Why I hate talking Cosplays to Non-Cosplayer

....Or anyone outside of the active community (Photographers, helpers, avid Animanga fans etc). Because they always ask me questions I find difficult to answer and I always find myself unable to justify and uphold the hobby.

Person X: So what do you do during Cosplays?

Me: erm.... take pictures and go to events ...

Person X: oh I see... what do you guys do when you attend events?

Me: erm.... mingle with other fans, watch the stage activities and stalls and. ...... take pictures.

And it's not like they are even trying to bring the hobby down, they were just being inquisitive! Double fun is how everyone always ask the same questions xD I guess they really don't have a clue eh?

Strangely, no matter how much I enjoy the hobby, every fun factor in the hobby suddenly pales and wither when a non-Animanga fan queries about it =___= ||||

I mean, taking pictures is fun to me! But explaining that to someone else never fails to put a rock in my throat. I think I need some help in coming up with intelligent answers!

The next dreadful comment would be this “Oh, I think the Japanese Cosplayers are awesome but Singaporean/ Caucasian ones are far from it”.

Seriously, sometimes I wonder what's the purpose of telling me that. Were they expecting me to bow in agreement and do a cheers hug with them ? Are they trying to prove that they know something about this hobby. Or are they trying to imply I won't ever be as good as my Japanese counterpart?

Person Y: Oh you cosplay?

Me: yeah...........

Person Y: Ooh, I've seen some really awesome Japanese cosplayers, they really look like the characters!

Me: haha yeah...

Person Y: ...but the ones in Singapore can't really match up....

Me: Haha I can't really agree. There are actually a lot of really good cosplays here...

Person Y: But the Japanese ones are REALLY good! The ones I've seen are really good! You should see it

Me: Erm okay, personally I admire western cosplayers more.

Person Y: hahah the Caucasian ones are, I'm sorry to say very far from good

Me: Well actually there are a lot of very good Caucasian cosplayers. Have you seen some

of their costumes? It's really awesome.

Person Y: Well maybe they win by their costume but looks is another thing

Me: *getting agitated* That's where you're wrong :D! Imagine how those final fantasy characters are all modelled after Caucasians! If a westerner can do a good job on their costume (and be of the right physique), they will look even closer to the characters than an Asian will ever be!

Person Y: Hmm but I still think Japanese are better. If you've seen the pictures I've seen...

Me: *Getting VERY annoyed* Of course I'm sure I've seen a lot of very good Japanese cosplay but I don't think they are the best...

Person Y: I still think they are the best , I think it's a personal preference thing

*The above conversation is a re-enactment of an actual conversation but highly unreliable as is based on my failing memory *

My point is, can we STOP GENERALISING?!!!! Yes, there are some very good Asian Cosplayers and some bad Western cosplayers but who's to say a specific race is better than another when the hobby itself is so varied in presentation?

 
JiakiDarkness cosplay Gakupo BRS by ~Jiakidarkness

The same cosplayer can be awesome as Character X ( example: Deedlit, Gakupo) but fail desperately as Character Y (example: Uzumaki Naruto, Hatsune Miku). There is no such thing as a "1-person-fits-all" nor a “1-race-fits-all” !

Uzumaki Naruto is back by ~WammysCosplay

I have nothing against Japanese Cosplayers and yes, a lot of them are really awesome. But I definitely wouldn't reign them as my personal throne master. It could be due to the fact that my language obstacle has stopped me from seeing more of their cosplays. But from my admittedly skewed and shallow perspective, I find their cosplays too made-up and lacking in variety.  Then again, I guess I don’t see enough of it as a whole to judge *shrug*. I guess I should schedule a trip to Comiket soon huh?

Anyway I digressed.

Coming back to the discussion, why is someone who have never cosplayed before giving me his/her Critics and Comments and expecting me to take it?

