Cosplayer Interview – Hyuu-Fai

Today, we found Hyuu-Fai – a 19-year-old Canadian boy and we’re glad he accepted our cosplayer interview. Also known as Nikki Lord Vandergaga, he is interested in fashion, expression, art (all forms), cosplay, Lady Gaga, Anime oh and men. He expects to be a fashion designer. But below, Hyuu-Fai shares us with something interesting and helpful about cosplay. Now, let’s take a look.

1. Please introduce yourself first.

I am Hyuu-Fai, a 19 year old cosplayer from Canada. I am a guy and I sew (because real men can sew) and pretty much do nothing else (aside from working at a fabric store).

2. What does cosplay mean to you?

To me, cosplay is a challenge – the challenge of taking a lie, woven out of someone’s wild imagination, and bringing it to life. It is a full package (costume, make-up and acting the role) so that in photos it looks like whomever I am cosplaying as alive through me.

3. What and when was your first cosplay?

My first cosplay was Fai d. Flowright from Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles – which I did 5 years ago now.

4. Does your family support your cosplay?

They do to an extent. I am sure they wish I was working on other things sometimes, however they have never been judgemental in anyway and always try to support me if they can. My mom was the one who first taught me to sew, years ago, and my dad has taught me armor crafting techniques (mold making, vacuum forming, airbrushing, etc.)

5. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?

This year I got the chance to go to Fanime con in California. Having only been to small Canadian cons, Fanime itself was such an amazing experience, but by far the most memorable part was meeting and hanging out with the Final Fantasy 7 cosplay group “CodeVII”.

6. Any other cosplay plan in 2011?

Of course! Firstly I want to get good pics of my 18’th Century France (APH) and my Mytho (from Princess Tutu) cosplays up. Then this summer I will also be premiering my Bartz cosplay (Dissidia outfit) and my Xth form Endrance cosplay (.hack/link). For both of these costumes I have also been working on collaborating costumes from the same series that will be worn by other cosplayers who will be joining me for photos.

7. Do you make your costumes yourself or buy them?

Are you kidding?!? I am very proud to say that I make all of my costumes. Sometimes if I am finding a weapon exceptionally difficult, I will ask for help or commission it. However every piece of apparel, accessory and armor is done by yours truly.

8. Any other cosplayer you like?

I see so much beautiful work done by other cosplayers, if I listed all the ones I like this interview would get far too long. However, when it comes to cosplayers whom I truly idolize and are special to me, the other members of “CodeVII” take the cake.

9. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?

Well other than the huge change in my bank account (cosplay hard, die poor), I think with every cosplay I make, my skills at sewing and crafting grow- there is so much to learn and I find cosplay really pushes me to my limits. Cosplays really are a lot of work, and I always put 110% into each costume. However it is always worthwhile because of the compliments I get in person and on DevArt.

10. Any advice you wanna share with cosplay newbies?

Remember that cosplaying is a whole package, a large portion of that is costume, make up (yes I am talking to you boys) and attitude (capturing the character’s personality for pictures), but the biggest part of it is having fun and CONFIDENCE. Be proud of what you create and how you look and don’t let anyone steal that away from you.

Sherry

I’m also a devotee for cosplay. To do well in this performance art, I’m interested in hunting for funny, gorgeous or fantastic pictures. From these breathtaking works and interviews done by cosplay talents, I always get inspired.