Astellecia, thank you so much for accepting our interview. Wanna know more about this cosplay talent? You can take a look at the interview below.

1. Since cosplay becomes more and more popular, how do you think about the good things and also bad things on this performance art?

I think a good thing is that as more people join the circle you see the level of cosplayers rising, there are more and more amazing people and costumes to look at and learn from and more resources generally for everyone (and more friends to make and fangirl with!!) On the downside, I guess more people makes the scene more competitive, it makes it harder to make friends when people stick to their own groups.

2. Do you consider yourself a “cosplayer” year round, or only when participating in certain activities?

Personally I only consider myself a ‘cosplayer’ when I’m actually doing things related to this hobby, other times I’m just plain old me~ I think it’s a really great and fun interest to have and while I put alot of time and effort into it, at the end of the day I still keep it separated from the other parts of my life.

3. Going to a venue with many people to watch you in costume and simply taking a photograph, which one is more meaningful?

Wow, that’s a tough question D: I think both are meaningful in different ways. Cosplaying at an event I guess is really a test of how well you know your character, having to pose and just ‘being in character’ on the spot, while taking a photo at a shoot requires alot of preparation beforehand for it to turn out well. I really can’t say, I think both are just as important >.<

4. Is the creation of the costume or characters more valuable than the actual acting or vice versa, or is it a mix? As well, how much of the do-it-yourself mentality is admired? If someone just bought their whole costume, are they still a true cosplayer?

For me I think both the “cos” and the “play” elements in being a cosplayer are equally important, there’s no point having a beautiful costume if you don’t know your character and vice versa, the two just can’t be divorced from each other. As much as I would love to make all my costumes myself (and I really admire those who do their own props and outfits) sometimes I myself have to turn to tailors because of time constraints with work and school. I have nothing against people who buy costumes simply because having sewn quite a few costumes myself I understand it’s not an easy skill to pick up. As long as one tries their best to portray their character in terms of costume and acting I think it doesn’t really matter if they buy their costumes if they are honest about it.

5. Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?

Cosplay a character you love, even if you pick a character for the costume, learn to love them. I think it really shows when you truly adore the character you are cosplaying and I love seeing that kind of passion in other cosplayers

6. Which contest theme do you mostly want to see at Miccostumes.com?

I have been seeing alot of water-themed cosplay photos recently, like underwater shoots and shots in the sea/waterfalls etc. I think a water-themed contest would be awesome ~