Saturday, July 20, 2019

Q&A Interview with Ellemonade

Where are you from?

I am based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Somewhere in Southeast Asia.

How long have you been cosplaying?

I've actually been cosplaying for only a little over a year. I started cosplay in January 2018 but have been picking up more and more cosplays in 2019.

What first got you interested in cosplay?

I was actually interested in cosplay all the way back in 2009 when I first started following anime. Back then I was young kid who didn't have much freedom when it comes to going into events nor do I have many friends of similar interests. I never really got to go to any anime/cosplay conventions up until 2017 when I had started coming back into gaming. Eventually, I met more and more people within the community who were really supportive and encouraging when it comes to cosplay. Thus, my debut in 2018. Although it was not the best work, I had a great time and continued on from there.

What are some of your favorite anime? 

I used to watch A LOT of anime back in 2009 but over time I've diverted from the genre. However, several shows will always remain in my heart. Shows such as Cardcaptor Sakura, Law of Ueki, Chobits, etc. Those play a big role within my childhood years. As for now? I do take the time to watch a few anime now and then especially if I have any plans to cosplay that character.

What are some of your favorite video games?

Oh wow, a lot. I frequently play League of Legends, Monster Hunter World, Apex Legends and sometimes Overwatch. However, a few notable games that I really enjoyed were Harvest Moon: Back to Nature, Persona 5, Crash Bandicoot, O2Jam and so much more - I can't pick!

Favorite television show?

I don't watch many shows on TV to be honest.

Favorite movie?

I like a lot of movies but I can't pick one!

Favorite band?

Definitely Nothing but Thieves.

Is there a cosplayer that inspires you?

I don't actually have a fixed inspiration but I definitely do look up to a few people such as Kamui, Kinpatsu, and Stella Chu but I would also say a few of my inspirations are my friends themselves who constantly encourage me to go for cosses and help me out at times when I'm stuck

Plans for your next cosplay?

As for now I plan to cosplay Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake, Wraith from Apex Legends, Irelia from League of Legends, and Moxxi from Borderlands 3! All video game characters, hahaha.

What would you say is your favorite part of cosplaying? What about least favorite part?

I would say my favorite parts about cosplaying is the whole experience and getting to put on the costume, together with the makeup and finally portraying the character! It's always the best part when you get to see all the individual components come together and most of the time I even surprise myself.

As for my least favorite part, it would probably be starting off because I always get too ambitious with the characters I want to cosplay and what I can actually achieve in the time span. Especially if the character I'm interested in has a lack of pictures online and I have to squint 1,000 times to decipher the elements of the cosplay.

You mentioned you are a League of Legends fan. Who are some of your favorite champions to play in LoL?

My favorite champions are probably Caitlyn, Jinx, Nami, and Irelia for her lore and the fact that I could relate to her Mulan feel.

What about most hated champ to play against?

Well it depends on the champion I'm playing at the time and who can counter them, but generally I would usually ban Blitzcrank or aggressive ADCs like Kai'sa, Lucian, or Ezreal if I'm playing bot lane. Besides that, I'm sure everyone can agree Teemo is a pain to deal with!

Do you have a favorite League of Legends pro team / pro player?

Not really to be honest, I was actually fortunate enough to attend last year's World's in Korea and got to witness IG vs Fnatic live and that on its own was a memory of a lifetime. However, even back then I couldn't pick a side!

Tell me about your time as part of the Riot Games Student Ambassador Program. 

At that time, I just only started playing League and knew little about the game itself. I had also just entered university for over a few months when I saw a post for a Riot Games Student Ambassador Program on League's client. I knew nothing much about it and didn't know what to expect but I figured that it would be fun to try. To be very honest, I expected that the program would have a few students representing one institution and I thought it would be cool to meet others from my institution. But what I didn't know when I got picked was that I would be the only representative of my institution. The role required you to host and promote gaming events, activities and support the gaming community within and outside of your institution. This program was the first of its kind in the world along with Germany.

At first, I was really out of my element. I barely knew anything about the game nor did I know anything about my institution. I recalled debating in my head that maybe I should just not do anything and focus on my studies but something in me decided to just give it a try. So there I was trying to form an Esports club in within my institution. From then on, I met people who were passionate about gaming and made valuable friendships with them. I actually felt that I had a place to belong and a family to keep providing to. So at the end of it all, it didn't even feel like a role I had to be responsible for but more of a service that I could always provide to the family I've found. The program not only pushed me outside of my shell within my institution but also allowed me to network with actual industry people and of course the other Riot Student Ambassadors from different institutions. I can't possibly describe the RSA program in a summary because this one year really gave me memories, confidence, and families that I can never find anywhere else. Unfortunately though, the program could not continue for a second year but at the end of it - I'm just really glad I decided to take that chance.

