Cosplay photography research project!

By Static. 14/07/09, 01:42 pm

So - anybody who expressed interest in answering these questions? Here they are, and please feel free to invite cosplaying friends to do so as well! As well as, like, the rest of the forums Cosplay photography research project! Icon_razz

Answer as much as you like - short and sweet, or novella-type discussions, I'd love both. And please indicate whether or not you're happy with having a follow-up set of questions aimed at you - a no is fine, just let me know so I don't assume you're in when you're not :)

QUESTIONS HO!

What does cosplay mean to you?
Why do you cosplay? What is it that attracts you to the hobby?
Talk about the cosplay community - what personality traits do cosplayers in general share? Which traits are most noticeable?
What are some of the quirks and habits of cosplayers - is there anything that could be considered a ritual, or shared habit or practice?
How did you get in to cosplay? What inspires you to cosplay?
What would you say is the strongest asset of a cosplayer - is it a mindset, a skill, an attitude?

Thanks in advance everyone - anyone curious as to what this is all in aid of, there's a brief description of it here: http://forum.cosplay.co.nz/auckland-cosplay-ball-f42/ball-photography-t4501.htm

Cosplay photography research project! 501139

Cosplay photography research project! 501139

**UPDATE*** More questions!

When choosing a character to cosplay, what do you consider? Personality traits, catchphrases, costume, appearance, all/none of these?

Cosplay is costume-roleplay: how important is the roleplay aspect? Is it important at all? Does it depend on the cosplayer? Is it a common practise that you know of, or not at all?

By sakuramiyabi. 14/07/09, 03:21 pm

lol i will take a while ... ill post them up when im done

when do you need it by?

By Static. 15/07/09, 02:48 am

Anytime in the next week or two. I'm already 6 months behind in this assignment, but thw whole thing needs to be ready for laying out in the book by september - preferably the first of the month. I'd like to have this research bit done before then obviously, so I can get my shooting focused...but yeah, next fortnight or so :)

By **Duckeh**. 15/07/09, 03:46 pm

What does cosplay mean to you?
Awesome people, amazing costumes & an excuse to construct silly things.

Why do you cosplay? What is it that attracts you to the hobby?
The fact that not only am I doing something completely useless & fun, I'm also learning something in the process. Before cosplaying I couldn't sew, and the fact that now I attempt to make the most amazing garments and I have an excuse to do so is awesome. Also, the people are generally great & fun to hang out with.

Talk about the cosplay community - what personality traits do cosplayers in
general share? Which traits are most noticeable?
I don't really think that cosplayers follow a set mold. I've met the shyest people I've ever met through cosplay and also the most out there, attention loving people as well. Some are overly welcoming and friendly, others will go on and on about the most trivial things and scare you off. Generally cosplayers are really friendly, but don't shoot me if you come across an exception.

What are some of the quirks and habits of cosplayers - is there anything that could be considered a ritual, or shared habit or practice?
The arcade? When in town, the arcade needs a visit! No, seriously... There's something about the arcade.

How did you get in to cosplay? What inspires you to cosplay?
Other cosplayers. I like to look at other costumes and go, "Oh, that's not so hard... Maybe I could..." and even if I'm kidding myself when they've made something so amazing by themselves, is just really inspiring. Then the fact they take such great photos and the way they portray a character they like... It's really cool.

I got into cosplaying after seeing a cosplay competition. After realising they all made their costumes, it became pretty evident that I really wanted to get into it... It only took me two years to remember.

What would you say is the strongest asset of a cosplayer - is it a mindset, a skill, an attitude?
Well, not taking everything so seriously that it impairs your ability to have fun and oogle other costumes, knowing how much effort it must've taken them & seeing it reflected in how awesome it looks. You always learn something new from other peoples cosplays~ <3

I'm fine with answering other questions, if you want. No doubt other people will answer them better though~ :3

By **seraphik**. 16/07/09, 03:35 pm

(A PHENOMENON NEVER SEEN ON THESE FORUMS; i will type in proper case and punctuation for this)

What does cosplay mean to you?
Cosplay is several things. Not only is it a sewing craft, but it also involves a wide range of creative facets- photography, acting, hairstyling, propmaking etc. and most importantly, socializing with likeminded people.

