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.
Photo credits:
Asuka - photo by: The Otaku Crypt, edit by: Hidamari Snaps
Samus - Alex O'Neill/Con Mom Photography
Link - Neffy Avese Videography and Photography