It's really rewarding to see your artwork in the real world instead of just on a wall or attached to a backpack.

3. What's your favourite art to date that you've done and why?

I love crossover art, so my favourite would have to be my print of Kiki's Delivery Service crossed over with the Canada Post logo. I love how simple and cute it is. I've had customers from all over the world love it too! I was so happy to hear someone bought the postcard version of it to use as an actual postcard and send it to a friend in Japan.

4. What's a dream piece of art you'd like to create?

I'd love to have a line of apparel of my own original designs, not just fanart. I own a lot of nerdy shirts and I think it would be a lot of fun to design some.

5. Besides art, what else do you like to do in your spare time?

Definitely play video games! I've really been enjoying my boyfriend’s VR games and I always have my 3DS on me when I need to relax with some Kirby's Dream Land or Pokémon Sun. And a lot of baking. I love treating friends with edible gifts too.

6. What art do you have planned for the future?

I started creating metal enamel pins last year from some of my favourite nerdy things, and I've love to create a series that are an original design. I have a very large folder of inspiration at home, I just need to sit down and start! And I've created a couple fun nerdy patterns I think would look great as a scarf or bag.

7. Any tips for anyone who wants to get into art?

Our April Spotlight is Cosplayer ZombieKat89 Cosplay! You can also check out her Cosplay hair styling and makeup artistry page (Michelle At Linus Inc).

Check out the full interview and don't forget to apply here: http://conbravoofficial.tumblr.com/spotlight

1. How did you become interested in Cosplaying, Makeup and Hair?

In highschool I met a girl named Meng, she is known in the cosplay community as Yume Ka. She and I started the St. Peter’s Anime Club in high school. It was on her idea that we go to Anime North back in 2007. She had made a cosplay but when I got there and saw just how many people put together cosplays. Inuyasha, Naruto and Fruits basket, all the animes I enjoyed. I got so excited to see them that I was determined to do it myself. I have been hooked ever since.

2. What was the first character you cosplayed as and why?

Yami Marik from Yu-Gi-Oh!, because I am a dork who loved this show and he was the badass villain and I couldn’t think of anyone else I wanted to be. Plus this cosplay was rather simple to put together and for my first one, It’s a good thing I did. I learned a lot from the process of trying to make cosplays when living in a small little town.

3. What's your favourite cosplay to date that you've done and why?

Oh gosh, that’s hard. Cosplay for me isn’t about the costume, it’s about the memories I have while wearing them too. I would have to say Solas from Dragon Age. I met so many cool people, reunited with old friends and had so many conversations about games and makeup because of it. Plus, who doesn’t want to be an elf?

4. What's a dream cosplay or transformation you'd like to do?

I would love to turn myself into Desire Demon from Dragon Age Origins. The horns, flame hair and hawk claw feet are all so crazy and cool. It would require me to hire someone else to help me paint it on.

5. Besides cosplay, Hairstyling and makeup artistry, what else do you like to do in your spare time?

I am a Game Master for a Dungeons and Dragons 5th editions campaign. I homebrewed my own game using anime and video games to inspire me. I love to write about online rpg’s and fanfictions, so this was a great way to use all those skills and invite my friends into my mind to explore my imagination. We have been playing for a year and I have so much more to throw them through. My game is like a smash-up of Dragon Age and Pirates of the Caribbean.

6. What cosplays do you have planned for the future?

Oh well, I can’t tell you my secrets! I can say I am working on another dragon age costume and a dc comics cosplay. They are almost done but I tend to take my time (and by that I mean procrastinate) but they will be debuting soon.

7. Any tips for anyone who wants to get into cosplaying, makeup artistry and hairstyling?

Our March Spotlight is Filmmaker BigJackFilms!

Check out the full interview and don't forget to apply here: http://conbravoofficial.tumblr.com/spotlight

1. How did you become interested in film?

I was raised on a lot of classic and special effects films at a very young age. My uncles had shown me four films on VHS that was the real spark for me and those were King Kong (1933), King Kong Lives, Jaws and Jaws 2. While also being exposed and a fanboy of Star Wars and Anime at the time, it was a trip to Universal Studios Florida back in 1998 that lit my fascination with filmmaking and what I wanted to do for a living.

