Cosplayer Interviews-Malindachan

Today Malindachan join in our cosplay interviews to share her real cosplay stotry. Malindachan is really hot in deviantart .Personally like her wig tutorials most,really step by step ,impressive!

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1.Introduce you first.
-Hi, my name is Malinda Mathis, and I go by Malindachan as my cosplay alias.

2.How did you get started in with cosplay, what was your first cosplay?
-I got into cosplay during High School thanks to our Anime Club. My first real cosplay was in 2004 when I cosplayed Edward Elric for Halloween and for special Anime Club events.

3.What has been your favourite cosplay?
-It’s really hard to decide, though I’ve got a special place in my heart for Yusei Fudo. It’s the one I’ve worn the most, and it’s got a lot of fond memories attached to it.

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4.Describe your creative process for starting a costume through completion!
-First thing I do is look for tons of references so that I know every detail before I even start. Then I order the wig base! XD You never know if the place you want to order from will be out of stock or take a while to get to you, so I make sure I order it as soon as possible so I have enough styling time. I go to a local fabric store to browse for material ideas until I’ve picked out what I feel is the best match. But I will usually hold out on getting the fabric until it’s either on sale or if I have a coupon (cosplaying can be expensive!). I prioritize the stuff that is essential to getting done first, but I also like to switch around while I’m working on certain items so that I’ve got some variety going on. If I’m doing nothing but sewing for several days, I might no longer be motivated to sew later, so I’ll switch to something like props, the wig, or accessories for a while before going back to sewing again. I always like to listen to music or have a movie/show playing in the background as I work because I cannot work in silence. XD Taking progress photos as I go and sharing them with friends on facebook is also a huge motivator, because feedback can really help keep me going.

5.What is the biggest learning curve you have learned about the hobby in the past years?
-I’ve learned lots of things about working with different kinds of materials and such, but the biggest thing this hobby has taught me is about my own self. I’ve become a stronger person thanks to cosplaying, and I’ve learned some values. :)

6.Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay beginners?and I noticed you made some amazing wig tutorials, could you tell us some key points for style a wig?
-Never underestimate what you’re capable of. Experiment with new materials and techniques, and you might surprise yourself. I didn’t know I’d have a knack for wig-styling until I tried it. Next thing I knew, my wigs became the highlight of my cosplay work. Sure, some people might catch on faster at the start compared others because they either have an artistic eye or are good with their hands, but with how much variety there is in this hobby, there’s bound to be something that makes each person stand out. Some people excel at sewing, some are great with props or wigs, some are better at mimicking the characters’ personalities. Find your niche and work off it! :)

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7.Lastly, what is your con schedule looking like through 2013?
-I’ve got a huge convention lineup this year, especially because I work for Arda-wigs now and will be traveling to help work the wig booth. More will be added to the list for-sure, but as of now I know I’ll be at Katsucon, Naka-kon, Evillecon, Acen, Colossalcon, Cosplacon, Anime Expo, and Dragon*con. Some of them I’ll just be attending for fun, some are for work, and I’ll be a cosplay guest at two of them. :)

Cosplayer Interviews-Cat-Chan Cosplay

Today Cat-chan join in our cosplayer interviews, another amazing cosplayer from US, get featured in many anime medias, thanks Catchan to share her cosplay story with us 🙂

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Photo by :Squidflakes (http://gallery.prairiesquid.com)

1. Hi Cat-Chan,thanks to join in our interviews,so please introduce you first.
Hello, I’m Cat-chan! I’ve been cosplaying since 2004 and I live in Texas. I attend many cons in my home state but I’ve ventured to Louisiana, Oklahoma and California too. I keep track of my cosplay adventures on my website catchancosplay.com, please come visit!

2. You have got many rewards in different anime conventions, so how did you get started in with cosplay, what was your first cosplay?
I first learned about cosplay when I went to my first anime convention with my college anime club. A couple of the girls in the club had costumes, and as I walked around the con that weekend I saw so many awesome costumes! I wanted to wear a cool costume too so for my next convention I made 3. The were pretty terrible but I was so excited to cosplay. I made a Koto costume from Yu Yu Hakusho (one of my favorite series), a Pikachu gijinka and probably the worst Ash Ketchum costume ever. It was so much fun to cosplay that I never stopped.

3. What has been your favourite cosplay?
Can I pick 2? I’m going to pick 2. My Orihime Inoue costume will always hold a special place in my heart. It is the costume that brought me to so many amazing people, I owe many of my best cosplay memories to that costume. I am actually hoping to remake it soon! My second choice is my Mami Tomoe costume. Everything about this costume makes me happy. I loved making it, I love wearing it and I love meeting other fans of Puella Magi Madoka Magica.


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Photo by Mike Boike (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike_boike/)

4. Describe your creative process for starting a costume through completion!
I usually start by gathering as many references as I can of the character. Once I have all the references I need I begin to plan how I will construct certain things. I will decide what techniques I will use and try to estimate how much time and money everything will take. Then I begin acquiring supplies and working. I tend to try to get the big pieces of a costume finished first and save the small details for last.

5. What is the biggest learning curve you have learned about the hobby in the past years?
The biggest challenge in cosplay for me is figuring out how to take something two dimensional and turn it into a real thing. I cosplay mostly from anime and cartoons, things that don’t have 3D model sheets and detailed references. It can be very hard to visualize these things in a 3D setting, at least for me. I’ve seen myself grow though, from the beginning when I would have to use patterns with very minor alterations and make simple costumes to now being able to make major pattern alterations (or sometimes draft my own) and sew complex garments. It’s actually kind of crazy to think about, haha.

6. You also got much Staff Experience in conventions, so any interesting wanna share?
Haha, there is always something interesting happening when you are working at a con! I really enjoy working on staff and it has taught me a lot about how conventions work behind the scenes. I really support anyone that wants to learn more about how a con works to volunteer. Most conventions will reward you for your work with things like free badges, swag, and more. It’s a great way to give back to something that gives us so much fun and entertainment.

what_time_is_it__by_catchancosplay-d5i9wduPhoto by Mike Boike (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike_boike/

 

 

7. Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?
HAVE FUN! If cosplay stops being fun then you might want to take a step back and look at what is going on. I know I’ve stressed myself out over crazy deadlines or schedules packed too tight. Just remember that its your hobby and that real life comes first. Also never give up, even if you fail on something, learn from it and keep on trying. Everyone was a beginner once.

8. Lastly, what is your con schedule looking like through 2013?
Right now I am definitely attending All-con, Anime Matsuri, LouisiANIME, San Japan and Ikkicon. I am also hoping to go to A-kon and Anime Fest and maybe Anime Overload too.