Interview with Chibified kitsunes (Cosplayer)

Third interview of people going for EOY! Here are links to the first and second. See you at EOY! Look out for a guy with a haruhi keychain to his camera strap. haha.

Could you talk a little to intro who you are

Chibified kitsunes desu! ^___^ It’s long, so most people shorten it to chibi/chibi-chan. xD
Or notoriously… Hentai Queen. You probably don’t wanna mention that in your blog. Haha.

Offline I’m known as Judith~ 20 years old and currently furthering my studies in Australia. Been there for almost 4 years.

How did you get started on doing cosplay

Started cosplaying in April 2005 at an Australian convention.

I had heard about cosplay through friends and forums but had never been to a convention before.

When I heard about Supanova (the Australian convention), I thought, yeah well, why not! I already had a costume on hand (Tenten from Naruto)

I had a great time although my costume wasn’t that great. So now, I strive to do better cosplays and get them as accurately as possible, costume and character portrayal wise.

What keeps you doing cosplay

Cosplayers would be lying if they said they didn’t do it for the attention. Because the moment you step out in public in costume, all attention’s on you. Who wouldn’t feel the teeniest bit of pride at the attention? I would. Haha. So, attention’s one.

But mainly for the passion. Because I love cosplaying and my cosplay friends have become like a second family to me. Cosplay’s become a part of my life and I doubt I’d ever be rid of it.

Any extraordinary experience?

Co-leading the biggest Bleach team (Kuroichou) by far with Ariki at Cosfest V. =3 That was my first time being a leader and it was awesome.

But mainly meeting Kuroichou. It was a joy working with them and I’ll treasure all our times together. Even now, we’re still a pretty close knit bunch. They’re my second family. Without them, I don’t know where I’d be.

Could you describe abit on what cosplay you’re doing for EOY?
Mitarashi Anko from Naruto..

She’s a special Jounin from Konohagakure no Sato (Leaf Village). She was one of the examiners in the Chuunin exam, noted especially for her choice of clothing.

At first glance, you’d think she’s just wearing fishnet, a skirt and trenchcoat. But according to the official databook, Anko wears a customized body glove made of metal mesh under her clothing.

So no free show for the guys. Haha. Plus, I took special care to make it so that I can take the trenchcoat off without flashing anyone. LOL.

How you’ve been getting/making the costume for EOY

Firstly I did the research of the costume. How it was designed, what colour the clothes were and what sort of material cloth I’d need.

But because I was studying overseas and tailors in Australia are expensive, my present co-leader helped me out by sourcing for cloth and bringing it to my tailor. All I had to do was provide the cash and research material.

Props wise like armour, I DIY-ed. Australia has great resources when it comes to craft. So it wasn’t too difficult. Plus a friend of mine who does commissions gave me some advice. That worked well. ^__^

What do you think about the cosplay scene in Singapore?

Hmm. That’s a bit tough.
A few years back it was a budding hobby and from what I gather, the people involved were really passionate about their cosplays.

But now because of the media focus, cosplay has taken a turn to become more of the “in” thing to do rather than doing it because you love it.

Which is why in my opinion and some others, standards have been dropping due to the influx of newbies who know nothing about cosplay and just do it to look “cool”, not knowing what they’re doing is really setting themselves up to be flamed.

The one on the right!

Group or Individual Cosplay?

Actually, the Bleach team at Cosfest 2006 (Kuroichou) was my very first cosplay team I had organised together with Ariki.

I’m participating in another cosplay team this EoY (this Saturday), this time I’m a member, not leader. xD

Although for Cosfest 2007, I am co-leading another Bleach team with Unlimystic.

From experience, however little, leading a team is quite tough and yes, tiring. But with the help of teammates pulling their weight, we all pull through ok. But all in all, cosplaying with a team is FUN!

I can’t say which is better, cosplaying in big groups, pairs or going solo. Because there are many pros and cons to them.

With solo, you won’t have to worry about your teammates pulling you down. Whereas, you won’t have anyone to help you either.

In a team however, you have to worry about teammates pulling the team’s standard down. But each cosplayer brings with them different qualities that can be shared with the team. Plus you form a special bond and friendship with them.

Photoshoots?

So far I have not attended any photoshoots but I am planning on on the 22nd December. Would love to have more photoshoots as well. So… my experience is zilch. But in my opinion, getting ready for a photoshoot would be like preparing for an event.

Getting everything ready the night before, making sure your costume is a-ok and such.