Cosplayer Interviews-Kairi G

Kairi G from NYC join in our cosplay interviews today, Kairi began cosplay in 2003, graduated in fashion design and made many amazing costumes.And if you are looking for custom wedding gowns ideas in NYC, contact kairi as well 🙂
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1. Hi Erica,thanks to join in our interviews,so please introduce you first.
My name is Erica, but I go by Kairi G online! I’ve been cosplaying since 2003 and have made close to 100 costumes for myself and others! Currently, I live in NYC, working, and planning to go back to college for a masters degree! I originally studied Fashion Design, but I now plan to return to school to study Nutrition Science! I still do some freelance costume design as well! I tend to be an entrepreneurial type and I am also working on starting up a line of handmade cosmetics and bath products! (PersephoneApothecary on Etsy!)

2. I noticed you’ve made many amazing cosplay, so how did you get started in with cosplay, what was your first cosplay?

I got started in cosplay at my very first convention in January of 2003, but I had been sewing and making costumes for years before that! My first costume was a true closet cosplay, but by Anime Boston that year, I had made a Yuna (FFX) costume for myself and helped my friends with 4 other Final Fantasy costumes. I never turned back after that! 10 years later I am still going strong!

3. What has been your favourite cosplay?

With all the costumes I have made, it is very hard to pick a favorite. I love both of my Eowyn costumes from Lord of the Rings. I am also quite fond of my recent original design based on Bollywood fashion and the Final Fantasy summon, Carbuncle.

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4. Describe your creative process for starting a costume through completion.I see you accept cosplay commissions, so I think you can promote it to our readers as well.

I tend to procrastinate a lot! I spend months thinking about the costume, how I am going to make it, what materials to use, etc… But then when it comes down to actually making the costume, I’m lucky if I start even a month in advance of the convention. I work quickly and have an excellent repertoire of techniques after 10 years of doing this, so I can usually get my stuff done in time, looking good!
I am taking it easy and not accepting commissions right now, need to focus on work and school.

5. What is the biggest learning curve you have learned about the hobby in the past years?

I have learned so many skills and techniques through this hobby, but I have also learned that I cannot be perfect at everything. So I’ve learned to ask for help, consult or commission people who are true experts! I have, most importantly, learned not to take cosplay too seriously, anytime it starts to feel stressful or like work, I take a step back and reevaluate why I want to do it, for fun and friends!

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

Never be afraid to ask for help! Introduce yourself to the cosplayers you admire and respect! It is a social hobby and we all can help each other be the best cosplayers possible! Also, do not let anyone tell you who or who not to cosplay as, this is your hobby and your choice! Do not listen to trolls on the Internet, they are just jealous. You are putting yourself out there when you cosplay and that does take courage and talent whether you’ve been doing it for 1 month or 10 years, so be confident, have fun, and ignore the haters.

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7. Lastly, what is your con schedule looking like through 2013?

In 2013 I will be attending Katsucon, ColossalCon, Dragon*Con, AnimeUSA, and New York Comic Con. At Katsucon I am planning to wear my Sakizou Strawberry Ice Cream girl, Chihaya (fruits costume) from IDOLM@STER, and one of my Eowyn gowns! Possibly my Bunny Suit or Bollywood costumes as well! I always welcome people to introduce themselves to me at the con! Check out my Facebook page ( Kairi G Cosplay) before the con for my official schedule! Looking forward to meeting new friends! 🙂

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. :)