What I dislike most is the jab in the eye by a supposed "outsider" implying I should know lesser than them! Every time one of them tell me "If you've seen the pictures I've seen..."  I pulled a muscle restraining myself from retorting " What makes you think I would have seen any lesser than you?".

Phew! That’s a lot of anger and retort and bitching going on above. Truth be told, this entry was written maybe 6 months ago but I never got around to finishing it until today. Had been very busy =(

I hope nobody takes what I say personally. As usual, I’m not being vindictive nor am I discriminating anyone/any race. My objective here is to share my observation of the reaction from non-Cosplayers and start the discussion rolling with like minded Cosplayers (or at least people in this community).

Am I the only one who gets responses like these when someone finds out you Cosplay?

web surveys

Comment and share your thoughts about this!

Professional Cosplayer?!

Some time after STGCC, a non-Cosplaying/Animanga friend and I somehow started talking about Kipi. She had read Kipi's interview online and was surprised Kipi was a Law major in college.

The conversation then led to us discussing about her looks ( the online article my friend read didn't have any photos).

Friend: Is she pretty?
Kaika: Yup!
Friend: Are her boobs big?
Kaika:  LOL! Erm, No =X
Friend:  LOL then she should go for a breast enhancement ! She's freakin rich now isn't she??!
Kaika: ..………..?!
Friend: *exaggerated expression* Do you know how much they pay her to come here??!
Kaika: Actually… I’m guessing not a lot
Friend:  These people they get paid A LOT alright xD ?!
Kaika: =_=||||||||

To be honest, knowing the community, I doubt Kipi was paid a lot for her appearance. My guess is that her trip and accommodation were the only paycheck.

At the same time though, I also understand some celebrities survive solely on their fame and their hefty paycheck for a mere appearance. So I found myself with conflicting opinions. To put it short, it was hard to convince my friend otherwise because I wasn’t so sure myself.

And so started the topic for discussion today. Are there really so called “Professional cosplayers”?

I don’t know about you but I raised my eyebrows when the media started labelling famous Cosplayers with that term a few years ago. Something –just- doesn’t sit right. Might be the whole fandom versus commercialism thing that strikes me as queer.

Dictionary.com defines a 'Professional' as below:

pro·fes·sion·al (adjective)

1.following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain: a professional builder.

2.of, pertaining to, or connected with a profession: professional studies.

3.appropriate to a profession: professional objectivity.

4.engaged in one of the learned professions: A lawyer is a professional person.

5.following as a business an occupation ordinarily engaged in as a pastime: a professional golfer.

As described by the term, a professional cosplayer should be someone whose livelihood is wholly sustained by Cosplay. Or at least, it should be a medium for them to gain substantial (financial/material) benefits from. Makes sense?

I've had this discussion with Decadence a few years back. And we both agree that by strict definition, it's pretty impossible to have a 'Professional' cosplayer.

By strict definition, a professional Cosplayer would have to be someone who is paid to Cosplay. Somewhat like a professional actor who is paid to well, act.

Yes, you might argue that Yayahan and Alodia's doing it. But if you allow me to comment objectively, I'd say both of them are earning their bread not directly from cosplay itself but from their merchandise and presence.

And this is the part that gets grey.

Because even though both above mentioned Cosplayers don't get their money from doing the hobby itself, it is definitely their jumping board, trademark and selling point. So that makes it hard to separate both entities.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to shoot the above mentioned cosplayers down, I admire them and think they are all awesome in different ways. I'm just analysing objectively.

So begs the question, is the term 'Professional Cosplayers' valid? Share with me your opinion on this!

Ps: All Images used copyrighted to their respective owners. I claim no rights.

Professional Cosplayer?!

Some time after STGCC, a non-Cosplaying/Animanga friend and I somehow started talking about Kipi. She had read Kipi's interview online and was surprised Kipi was a Law major in college.

The conversation then led to us discussing about her looks ( the online article my friend read didn't have any photos).