Why do you cosplay? What is it that attracts you to the hobby?
Obviously, because of all the above, because getting to dress-up is something fun that you don't often get to do otherwise, and because it's a bit of an escape from what is otherwise a blase & routine world. It's cool to break the mould once in a while, put on something a little surreal and then go out into that 'normal' world 'cause not only is it fun, but you might also make someone elses' day a little more interesting. Plus, it's also a chance to get to meet people you might otherwise never get to. Cosplayers, even in New Zealand, all come from different backgrounds & walks of life, so there's always someone awesome and interesting to meet or hang out with.

Talk about the cosplay community - what personality traits do cosplayers in general share? Which traits are most noticeable?
I think the only trait that all the cosplayers (in NZ anyway) would share would probably be the forums, which seems to be the hub of most of what goes on. Other than that, personality wise there isn't much that people have in common, save for the love of getting dressed up. As said above, since they're such a diverse mix of people there's a wide range of personalities and dispositions. Some love being taken photos of, some hate it. Some like the stage, some don't. Some are quiet, some are loud (as Shannon said up there, too.)

What are some of the quirks and habits of cosplayers - is there anything that could be considered a ritual, or shared habit or practice?
Doing dances? Because of internet pop. culture, it always seems to be expected to do some form of caramelldansen or what have you whenever they group en masse (though, that's not to say that everyone loves it.) Also, usually going around in groups of two or more. I know a few people go places alone in cosplay, but usually as a safety precaution or a personal thing I've noticed that they usually either have someone (a friend etc.) out of costume with them, or one or more cosplayers. Group mentality?

How did you get in to cosplay? What inspires you to cosplay?
I don't really know, actually. I do remember being younger and thinking that, 'hey, those clothes would be pretty cool to have in real life'- but I think what actually got me into it in the end was when our local anime club held an impromptu Halloween costume party waaay back- perhaps 2003?- and I dressed up as Witch Hunter Robin. After that, I researched it a little more and found out about the Armageddon conventions, attended a few years later, and the rest is history.

As for what inspires me, probably the series and games themselves. I get attached to stories easily (especially dramatic, soppy ones, haha) and when you can make a little bit of a story come to life, that's pretty awesome. Plus, so many of the cosplayers you meet are so awesome & talented themselves that it makes you want to match their level, and you begin to dream up ideas from there.

What would you say is the strongest asset of a cosplayer - is it a mindset, a skill, an attitude?
Flexibility, I suppose, on a wide range of levels. Emotionally, especially if you're a competitive type and go for the costume contests, skills-wise, because no costume is going to require the same set of techniques. Also, the ability to interact with a wide range of people and get on with the giant mixing bowl of personalities. You just gotta take a step back and realise that everyone is in the same hobby as you and primarily, you're all here to have fun!

(I hope that's alright. Now, 3, 2, 1...

revert back to my crappy unpunctuated mess of writing)

**Guest** Guest

What does cosplay mean to you?
Stress. Extreme happiness. Prancing round like a dork, looking like a dork and hanging out with other dorks. Always having a conversation topic at the dinner table when you have guests round; 'excuse me, but why is there a giant battle axe hanging on your wall?' Sleepless nights and sacrifice of good grades. It's a love/hate relationship.

Why do you cosplay? What is it that attracts you to the hobby?
I'm a masochist.

Talk about the cosplay community - what personality traits do cosplayers in general share? Which traits are most noticeable?
I've found that the majority of cosplayers share a love for anime, games and Japanese culture as we mainly cosplay as characters from those. Of course, that's not true for everyone: some share a great love of historical garments, or the western superhero side of things.

