Tell me about the outfit you are wearing.
I am cosplaying the true form of Midna from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Legend of Zelda is probably my favorite game series. When I saw Midna, I thought she was lovely and had such a unique design and story. Plus she was my favorite colors: turquoise and black.
Tell me about the process of making your outfit ?
Well, this one was quite a challenge. I started making it as my very first cosplay so I was diving in blind. I ended up putting it aside for a couple years so I could learn how to sew some simple things. It was a major learning experience of firsts. The cloak was my first self made pattern, sewn from bed sheets. There is so many details as well, I ended up painting the back of the cloak twice cause it came off in the wash. Woops, now I know better options for paint. Paint probably caused the most problems, I tried out body painting .xD It was a crazy scene in the hotel room trying to get all that on. I had to be a blue statue, didn’t want to get in trouble with the management by leaving blue hand prints everywhere. I had to struggle with being a cranky Midna cause the paint I used would crack when I smiled, a task very hard to do when there is some many things going on at conventions. It was fun and lots of laughs, am I crazy for wanting to go through that again? I have been able to contact many wonderful cosplayers willing to share advice and techniques, many thanks to them. Since the convention I have learned of better body paint and will slowly fix things as my skills improve.
Any interesting stories from people’s reaction to your outfit at the con ? ^^
I am so appreciative of all the wonderful comments I received. I feel so undeserving because I know it could be so much better. Thanks to every one because it is such great encouragement to continue. Um…something interesting… well being blue was interesting. I didn’t want to get blue on others. x_x Also, for anyone in a costume, it is hard to get from one place to another. I tried to give people a chance to get pictures so my group kept losing me because they didn’t know where or when I stopped. xD
How did you get started cosplaying and what got you interested ?
I went to my first convention when I was 14. It was so cool to see all the people dressed up and finding the characters I recognized, but I am a shy person. It was not till my senior year in high school and meeting my friend Phyllis, she cosplays regularly and inspired me when she did her own Midna, to go for it. She is my crafting partner in crime. I enjoyed it so much I am hooked.
What are the con did you first attended and what’s your favorite con that you’ve attended so far and why ?
The first convention I went to was SacAnime, a small convention in Sacramento. My favorite has to be Fanime. It has been my first and only big convention. It has showed me the extent of the influence that anime and videogames have. It has exposed me to so much awe-inspiring talent. Plus it is an adventure and vacation in anime.
What does cosplay mean to you ?
For me, cosplay is a creative outlet. I love working with my hands and it is so gratifying when you make something that works! It is not a flat image, it is usable and you can wear it. It is something for everyone. I was afraid to be judged, but if you enjoy it who cares. I get to be myself (even though I am in a wig portraying someone else) I am celebrating what I enjoy.
If you had unlimited funds/technology/time, what is your dream cosplay ?
This is a hard question. I would love to improve my Midna, but besides that my next dream cosplay would be Eve from the 1997 Playstation game Parasite Eve. I don’t think the character or the game is well known, but that game made such an impression on me when I was little and would love to pay tribute. The character is unique, lovely, and somewhat haunting.