Friend: Is she pretty?
Kaika: Yup!
Friend: Are her boobs big?
Kaika:  LOL! Erm, No =X
Friend:  LOL then she should go for a breast enhancement ! She's freakin rich now isn't she??!
Kaika: ..………..?!
Friend: *exaggerated expression* Do you know how much they pay her to come here??!
Kaika: Actually… I’m guessing not a lot
Friend:  These people they get paid A LOT alright xD ?!
Kaika: =_=||||||||

To be honest, knowing the community, I doubt Kipi was paid a lot for her appearance. My guess is that her trip and accommodation were the only paycheck.

At the same time though, I also understand some celebrities survive solely on their fame and their hefty paycheck for a mere appearance. So I found myself with conflicting opinions. To put it short, it was hard to convince my friend otherwise because I wasn’t so sure myself.

And so started the topic for discussion today. Are there really so called “Professional cosplayers”?

I don’t know about you but I raised my eyebrows when the media started labelling famous Cosplayers with that term a few years ago. Something –just- doesn’t sit right. Might be the whole fandom versus commercialism thing that strikes me as queer.

Dictionary.com defines a 'Professional' as below:

pro·fes·sion·al (adjective)

1.following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain: a professional builder.

2.of, pertaining to, or connected with a profession: professional studies.

3.appropriate to a profession: professional objectivity.

4.engaged in one of the learned professions: A lawyer is a professional person.

5.following as a business an occupation ordinarily engaged in as a pastime: a professional golfer.

As described by the term, a professional cosplayer should be someone whose livelihood is wholly sustained by Cosplay. Or at least, it should be a medium for them to gain substantial (financial/material) benefits from. Makes sense?

I've had this discussion with Decadence a few years back. And we both agree that by strict definition, it's pretty impossible to have a 'Professional' cosplayer.

By strict definition, a professional Cosplayer would have to be someone who is paid to Cosplay. Somewhat like a professional actor who is paid to well, act.

Yes, you might argue that Yayahan and Alodia's doing it. But if you allow me to comment objectively, I'd say both of them are earning their bread not directly from cosplay itself but from their merchandise and presence.

And this is the part that gets grey.

Because even though both above mentioned Cosplayers don't get their money from doing the hobby itself, it is definitely their jumping board, trademark and selling point. So that makes it hard to separate both entities.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to shoot the above mentioned cosplayers down, I admire them and think they are all awesome in different ways. I'm just analysing objectively.

So begs the question, is the term 'Professional Cosplayers' valid? Share with me your opinion on this!

Ps: All Images used copyrighted to their respective owners. I claim no rights.

AFA Regional Cosplay Competition 2011 (Results) + National Pride?

Near a month too late but here is some footage from the AFA Regional Cosplay Competition’s Result announcement! The pure emotion showed on all the faces of the participants and the crowd was something I decided not to edit away ^^;

And apologies much for the immerse amount of shaking and jerking when I was screaming for my Home Team participants xD

Speaking of the Home team, am I the only one who feel upset with fellow Singaporeans for their lack of support for their representing country women ?!

If it was any other country, I’d understand the lack of cheers was due to geographic difference. But in an event that at least 50% (and that’s a conservative estimation) of the participant is from the same country, I was expecting a MUCH warmer support!

Tell me I’m cynical but I can’t help thinking it is all rooted back to many Singaporean’s innate tendency to support something foreign or be the first to put down their local products (general term).

Yes, I’m ranting and complaining here. But frankly, I feel that this whole “Singaporean are not good enough for Singaporeans” notion has to stop. Not only does that mentality demoralises the person (I’m talking about Singaporeans in this case) with the belief, it also spreads to people around him/her. It’s like a vicious cycle of discouragement and giving up.

Makes me wonder is my own country the only one with this issue?

Does this happen in any of your country? Probably not in the same context of a Regional Cosplay Competition but maybe more on pride in the local production or talents?

Share your thoughts with me !

AFA Regional Cosplay Competition 2011 (Results) + National Pride?