As for traits; well, I've yet to come across a cosplayer that will put manicures, hair appointments and classic clothes shopping trips for themselves in front of buying fabric or supplies for props. We're very driven and focused on our hobby (more to the point, it totally consumes our lives, and when we do get round to going out shopping and come across garments we think 'oh, this could totally work for this character!')

Conversely, we're also great at leaving things to the last minute and nervous breakdowns as we've taken on more costumes then we can handle, or procrastination on those 6 foot wings has taken it's toll.

What are some of the quirks and habits of cosplayers - is there anything that could be considered a ritual, or shared habit or practice?
Unintentionally saying things that those outside the clique would find incredibly odd; 'over the weekend I made a pair of latex boots & whip!'

Said costume isn't actually pervy, just has weird boots & the character has a whip which she uses to summon mythical beasts with. The statement is perfectly innocent to the cosplayer, but to the outside eavesdropper; well. Needless to say some of us cosplayers get a bit of a reputation...

How did you get in to cosplay? What inspires you to cosplay?
Word of mouth; one of my friends spontaneously came across the hobby and thought she'd like to give it a go & asked round the others if they'd join in. Strangely enough, I was the only one keen...

As for what inspires me to keep cosplaying: it's hard to go through life once you've started the hobby and -not- see another costume you'd love to own for youself, or discover another great series that you'd like to pay homage to. Any cosplayers 'dream cosplay' list is at least a mile long. This hobby is just like pringles; once you start you just can't stop.

What would you say is the strongest asset of a cosplayer - is it a mindset, a skill, an attitude?
Determination; being able to keep sewing when your last needle just broke, or you've had to unpick that seam at LEAST 5 times, or you can't just get that wig to defy gravity just yet. Being able to dream up outfits that aren't meant to exist in 3D and actually making it happen are two very different things. We all seem to be driven by some insane force to keep creating, and create things that shouldn't exist in real life. Whether this is because we like a challenge and want to be looked up to or are all masochists I don't know...

I'm very happy to answer more questions or elaborate on those if need be - apologies if answers reek of slight phail, my brain is fried.

By PIe. 18/07/09, 05:29 am

I think I completely failed at answering the questions, my answers probably don't make much sense but I tried to fill it in

What does cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay to me is a great way to just be someone else and do something different than normal that's a hell of a lot of fun at the same time, I love to do things that don't fit the 'norm' and cosplay is the funnest way of doing that

Why do you cosplay? What is it that attracts you to the hobby?

The fact you can put on a wig and a costume, a become a princess, serial killer, school girl and mafia boss, take them off and be you. I love the way you can just be some one else for a while also, costumes and dressing up have always been a favourite thing of mine and cosplay is a really good excuse to sew these things

Talk about the cosplay community - what personality traits do cosplayers in general share? Which traits are most noticeable?

From what I've noticed here, it seems to be an amazing comunity, I have no idea about overseas really but cosplayers, no matter who they are or what they are can just come together and get along and it's pretty amazing to find a hobby that unites people like this
What are some of the quirks and habits of cosplayers - is there anything that could be considered a ritual, or shared habit or practice?

Um, awesomeness, I consider that a shared habbit

How did you get in to cosplay? What inspires you to cosplay?

A freind came on msn begining of last year and said to me, "next year, Armageddon, Auckland, you will cosplay pokemans with me, ok?". At that point I had no idea what cosplay was and knew of 'geddon as nerd fest, then I did my research and fell in love with it

What would you say is the strongest asset of a cosplayer - is it a mindset, a skill, an attitude?

Attitude, skill is nice to have and the mindset between each person varies but one the most important thing is definitley the attitude each cosplayer has towards the character, costume, other cosplayers etc.

By Cassiel. 19/07/09, 05:10 am

What does cosplay mean to you?

Fun. Community. A bit of an escape from the hum-drum of life. A good way to meet new people.

