DR-Games Judge: Alex

Sept. 20, 2015

An interview of DR-Games judge: Alex


How did you first encounter cosplay?

When I first encountered cosplay, I was like many others who are unfamiliar with the hobby, very skeptical. It was in 2005, I was quite young, and I saw a picture of a big man in a lady costume, with a short skirt and my thought was “Oh, so this is cosplay.” I didn’t stop this line of thought until two years later, when I was reintroduced to cosplay by people my age. I discovered that it is so much more than just putting on a costume. 

 

 

(Photo by Midgard Photography)

 

What makes cosplay a unique hobby for you? 

Cosplay is unique to me, because you decide for yourself what it means to you. You can’t define cosplay by an age limit, when every person interprets the hobby exactly how they want. To me, it was the creative part where you make a costume and you perform, that got me hooked. Cosplay isn’t just making a costume or putting on a wig – at least not to me. I’ve become familiar with so many different materials and techniques – not just sewing, which can really come in handy in my everyday life. But just as important is the social aspect of it all. Through cosplay I’ve met the most amazing people and I have gotten the opportunity to travel around the world and get international friends. So that is what makes it so unique for me, is the combination of it all: the creative and the social elements.

 

 

(Photo by Midgard Photography)

 

What has been the best experience you have had with cosplay? 

The best experience must be when I participated in the World Cosplay Summit in 2014. To meet cosplayers from all around the world, who all share the same interest and passion as you, is fantastic. 


What advice do you have for new cosplayers? 

Cosplay is many things – to some it is to dress up in a costume and have a nice time with your friends, who are also in costume. It can be plain and simple having the time of your life in a community where you can feel safe. It can be a creative hobby – making your own costume and prop and maybe even perform. Cosplay is meant to be a fun hobby. You decide for yourself what makes it fun to you. It is entirely up to you, whether you want to spend a lot of time and money on a costume. or not. The same goes if you want to buy a finished costume. Do not let anyone tell you that you don’t care enough about cosplay, or that you care too much. You decide how your hobby is and it is safe to say, that there are bound to be others, who share your opinion. That is what creates a good foundation for a solid friendship.

 

 

(Photo by Kelevar Cosplay)