Near a month too late but here is some footage from the AFA Regional Cosplay Competition’s Result announcement! The pure emotion showed on all the faces of the participants and the crowd was something I decided not to edit away ^^;

And apologies much for the immerse amount of shaking and jerking when I was screaming for my Home Team participants xD

Speaking of the Home team, am I the only one who feel upset with fellow Singaporeans for their lack of support for their representing country women ?!

If it was any other country, I’d understand the lack of cheers was due to geographic difference. But in an event that at least 50% (and that’s a conservative estimation) of the participant is from the same country, I was expecting a MUCH warmer support!

Tell me I’m cynical but I can’t help thinking it is all rooted back to many Singaporean’s innate tendency to support something foreign or be the first to put down their local products (general term).

Yes, I’m ranting and complaining here. But frankly, I feel that this whole “Singaporean are not good enough for Singaporeans” notion has to stop. Not only does that mentality demoralises the person (I’m talking about Singaporeans in this case) with the belief, it also spreads to people around him/her. It’s like a vicious cycle of discouragement and giving up.

Makes me wonder is my own country the only one with this issue?

Does this happen in any of your country? Probably not in the same context of a Regional Cosplay Competition but maybe more on pride in the local production or talents?

Share your thoughts with me !

Top reasons why I don’t cosplay at events

Been wanting to talk about this for a while but never got around to it. And I didn't even realise it until someone left me a message on Deviantart asking me “ Do you go to local events?”. Was really taken aback by that question since I always try to cover as many events as I can.

Then I realise, it's not my participation but my cosplaying at the event! Yes, without my conscious knowing, I've stopped cosplaying at events save a few big ones for very long. And It's especially true this year as I had to miss Cosfest for some personal matters.

After such a long prequel, what I want to talk about, really, is why I've stopped cosplaying at events. To set the record straight, I'm not consciously doing it !

1. Lack of space for changing & makeup

Not sure about you but I personally don't enjoy squeezing with 30 other random girl in a single toilet. Lack of changing area for cosplayers is not a new problem here but it's one I never seem to get over. my last experience at SOY'C was horrifying. The toilet was badly ventilated and I felt like I was steaming inside, literally.

And when I went for the event that was screening May'n the Movie. I had to share a single disabled cubicle with 3 other friends. Not fun.

2. Lack of baggage storage
Again, another old problem. Cosplayers with our big costumes and props very obviously have a lot of baggages.

This is what I brought when I cosplayed Haruhi at STGCC. I find it hard to comprehend why a simple school girl cosplay have so much baggage to lug along. But the fact remains that I do have and usually when I cosplay, I have no choice but to leave it aside.Singapore’s well known for her safe environment but I still don’t think leaving your valuables lying around is wise.
3. Too much random passerbys
You probably think I'm saying this because I usually cosplay girls and I'm afraid of pervy males. Partly true. But the bigger issue is the sardine pack lack of space! Not only does that gives you lesser walking space, it also gives you lesser photography area. Meaning to say all your event photos have sh*tloads of people behind.

And because so much non Animanga/game attendees are participating in the event, the event becomes less appealing to me. Because I know I'll be exposed to a lot of random people who don't understand, don't appreciate and possibly even condescend this hobby.

I feel like I'm exposing myself to possibly unhappy situations (overhearing their distasteful comments etc.) and I subconsciously try to avoid that .

4. Random Pervy males
Because it's annoying and scary. Thankfully for me, I don't have much sexual appeal so I don't get as much unwanted attention. But I've heard way too many scary experience from fellow cosplayers to take things lightly.

One of the comments from my previous entry speaks of how many random Event attendees like to touch the cosplayer's when they take a photo together. Have this happened to any of you before?

 

Pervy Sage by ~Minato-117 (obviously this guys is a cosplayer himself and not a random pervy passer-by lols. But he did a really good pervy look no XD? No insults to him hokay! )

Personally, the really annoying notion is the understanding that they are there not for Animanga but for the babes. And I feel frustrated to be 'feeding' that demand.