Why do you cosplay? What is it that attracts you to the hobby?

~~I cosplay, and therefore I am~~ It's fun to create something from scratch, and then to parade ound in it. I find it fun more than anything. I do it because I enjoy it, and also because a lot of my friends do it too.

Talk about the cosplay community - what personality traits do cosplayers in general share? Which traits are most noticeable?

I think -- an ability to not be afraid to get out there and have some fun, not caring if people think they look silly.
Procrastination. Any perusal of a paticular area's forum before an event will have people DDD:-ing over their props and costumes as they rush to finish them.
An appreciation for Japanese media seems fairly common -- manga/anime etc.
Obsession -- I think a lot of cosplayers are very obsessive and focused on their particular area. How else can every detail be lovingly exacted?

What are some of the quirks and habits of cosplayers - is there anything that could be considered a ritual, or shared habit or practice?

Photos is a big ritual. There always seems to be at least one block of time when people get together to admire each other's costumes and to take pictures.
Dances also -- at least every cosplay meet I've gone to has had some form of dance, be it Hara Hara Yukae or Caramelldansen. (If you look on youtube, there's a HUGE amount of cosplayer Caramelldansen videos, so it appears to be a worldwide phenomenon)

How did you get in to cosplay? What inspires you to cosplay?

Friend was talking about how she was planning to cosplay "Marik" from Yu-Gi-Oh, and I was interested, but couldn't attend that year. Next year I remembered the "cosplay" thing and tried it out (with horrific, horrific results). The next year rolled around, and I kept doing it...

What would you say is the strongest asset of a cosplayer - is it a mindset, a skill, an attitude?

Attitude, to be willing to have a good time and have some fun!

By Icarus. 27/07/09, 06:25 am

hope I'm not too late to chuck in a reply~~

What does cosplay mean to you?
It's the reason I have gained many friends, learnt TONS of skills and something I'm completely addicted to.

Why do you cosplay? What is it that attracts you to the hobby?
As a huge fan of anime/manga/video games I really wanted to express my interests, and cosplay let's me do that in an creative 'out there' way.

Talk about the cosplay community - what personality traits do cosplayers in general share? Which traits are most noticeable?
Everyone is very open and accepting, and the amount of confidence that everyone has can really catch on to you. Because people in the cosplay community have similar interests it's really easy to start up conversations with cosplaying strangers.

What are some of the quirks and habits of cosplayers - is there anything that could be considered a ritual, or shared habit or practice?
Doing dances with randoms, meeting up with the local cosplayers, photos, and just the regular excited scream at someone dressed up as your favourite character.

How did you get in to cosplay? What inspires you to cosplay?
I found out about it on the internet then realised that the NZ Armageddon Expo has a cosplay competition and though it'd be fun to give it a go.
And now I'm cosplaying for fun, as I started out as a regular fan that has never touched a sewing machine before, and now being to make complex school uniforms is a really great feeling. It sorta pushes me to do even more crazier outfits.
(so I kind of inspired myself...? /shot)

What would you say is the strongest asset of a cosplayer - is it a mindset, a skill, an attitude?
Determination to be able to perserve ~~till you have finished the damn thing!~~ through for the workmanship area, but confidence for wearing the outfit. It takes quite a lot of guts to get up on stage in a crazy costume and to do a funny pose on the spot in public. But it's also the confidence to be able to relax and have fun the outfit instead of constently worrying over whether the stitching will come undone etc. (so like trusting your skills that the outfit won't fall apart.)