2. What sort of stuff did you film when you were starting out?

My first film, believe it or not, was a rendition of Star Wars Episode I prior to the movie coming out back in 1999. After watching the episode of Muppet Babies titled Gonzo’s Video Show, I grabbed my parents VHS camera, my sister and a few friends and whatever toys were lying around and we “Pre-Created” the movie of how it was gonna play out in our heads. After which I started making more short films with friends and some of these have either been lost or were never finished. In the course of a few years, I took a break from making films and picked back up using a newly bought DVD camera and began a fascination with LEGO films. Once YouTube and the internet were more available to me, I started making LEGO videos on my YouTube channel using a primitive Webcam from a LEGO Studios set. By 2010, I started gaining access to better technology and cameras and set about making my first feature film, while on the side creating movie reviews which have kept me busy on a weekly basis.

3. What's your favourite genre to film?

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been a fan of special effects and action movies. The best are those that use elaborate practical effects with Stop Motion Animation, miniatures and creature suits and puppets. I’ve also been fascinated and awed by anime films and shows with their complex stories and characters as well as their creativity for creatures and worlds.

4. Is there anything you'd love to do on your channel (like a dream video you'd like to make)?

My videos have always had some form of large ambitions. Most of my movie reviews have always kept me busy and it's basically my job now. But I’ve been wanting to take my reviews in a larger direction creating stories with established characters and expanding it with short films and possible features. I love to work on videos with large ideas and cheap special effects.

5. Besides film, what else do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to mostly socialize with other creators and talents throughout where I live. I love going to local cons and meeting new people with talented cosplays and creators on YouTube. Aside from that I love to LARP (Live Action Role Play) cause it helps me come up with stories for possible future projects.

6. What films do you have planned for the future?

My remake of King Kong was a major challenge and test to see what my efforts could do for a feature film and how I can improve on them. My next big project I want to get off the ground is a live-action web series continuation of the Manga/Anime, InuYasha. Rather than remake the series, I want to continue the story and expand the world with its iconic characters. Give it basically The Lord Of The Rings treatment on a micro-budget.

7. Any tips for anyone who wants to get into film?

If you wanna make a massive epic or special effects driven film, you gotta be well prepared. Make sure you’ve got all that you need listed and bought and have it all organized so your set to shoot when you’re ready.

Our February Spotlight is Cosplayer Iluvcookiess Cosplay!

Check out the full interview and don't forget to apply here: http://conbravoofficial.tumblr.com/spotlight

1. How did you become interested in Cosplaying?

I used to watch anime when I was little, Dragon Ball, Pokémon, Sailor Moon, Cardcaptors, etc. I loved Sakura's outfits so much, I wished that I could wear them myself, so that was my dream for the longest time.

2. What was the first character you cosplayed as and why?

The first character I cosplayed was Chii from Chobits. At the time it was my favourite anime, and I really loved Chii. Even though she was a robot she felt pretty relatable, and I wanted to try acting like her.

3. What's your favourite cosplay to date that you've done and why?

Nyaruko-san, she's a really great character from a really funny parody anime. The wig is a bit of a pain, but the rest of the outfit is very cute and fun to wear. It was also a good challenge as I made the entire thing and love how it turned out.

4. What's a dream cosplay you'd like to do?

A dream cosplay of mine is Maron Macaron from Queens Gate. The costume design is so cute, and just a mash of everything I love it so much! But right now it's out of my reach.

5. Besides cosplay, what else do you like to do in your spare time?

Besides cosplay I collect figures and am working on some itabags, I also draw and just do anything artsy. I enjoy baking, swimming, and of course spending all day watching anime.

6. What cosplays do you have planned for the future?

I had hoped to be able to make Cirno(touhou) and another winter cosplay this winter, that may have to be put off. But through 2018 I will be doing more Muse, and Aqours cosplay with my group 1,2,SHINE!! and hopefully Miss Monochrome for AnimeNorth!

7. Any tips for anyone who wants to get into cosplaying?

Pick a character you like, or that you like the design of and research! Make it yourself with tutorials or just buy it. If it's your first time it might be easiest to buy a cosplay to start to get into it, I bought my first one too, and still buy plenty even though I love making them myself. Over the years you will learn a LOT as you get better at hair, makeup, sewing, posing, so many skills!

--- Photography credits:

November's ConBravo! Spotlight is Cosplayer Levenez Cosplay!

Check out the full interview and don't forget to apply here: http://conbravoofficial.tumblr.com/spotlight

1. How did you become interested in cosplaying?

I saw a video or article on the league client that was about a bunch of cosplayers dressing up as league characters and I just knew I wanted to do something like that!

2. What was the first character you cosplayed as and why?

The first character I cosplayed was Jinx from League of Legends. I really liked her style and I was super into playing league at the time. I had to ask for so much help with the cosplay because I hadn't ever learned to sew or build big props, thankfully my parents were able to help me a lot with this first cosplay!