Tell me something about yourself nobody knows.

I actually grew up with a family who ballroom dances and I've been learning and competing in ballroom dancing. This also was the reason why I liked the aspect of cosplay from the start. It was because I saw cosplay as a similar form of entertainment and portraying. I also always did my own makeup since young (even though they were horrible) but that instilled the interest in me to dress up.

Where can fans find more of you?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ellemonadetv/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_adele.lim/



Saturday, July 6, 2019

Q&A Interview with Luna Lanie



Where are you from?

Originally, I was born in Tennessee but I've lived all over the U.S. due to my parents' jobs.

How long have you been cosplaying?


I've cosplayed for about six years on and off, but I used to dress up for fun since I was five years old.

What first got you interested in cosplay?

I was really into Xena: Warrior Princess, Final Fantasy, and Spirited Away. I fell in love with the characters, and I feel like dressing up allows me to fulfill my fantasy and appreciation for them.

Do you watch anime?

Yes my older sisters always watched anime on Adult Swim and Sailor Moon. My favorites are Cardcaptor Sakura, Witch Hunter Robin, Paranoia Agent, Inyuasha, Chobits, Ghost in the Shell and Fruits Basket.

What are some of your favorite video games?

Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy X-2, Dragon Age, Runescape, League of Legends, Super Smash, Sims, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of time

What are your thoughts about the FFVII remake? Hyped? Worried? Hate it?

I think the FFVII is a good nostalgic throwback so I am pretty excited for it since I loved the original. I can't really hate on it because I know I will be playing it, but I feel like releasing it in parts is a little strange and I hope I can get used to the new combat style.

Favorite television show?

It use to be Game of Thrones but I guess A Discovery of Witches, or Xena: Warrior Princess.

Favorite movie?

Belle de Jour.

Favorite band?

Chromatics, and any 70's punk.

Is there a cosplayer that inspires you?

Anyone that has courage to put on a costume but I have been really inspired by Snitchery because she creates amazing makeup and looks for throwback characters.

Plans for your next cosplay? 

2B.

Tell me something about yourself nobody knows.

I really enjoy baking, cooking, gardening. Everyday I try to create a new recipe. I wish I was Martha Stewart.



Where can fans find more of you?



Monday, May 27, 2019

Q&A Interview with Kay Kay Cosplay


Where are you from? 

I grew up all over the world, but I currently live in the Midwest.

How long have you been cosplaying?

I started my cosplaying journey during my sophomore year of college, back in 2013! Even though I have breaks here and there, I have never stopped cosplaying completely. The world of cosplay has become some sort of a therapeutic lifestyle for me.

What first got you into cosplay? 

My friend Maria dragged me to my first convention (Wasabi Con) and during that weekend, I was in awe of all of the amazing cosplayers I came across. Their love for their character sparked a jolt of creativity that never died out. Now, I enjoy emitting that same energy and inspiration to others.

Do you watch anime?

Anime is life! Most of my cosplays come from Anime series or nostalgic 90's shows. Some of my favorite anime include, Fushigi Yugi, DBZ, Naruto, My Hero Academia, etc.

What are some of your favorite video games?

I enjoy video games like Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Apex. Currently addicted to the last two... haha.

Favorite Television show?

Hands down, FRIENDS. Don't get me wrong, there are MANY shows I enjoy binge watching, but FRIENDS will always have a special place in my heart. Mainly because of the memories I have, watching FRIENDS every night with my mom. It has become my comfort show.

Which character were you partial to in FRIENDS?

Rachel and Joey were always my favorites growing up, but I've really come to relate to Monica and Phoebe as I got older! I also appreciate Chandler's jokes more and even Ross has his great moments. I honestly love them all. Even Janice's annoying laugh!

Favorite movie?

I don't really have a favorite movie, but the first one that came to mind that I always enjoy watching is 'Taken'.

Favorite Band?

I also don't have a favorite band. I hope this doesn't make me seem boring! I enjoy a wide range of music genre.

Is there a cosplayer that inspires you?

I have a ton of cosplayer friends and they all inspire me. Everyone has their own unique style and beautiful personalities! In the community we are in, I feel like it is like a domino effect where we empower and uplift one another. 💕

Plans for your next cosplay? 

Once my life settles down a bit (which will be soon), I plan to continue working on my second armour build, Squirtle from Pokemon! I am so excited to bring this character to life and can't wait to show everyone the final results.

Tell me something about yourself that nobody knows.

Back in college, I self-taught myself American Sign Language. If you search deep into YouTube, you can find one of my old videos of me doing sign language to the song 'Sure Thing'.