By Static. 27/07/09, 06:29 am

Never too late! And thankyouthankyouthankyou to all of you guys~

By **Riven_**. 28/07/09, 05:13 am

What does cosplay mean to you?
It's a hobby. It's a chance to hang out with friends. It means improving my skills. FUN. FUN. 8D

Why do you cosplay? What is it that attracts you to the hobby?
I like making things with my hands and seeing the results. Its also a skill (sewing, being in front of crowds etc) that I'm probably going to find useful sometime in the future.
I'm attracted to it 'cause I like dressing up, and this is a way to dress up with others without seeming overly weird.
Currently, I like to think that by staying in cosplay and being one of the more organisery people I'm helping others have fun too... because despite our penchant for laziness and leaving things to the last minute, cosplayers really need organisation every now and again...

Talk about the cosplay community - what personality traits do cosplayers in general share? Which traits are most noticeable?
I think the unity despite all the diversity is its defining trait.
Mots people are into anime/manga, but there are those who are into other things and they're welcome too. Not everyone in the community cosplays/makes their own costume, and they're welcome.
I think there's a certain bond cosplayers have in that many of them have come to cosplay because its somewhere that will accept their quirks and weirdness where 'normal society' usually doesn't. I think people subconsciously realise this and so try always to be nice to others who come in, because maybe they too have been a bit rejected from the 'real world'.

What
are some of the quirks and habits of cosplayers - is there anything
that could be considered a ritual, or shared habit or practice?
Haha~ Just in reference to the CCC (christchurch cosplay club) at the end of each of our meetings we have a scatter run, where we get in a circle, count down from three (or ten. or five) and then all run away. The reason for it was that towards the end of our meetings we'd all get so caught up talking and some people would want to go to town together/whatever that we had to have some kind of definite THIS IS THE END GO HOME kind of thing.

Then there's things like dances. Who knows why, but a cosplay get together just isn't complete without things the Caramelldansen, Hare hare yukai, Hona Sainara, etc.
(some cosplayers even get a reputation for doing a particular dance or two, so whenever they're around they MUST, without fail, perform said dances.)

How did you get in to cosplay? What inspires you to cosplay?
I got into it first through a friends birthday party, where we all dressed up and went to lazer strike. I'd been aware that it had been around for years, but that was the first time I'd ever tried.
I think the thing that really got me into it was Chchgeddon. Before that I'd had nowhere to even think about trying it out, and in the second year I met a few of the people from CNZ (which back then was the ACP forums) and they got me into the community and here I am!

As to what inspires me to cosplay... Uhm. It's fun. Especially when doing a group cosplay with friends, that motivates me to work on my costume. Seeing a really cool outfit and thinking 'hey, that would be so cool to make' is a huge part of it. Craziness and insanity maybe.

What would you say is the strongest asset of a cosplayer - is it a mindset, a skill, an attitude?
Determination to get it done, even if its three in the morning before the convention, I guess.
Innovation, to transfer these 2D images into working 3D outfits is a bit of a challenge at times, especially with the trend in anime/manga for COMPLETELY unrealistic/impossible outfits...

I am more than willing to answer more questions! I HOPE THIS IS HELPFUL TO YOU. 8D

By LintuwolfWiing. 30/07/09, 06:06 am

What does cosplay mean to you?
Fun times! It's a hobby and the reason I met so many amazing new people ^^

Why do you cosplay? What is it that attracts you to the hobby?
It's a good way to pass time, even if I leave making my cosplay to the last minute, and I always seem to have fun when in cosplay.
But I think the main thing for me is the people. I don't think I would have continued to cosplay if it wasn't for the people I met.

Talk about the cosplay community - what personality traits do cosplayers in general share? Which traits are most noticeable?
procrastination XD I've noticed that many cosplayer seem to leave there cosplays untill the last second and then rush and freak out.
Just general crazyness? I guess cosplayers all seem to beable to have fun and enjoy the most random of things.
I have noticed that cospalyers seem to be alot more open to diffrent types of people. More accepting.

What are some of the quirks and habits of cosplayers - is there anything that could be considered a ritual, or shared habit or practice?
Freaking out at three in the morning before the event because you don't have enough fabric? XD
Like many others have said, there's the dancing, Caramelldansen, Hare hare yukai, Hona Sainara, etc.
Like Riven_ said, in the CCC we have the scatter run!