3. What’s your favourite cosplay to date that you’ve done and why?

Sheik, it gave me a lot of challenges that I learned from but I was so proud of what came out of it and how much I learned through the process. I definitely can't wait to fix some things up and make it even better with what I know now.

4. What’s a dream cosplay you’d like to do?

Sylvanas Windrunner from the Legion expansion!

5. Besides cosplay, what else do you like to do in your spare time?

Mostly playing videos games and hanging out with my cats and boyfriend (KirbyKosplay)! Recently I just got my GameCube set up so I've been obsessing over Super Mario Sunshine again!

6. What cosplays do you have planned for the future?

I'm going to be starting on a Kim Possible cosplay soon and I also have some plans for new Jedi robes for the new movie coming out!

7. Any tips for anyone who wants to get into cosplaying?

Honestly, just do it. Don't let what you think you cannot do get in the way. I hopped right into making 3 guns and wearing a wig that basically weighs as much as me.

October's ConBravo! Spotlight is Artist Stone Cold Creations!

Check out the full interview and don't forget to apply here: http://conbravoofficial.tumblr.com/spotlight.

1. How did you become interested in art?

I remember attending my first convention - Anime North in 2005 - and marvelling at the artist alley. I had always dabbled in creative hobbies as a kid, but thought it was so cool that art could be used to celebrate fandom and bring joy to people! I decided that I was going to find some artistic skill to hone to help bring happiness to fellow fans.

2. What’s your favourite type of art to create and why (illustrations, sculptures, etc.)?

Jewellery! There is something so satisfying in collecting and creating different components and visualizing how it should all fit together.

3. What’s your favourite art to date that you’ve done and why?

I made a one-of-a-kind chainmaille and dice bracelet last year which was challenging in both design and construction. It was my first time having to measure and plan for this style so everything would fit properly, and working with titanium was not a super fun time. It was totally worth it, though! It looked awesome in the end.

4. What’s a dream piece of art you’d like to create?

I’d really like to look into making elegant, fine jewellery - with a geeky flair, of course! It’s a “dream” in that it would be quite the investment in materials, and I think it’s beyond my current skill level, but it’s something I’m starting to work towards.

5. Besides art, what else do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m a full-time student, so making jewellery is what I do in my spare time - it’s very calming, and one of my favourite ways to unwind. Other than that, I also dabble in some casual gaming - I love management sims! Also, listening to the Hamilton soundtrack on repeat, ad nauseam.

6. What art do you have planned for the future?

I’m very close to launching my Etsy shop this fall (finally!), and I’m hoping that when that happens, I’ll be able to start focusing on some more delicate and higher-end pieces that would be more difficult to pack and display at conventions - glass beads, gemstones, etc. I’m also hoping that I’ll be able to create some new chainmaille & dice designs - the colours are so fun to pick, and the results can be quite pretty!

7. Any tips for anyone who wants to get into art?

September's ConBravo! Spotlight is Artist Tyler Mann Art!

Check out the full interview and don't forget to apply here: http://conbravoofficial.tumblr.com/spotlight

1. How did you become interested in art?

Since I was a kid, I love Disney animated films, and I had this book called How To Be A Cartoonist which is where my first love of drawing started. When I discovered the Internet, I found a whole community of artists who were doing whatever they wanted, and posting art and comics, and that's when I got into doing my own art and posting it online.

2. What's your favourite type of art to create and why (illustrations, sculptures, etc.)?

My favorite art to create is comics. Nothing compares to crafting a world within a few frames, or telling a quick joke or story.

3. What's your favourite art to date that you've done and why?

My favorite drawing is the Season 1 cover of my comic The Costume Shop. It represents all the characters and monsters I've drawn for the past 4 years, and seeing it printed on the book solidifies all the hard work I did, so I love looking at that the most.

4. What's a dream piece of art you'd like to create?

A haunted circus or fun house. They are meant to be fun but are so creepy, and doing it in a playful yet terrifying way is something I'd love to draw, but that would mean building a whole new world and story when I have three other worlds I'm working on now. So this one will have to wait.

5. Besides art, what else do you like to do in your spare time?

I love playing theme park simulators, especially Planet Coaster. It's a whole other form of art getting to see a fictional theme park come to life, and very relaxing. I also love doing theater, and performing in shows, musicals, or improv. It's so fun getting to work on them with my friends and goof around for an audience who's enjoying it.

