1. Please introduce yourself first!
My name’s Yunie, and I’m a cosplayer from Colorado. I’ve been cosplaying for ten years as of this September. I’m a history nerd, a gamer, and should probably stop collecting so many horror movies, heh! I own Cosplay Blog… with a Brain!, a cosplay blog, obviously. I also own my own cosplay site Engi no Shouzoku!, which I run with several friends of mine.
2. What does cosplay mean to you?
Cosplay is a basically costuming, which I enjoy for the creative aspects. My inner attention enjoys creating something that people want to get photos of. It’s been a way for me to make friends, express myself, and all around have fun!
3. What and when was your first cosplay?
My first cosplay was September of 2001 at Nan Desu Kan in Denver, Colorado. I made Mistress 9 from Sailor Moon with help from my mom. We sewed the top together and added the pearls, found a wig and the star, and purchased the skirt from Goodwill. 😀
4. Does your family support your cosplay?
To an extent, they support me. They like seeing what I create and that I’m having fun with it, but they view it as a waste of money. My dad also thinks that traveling is stupid and is almost paranoid about planes, but only when I’m flying on them.
5. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?
My most memorable by far was when I dressed as Sailor Moon from Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon for Anime Oasis in Boise, Idaho. I had this adorable little girl come running up and she was just absolutely thrilled there was a Sailor Moon there because there was a lot of bad guys and we needed to defeat them. So, we went around the con defeating the bad guys until she had to leave with her parents. It was fun and something I won’t forget.
6. What are your 2011 cosplay plans?
On my list to wear this year are Phoenix from X-Men, Princess Serenity from Sailor Moon, Dark Sakura from Fate/Stay Night, Rinoa from Final Fantasy VIII, Rydia from Final Fantasy IV, and Armitage from Armitage III. Currently, I’m not planning on making anything new due to money restrictions, but that could change.
7. Do you make costumes yourself or buy them?
I usually make costumes myself, but I have bought a few here and there. I always make it clear which ones are bought and never compete in them.
8. Any other cosplayers you like?
There’re tons of other cosplayers I like and many I admire for their work. One I tend to work with the most is Etaru, who is basically like my sister from another mother. <3 I also have the other cosplayers from my website and they’re all like a second family. There’s also Seiya Kou and Yaten Kou, both also in Colorado with me, and I adore them as well.
9. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?
Kind of? I become more confident when I’m in costume and remain so for awhile afterwards. I have rather low self esteem, so when I cosplay, it gives me a boost. I also get depressed after con for a day or two, because I miss everyone I got to meet and hang out with, but it always passes. I also don’t want to sew for a month or two, heh!
10. Any advice you wanna share with cosplay newbies?
If you’re getting into cosplay, always start out on something easy and work your way up. The more comfortable you get in creating the simpler things, the easier it gets to make more difficult projects. And always wear make-up if you’re planning on being photographed, male or female. You will always look better, even if it’s just some light foundation.