How did you get in to cosplay? What inspires you to cosplay?
<.< I think I found out about it online, or something. I can't remember.
All the amazing outfits there are in anime/manga/video games inspire me to cosplay. I always look at a character and wish I could wear what they're wearing, and now I can!

What would you say is the strongest asset of a cosplayer - is it a mindset, a skill, an attitude?
Determination! Most deffintly. It's not anyone who can sew with there eyes shut two hours before a convetion starts XD

I'm willing to answer more questions if you would like ^^

-Wiing

By Rolly. 30/07/09, 08:35 am

What does cosplay mean to you?
To me it's a way I can express myself and not be looked at weirdly for it. it's also a chance to be someone else for the day. Also, it's fun. Very Happy

Why do you cosplay? What is it that attracts you to the hobby?
It's simple, because it's fun and enjoyable. I enjoyed getting to know people from the cosplay community, they're all so nice. It can also be the costume, simply because you want to wear it, so you go and make it. :)

Talk about the cosplay community - what personality traits do cosplayers in general share? Which traits are most noticeable?
~~THEY'RE ALL NICE PEOPLE 8D~~
Everyone seems to leave everything till the last minute and cram their cosplays the week before the big event, or the morning of the big event, lol.
Everyone all seems to be nice and fun loving people, and most of them are artistic in some sort of way. Or they have awesome prop-making construction skillz.

What
are some of the quirks and habits of cosplayers - is there anything
that could be considered a ritual, or shared habit or practice?
Ritual? Procrastination? D8 Getting stabbed by pins? Something always goes wrong right before the event? Like, something happens to the sewing machine, or a photographer's camera breaks (JP >_> <_<). We seem to be cursed.
Everyone panics and frets out before an event, and bringing safety pins on the day is a must-have.

How did you get in to cosplay? What inspires you to cosplay?
I think it was reading it on the internet a fair number of years ago, and then seeing some pictures of cosplayers. Then attending Armageddon in 2006, I think, I saw so much cosplayers and that made my eyes go really wide and sparkle. From then on I knew I wanted to cosplay, orz. Seeing pictures of cosplayers from magazines such as Cosmode makes me want to move my fingers and stab myself with pins even more, and get right down to it and make a costume/work on my costume. 8D It's also the fact that I will be able to have an opportunity to be someone else, a character (that I admire), other than being myself. It's a nice change, and I enjoy it heaps.

What would you say is the strongest asset of a cosplayer - is it a mindset, a skill, an attitude?
The will to see it through to the end. Yay! Even if it means injuring yourself while making your costume, something propels me to finish as much as I can in time, and as accurate as I can. It's the process of making the costume that's fun, and the social part of it also (meeting fellow cosplayers, and being your character for the day).

By Static. 07/08/09, 02:35 pm

Hello chickens! I have more questions for you all :3

When choosing a character to cosplay, what do you consider? Personality traits, catchphrases, costume, appearance, all/none of these?

Cosplay is costume-roleplay: how important is the roleplay aspect? Is it important at all? Does it depend on the cosplayer? Is it a common practise that you know of, or not at all?

....this last one I can probably wank my way through in my seminar, but I'd quite like to have some confirmation Razz

**Guest** Guest

What does cosplay mean to you?
Everything, It's like a materialization of my love for anime and Manga
Why do you cosplay? What is it that attracts you to the hobby?
once again everything. I just love cosplay so much.
Talk about the cosplay community - what personality traits do cosplayers in general share? Which traits are most noticeable?
In general? Super-mega awesome kindness of course!
What are some of the quirks and habits of cosplayers - is there anything that could be considered a ritual, or shared habit or practice?
Carmeldansen? Avoiding Kitten?
How did you get in to cosplay? What inspires you to cosplay?
I got into cosplay fron going to armageddon for the first time and being surrounded by awesome cosplayers.
What would you say is the strongest asset of a cosplayer - is it a mindset, a skill, an attitude?
attitude, no one likes a stuck-up cosplayer, i like the idea of someone cosplaying a box rather than cosplaying something mega-awesome-perfect then being a total snob.