6. What art do you have planned for the future?

My comic The Costume Shop Ch 5 is launching in time for Halloween, and this chapter is full of action and awesome monsters. I'm working on a gay superhero satire called Kid Quicksand, coming out in 2018. And this October, my comic The Costume Shop is being adapted into a stage show performing in Toronto. CostumeShopShow.com (shameless plug!) And at some point I'll get to that haunted Fun House idea.

7. Any tips for anyone who wants to get into art?

August's ConBravo! Spotlight is Cosplayer Xgouki Cosplay!

Check out the full interview and don't forget to apply here: http://conbravoofficial.tumblr.com/spotlight

1. How did you become interested in cosplaying?

I first found out about cosplay on the Internet when I was 10. I loved the idea of becoming my favorite characters and escaping from reality! I really wanted to enter the cosplay world, but my cosplay journey has been a long and gradual one mostly due to disapproving parents and a difficult life in general. In 2016, I was finally able to break free and enter the cosplay community full-time, and it’s been a fantastic experience for me.

2. What was the first character you cosplayed as and why?

The first character I ever cosplayed was Joey Wheeler (Katsuya Jounouchi) when I was 11, because Yu-Gi-Oh! was the major kids’ fad at the time and I tended to get swept into them. My mom even put it together for me! As an older teen, I briefly considered cosplaying him again once I started watching the Abridged Series (it helps that Red-Eyes Black Dragon would probably be my favorite Duel Monster), but it’s unlikely nowadays since I have so many other, better cosplay options.

3. What’s your favourite cosplay to date that you’ve done and why?

My favorite cosplay to date, by far, is Zero Suit Samus. I absolutely love being Samus because she’s badass, iconic, beautiful and sexy. In general, she’s such a great character - she’s a woman protagonist who’s just this powerful, legendary bounty hunter and doesn’t suffer from the typical “female sci-fi character” stereotypes (except in one infamous game). Her looks are simply gorgeous, and I always feel pretty when cosplaying her <3

4. What’s a dream cosplay you’d like to do?

More on Samus - my dream cosplay would be her Varia Suit. While the Zero Suit shows off her figure, her beauty and her more “human” side, the Varia Suit basically defines Samus as a character and is where most of her powers come from. I’m a big fan of complex, streamlined mechanical designs, and wearing the Varia Suit would be really awesome and empowering. I could even wear it without the helmet on occasion and use my Zero Suit wig and makeup for the best of both worlds!

5. Besides cosplay, what else do you like to do in your spare time?

My spare time is very vaguely defined. Most of my time is spent on a Master’s degree that I’m very, very nervous about. Probably the activity that I enjoy the most is just going out and seeing places, especially urban areas. It’s one reason I love Toronto so much. Other than that, I’m an avid gamer and I’m just starting to read comics again.

6. What cosplays do you have planned for the future?

Mm, that’s a tough one. I usually have a lot of cosplay ideas floating around in my head, so when I pick one to actually carry out, it sometimes feels like I picked it at random. Right now, I’m probably planning to cosplay the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of Spider-Man (Peter Parker), since he was my childhood superhero and it was amazing (no pun intended) seeing him in Civil War and Homecoming. I’m also a Pokémon fan; I did a fairly crappy Charizard gijinka once, but might do a new version of it or Mewtwo, preferably based on an existing fanart that “clicks” with me so that the design has more coherency.

7. Any tips for anyone who wants to get into cosplaying?

First of all, there’s nothing wrong with buying costumes as opposed to making them. Just be careful where you buy; most cosplay shopping sites are overseas sites with mixed reviews, and many sellers use stock photos that don’t represent the product quality very well. Miccostumes is one of the better options, I’ve had one large order from them that shipped very quickly. Wigs and hair are important. A cheap wig can ruin a costume (I’m ashamed of my current Link wig), so I recommend ordering from a reputable site like Arda or EpicCosplay. If your character has a natural/normal hairstyle (especially for live-action characters), you might find good wigs at a beauty salon. If you use your own hair, I recommend getting it styled by an expert to match the character’s look. If you care about character accuracy, you can’t just go “I’ll dye my hair blonde, braid it, look like Ed Elric, and call it a day”; you also need the right color, shade, thickness and bangs.

Secondly, some new cosplayers might be intimidated by more experienced cosplayers, thinking that they’re an “elite” of sorts that they aren’t/won’t be good enough to join. In most cases, that’s not true at all! Most of us are just fellow nerds who want to hang out, express our fandom, and make friends. In fact, some experienced cosplayers are willing to mentor newbies in need. That said, don’t overstep your boundaries. If I were to give advice as concisely as possible, I’d say a) be yourself and don’t be nervous, and b) don’t have any ulterior motives when joining the community and talking to cosplayers.