 

5. I can't cover the event

As you guys know, I run this blog (duh) and I cover events to share with you guys. I learnt the hard way that if you want to cosplay, your ability to cover and enjoy the event will be highly compromised.

Firstly you'll have to either lug your belongings along as you snake the crowd or you have no choice but to leave it lying around and pray it doesn't get stolen.

Secondly, when you're in costume, more often than not your mobility is restricted. It will be a challenge to even reach the end of the alley much less cover the event. If you're wearing a huge costume with big parts jutting out then it's wiser to just stay in one corner.

I don't usually wear bulky costumes hence I have one less worry. But what I do encounter is getting stopped for pictures so much that reaching the end of the alley without delay is impossible. (disclaimer: I am in no ways implying I am popular. I'm not)

I really try my best to be nice and accommodate every request I get because I like to believe they are fans of the series too. But the scary thing that happens next is the photographer's wall that builds up simply because everyone likes free stuff! Not because they like your series or think your cosplay is good, but because they happened to be there with a camera so why not snap this willing subject since she/he is already posing?

And before you know it, 5 minutes, gone.

 

6. Photographs ? What photographs?

Not only do I spend a substantial amount of time posing for other people's camera, I also have to deal with the fact that I'm probably never going to see 98% of them, ever!

And that’s on top of the worry that someone’s gonna snap an awful picture of me to point fingers and judge critically with their friends.

I'm not exactly the most comfortable in front of a camera and it takes perking myself up to work the camera. After all the work of rushing your costume, doing your makeup and putting in effort to posing in front of the camera, you'd definitely want to see the results right?

I'm not trying to be mean or bitchy and I can sugar coat my words if I want. But the fact remains that, all my hard work is reduced to mere event entertainment. Free Mascot and crowd pleaser.

 

 

 

 

7. Commercialism

In the past, when the local Cosplay & Animanga community was budding, this arrangement seemed fine with most of us. We didn't mind paying to attend the events and having our pictures taken by random person because we cherished the little chance we get to mingle with like minded fans. And most of us don't own a camera anyway, so it was our only way of getting a photo memory back.

But now, I personally feel less enthusiastic about it because I know for a fact that commercial entities are using Cosplayers as a selling point.

Hey, I'm all for commercialism , Commercialism IS essential for growth.

But what I detest is blatant exploitation and poor treatment. I'm not dropping names or blaming any organisation because the fact is, it's a dog eat dog world out there. It's only politically correct for a businessman to think business so I don't feel I have the right to judge that. The only thing I can do is not involve myself in it if I don’t feel up to it.

************************

I'm not saying it's bad to cosplay at an event and neither am I'm implying that all event organisers are the big bad wolf. There are many well organised events that make paying for it worthwhile and of course, taking part in an event is like joining a Matsuri/Festival. It's for the fun and getting together and all the memory weaving!

Random photo is random

What I'm doing is just listing out my honest opinion on the Cons of cosplaying in a public place and encouraging cosplayers to rationalise and possibly, set their own expectations right before getting disappointed. Hopefully, some event organisers will also chance upon this entry and have an insight into what the event attendees want.

And ironically, I’ll be cosplaying both days at AFA 2011. See you guy there!

Not promoting Cosplayer pacifying BTW =)

Top reasons why I don’t cosplay at events

Been wanting to talk about this for a while but never got around to it. And I didn't even realise it until someone left me a message on Deviantart asking me “ Do you go to local events?”. Was really taken aback by that question since I always try to cover as many events as I can.

Then I realise, it's not my participation but my cosplaying at the event! Yes, without my conscious knowing, I've stopped cosplaying at events save a few big ones for very long. And It's especially true this year as I had to miss Cosfest for some personal matters.

