Tell me about the outfit you are wearing – who are you cosplaying and how did you decide to pick this particular character ?
This costume is Tira’s 2nd player costume from a video game called Soul Calibur 4. I have wanted to cosplay this character since I first saw her in Soul Calibur 3, but I kept putting it off to make other things. However, when I saw this design, I instantly fell in love with it and started making it soon after!
Tell me about the process of making your outfit – was it easier or tougher than you imagine it to be?
Most of this costume was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I was thinking the hardest parts were going to be the hat and gauntlets, but those were actually the easiest parts once I started constructing them. The base of the hat was shaped with green upholstery foam and then covered in black vinyl; I used the same black vinyl to construct the sleeves and skirt.
The base of the gauntlets is made of a material called Wonderflex, then covered in Paper Clay. The shirt is made of green and pink suede, and it closes with a few steel hooks in the front. I altered a basic pair of ankle-high boots, and made the tights from semi stretch vinyl.
Any interesting stories from people’s reaction to your outfit at the con ? ^^
It’s always very flattering to have people asking for photos and complimenting you costume, but the thing I remember most about this costume is the extreme cold weather when I first wore it! I did a photo shoot outside in February at Katsucon 2009, and I was completely numb from the cold wind! It was worth it for the nice photos though!
In spring 2009, I wore this costume as an international cosplay guest to a wonderful convention in Merida, Mexico called Tsunami. I certainly have some wonderful memories attached to this costume!
How did you get started cosplaying and what got you interested ?
I started cosplaying when I was in high school after a friend invited me to come to a convention with her. At the time I didn’t even know what cosplay was, but she explained it to me. We made some simplistic costumes, and I really loved how it felt to walk around as my favorite characters for the day. The idea just sort of stuck with me as a way to express my art and creativity, and I was excited to learn more about it!
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 attended was a tiny convention in Pittsburgh, PA called Comic Con in 2003 followed by Otakon in Baltimore, Md. These were the two conventions that my close high school friend went to, and she asked me to go with her.
What does cosplay mean to you ?
The thing I appreciate the most about this hobby is the friends I have met through it. I get to be with so many great people at each convention, and hang out with a lot of them outside of conventions as well! The combination of showcasing my art and having fun with my friends is a perfect fit for me.
If you had unlimited funds/technology/time, what is your dream cosplay ?
Wow, I would do SO much! If I have a dream cosplay, I try to never count it out as ‘impossible’, however there are certainly costumes I know I could never tackle due to size, money, and lack of time. If I had unlimited resources and skill, I would make a lot more crazy things such as Machina Maw Rikku or some of the huge summons from the Final Fantasy games.