By neimhaille. 07/08/09, 03:30 pm

What does cosplay mean to you?
Coo, one the big questions ;) What's it all mean when you get right down to it, I mean really...
Well cosplay means to me a chance to indulge in something that is at one and the same time totally frivolous but also gives me a lot of responsibilty and that I can use to help and encourage others.

Why do you cosplay? What is it that attracts you to the hobby?
To make stuff and learn. Some people paint, some people collect and display rare objects/collectables. I like to make things. I probably should have done engineering at Uni instead of biochem ;)
I'm not entirely sure why I prefer to make things to wear as opposed to make things to look at on a shelf or in a garage or hang on a wall but I'm sure it stems from all the drawing I did as a child. Continuous figure drawing in fantastical or historical costumes. I guess I wound up wanting to make them for real. And then again I am a sponge for design and absorb ideas from existing garments and other artwork.

Talk about the cosplay community - what personality traits do cosplayers in general share? Which traits are most noticeable?
There are two distinct groups regardless of what genre you are talking about. The fans and the opportunists if you will.
The fans are generally focused on one genre or one film/series/production group and will buy or make to that- costuming is a means to an end. The opportunists will be quite the reverse and the genre/film/series etc will be the means to an end to make things. I am of the latter.

What
are some of the quirks and habits of cosplayers - is there anything
that could be considered a ritual, or shared habit or practice?
Last minute stressing and staying up late to finish a project! Seems to be almost universal!

How did you get in to cosplay? What inspires you to cosplay?
Back in the bad old days before the internet and the ability to know that you are not a freak and that there are thousands of people like you all over the world I used to be absolutely besotted by the works of two women costume designers: Maria Bjornsen and Eiko Ishioka. I would draw their costumes from all angles to work out how they were made.
A few years later I started making costumes I had seen as well as those I designed myself. It wasn't until around Auckland Armageddon 2003 that I actually got to wear what I made in public and thus gave it a purpose ;)
My historical costuming is not quite cosplay as it is a connection to the past- both the making and wearing. Nothing says you aren't in Kansas any more like wearing a pair of platform shoes, stockings to the knee, farthingale, corset 7kg dress and ruff that sticks past your shoulders. And pins everywhere.

What would you say is the strongest asset of a cosplayer - is it a mindset, a skill, an attitude?
For dealing with the public it's very definitely having the courage to face some fairly strong prejudices. There are so many and some are insidious and of a wider social issue.
For personal development being able to critically examine and consider multiple options and desire to absorb as much information as possible- not just to get the job done now.

When choosing a character to cosplay, what do you consider? Personality traits, catchphrases, costume, appearance, all/none of these?
Costume almost exclusively. At least on the surface. I realise though that I tend not to want to wear purely decorative clothing- there has to be some element of connection to the character.
But I will tend to choose costumes with a challenge to them. I want to keep challenging myself to develop new skills.
I also tend to prefer female characters who are flawed but strong.

Cosplay is costume-roleplay: how important is the roleplay aspect? Is it important at all? Does it depend on the cosplayer? Is it a common practise that you know of, or not at all?
For me not at all. Some training never leaves you and two years of a performing arts diploma left me not wanting to role play, ever! Acting yes, role play no.
From watching others it seems to generally be important to capture the spirit of a character rather than pretend to be them for the duration of a convention for instance. There is also a nice amount of self or fan parody out there.
Certainly very little of the scary obsessive types usually seen in the media.

By Static. 11/08/09, 03:02 pm

Thank you everyone! I'm putting together a seminar at the moment, and there are a number of very quotable quotes you guys have given me! Razz

**Sponsored content**