After such a long prequel, what I want to talk about, really, is why I've stopped cosplaying at events. To set the record straight, I'm not consciously doing it !

1. Lack of space for changing & makeup

Not sure about you but I personally don't enjoy squeezing with 30 other random girl in a single toilet. Lack of changing area for cosplayers is not a new problem here but it's one I never seem to get over. my last experience at SOY'C was horrifying. The toilet was badly ventilated and I felt like I was steaming inside, literally.

And when I went for the event that was screening May'n the Movie. I had to share a single disabled cubicle with 3 other friends. Not fun.

2. Lack of baggage storage
Again, another old problem. Cosplayers with our big costumes and props very obviously have a lot of baggages.

This is what I brought when I cosplayed Haruhi at STGCC. I find it hard to comprehend why a simple school girl cosplay have so much baggage to lug along. But the fact remains that I do have and usually when I cosplay, I have no choice but to leave it aside.Singapore’s well known for her safe environment but I still don’t think leaving your valuables lying around is wise.
3. Too much random passerbys
You probably think I'm saying this because I usually cosplay girls and I'm afraid of pervy males. Partly true. But the bigger issue is the sardine pack lack of space! Not only does that gives you lesser walking space, it also gives you lesser photography area. Meaning to say all your event photos have sh*tloads of people behind.

And because so much non Animanga/game attendees are participating in the event, the event becomes less appealing to me. Because I know I'll be exposed to a lot of random people who don't understand, don't appreciate and possibly even condescend this hobby.

I feel like I'm exposing myself to possibly unhappy situations (overhearing their distasteful comments etc.) and I subconsciously try to avoid that .

4. Random Pervy males
Because it's annoying and scary. Thankfully for me, I don't have much sexual appeal so I don't get as much unwanted attention. But I've heard way too many scary experience from fellow cosplayers to take things lightly.

One of the comments from my previous entry speaks of how many random Event attendees like to touch the cosplayer's when they take a photo together. Have this happened to any of you before?

 

Pervy Sage by ~Minato-117 (obviously this guys is a cosplayer himself and not a random pervy passer-by lols. But he did a really good pervy look no XD? No insults to him hokay! )

Personally, the really annoying notion is the understanding that they are there not for Animanga but for the babes. And I feel frustrated to be 'feeding' that demand.

 

5. I can't cover the event

As you guys know, I run this blog (duh) and I cover events to share with you guys. I learnt the hard way that if you want to cosplay, your ability to cover and enjoy the event will be highly compromised.

Firstly you'll have to either lug your belongings along as you snake the crowd or you have no choice but to leave it lying around and pray it doesn't get stolen.

Secondly, when you're in costume, more often than not your mobility is restricted. It will be a challenge to even reach the end of the alley much less cover the event. If you're wearing a huge costume with big parts jutting out then it's wiser to just stay in one corner.

I don't usually wear bulky costumes hence I have one less worry. But what I do encounter is getting stopped for pictures so much that reaching the end of the alley without delay is impossible. (disclaimer: I am in no ways implying I am popular. I'm not)

I really try my best to be nice and accommodate every request I get because I like to believe they are fans of the series too. But the scary thing that happens next is the photographer's wall that builds up simply because everyone likes free stuff! Not because they like your series or think your cosplay is good, but because they happened to be there with a camera so why not snap this willing subject since she/he is already posing?

And before you know it, 5 minutes, gone.

 

6. Photographs ? What photographs?

Not only do I spend a substantial amount of time posing for other people's camera, I also have to deal with the fact that I'm probably never going to see 98% of them, ever!

And that’s on top of the worry that someone’s gonna snap an awful picture of me to point fingers and judge critically with their friends.

I'm not exactly the most comfortable in front of a camera and it takes perking myself up to work the camera. After all the work of rushing your costume, doing your makeup and putting in effort to posing in front of the camera, you'd definitely want to see the results right?

I'm not trying to be mean or bitchy and I can sugar coat my words if I want. But the fact remains that, all my hard work is reduced to mere event entertainment. Free Mascot and crowd pleaser.

 

 

 

 

7. Commercialism

In the past, when the local Cosplay & Animanga community was budding, this arrangement seemed fine with most of us. We didn't mind paying to attend the events and having our pictures taken by random person because we cherished the little chance we get to mingle with like minded fans. And most of us don't own a camera anyway, so it was our only way of getting a photo memory back.

But now, I personally feel less enthusiastic about it because I know for a fact that commercial entities are using Cosplayers as a selling point.

Hey, I'm all for commercialism , Commercialism IS essential for growth.

But what I detest is blatant exploitation and poor treatment. I'm not dropping names or blaming any organisation because the fact is, it's a dog eat dog world out there. It's only politically correct for a businessman to think business so I don't feel I have the right to judge that. The only thing I can do is not involve myself in it if I don’t feel up to it.

************************

I'm not saying it's bad to cosplay at an event and neither am I'm implying that all event organisers are the big bad wolf. There are many well organised events that make paying for it worthwhile and of course, taking part in an event is like joining a Matsuri/Festival. It's for the fun and getting together and all the memory weaving!

Random photo is random

What I'm doing is just listing out my honest opinion on the Cons of cosplaying in a public place and encouraging cosplayers to rationalise and possibly, set their own expectations right before getting disappointed. Hopefully, some event organisers will also chance upon this entry and have an insight into what the event attendees want.

And ironically, I’ll be cosplaying both days at AFA 2011. See you guy there!

Not promoting Cosplayer pacifying BTW =)

Are you a Costumer or a Player?

survey services

I’ve always thought of myself as a “Player”. Someone who’s seriously fooling around, like seriously! Hahahaa. I mean, I’ve always been very serious about the hobby and every costume is given as much attention and respect as I could give it. But at the same time, I've always been doing Cosplay for the sake of fun and simply because I can.

Recently, I discovered a different aspect of my interest. A deeper, hidden side of my passion.Well, not exactly hidden nor deep but it was always something I wasn’t upfront about.

I realise my intense love for Cosplay rooted from my urge to be special, to be powerful, to be well….anything but simple, boring me. There, I've said it. TELL ME I”M NOT ALONE PWEASE?!!!

And I’m sure many people start cosplaying for similar reasons; a chance to be someone else. A chance to do something out of the ordinary. A chance to be their favourite manga character. A chance to be a ‘popular’ person (cosplayed character). A chance for a change that is bigger than the plain, ugly self I deem myself to be. 

(Please don't give me crap or flame me about faking self pity or phishing for compliments. There's no girl who won't feels self conscious )

WCS Singapore Preliminary 2010

AFAX Regional Cosplay Competition 2010

After doing my Skip Beat and Defence Devil stage performance, I discovered a love for acting/ performing. I realised I enjoy acting as the character that inspired my cosplay! I know it probably sounds all logical and sound on hindsight but let's just say it took me a while.

So all in all, I think I like cosplay because I want to live life, even if for a short few hours, as the cool, beautiful and engimatic characters I look up to. Not for the pretty skirt (okay, maybe a little bit), not for the fancy hair and not for the attention. I do it because I want to be just a little closer to the lovable individuals they are. They might not all be cool and kick arse but they all taught me something about life and gave my own boring life a kick of vitality xD!

I honestly don't know what's the whole point of my long proclamation but I sure as hell love confessing my love for this hobby and would like to hear yours too! Confess now! (comment & lemme know!)

**********************************
***********

 

I know I haven’t been as active as I ought to. But after my Semi-Hiatus I decided I want to put in more effort to the hobby while I still physically can. No worries, I’m not diagnosed with TB or something, just decided to live life in the moment =)

http://elpheal.deviantart.com/#/d459trl

But I find it hard to abandon TheCosplayChronicles too because she’s my cradle baby so I guess I have to come to a compromise somewhere ^_^;