February 2015 ~ Fake Geek Girls

This weeks Cosplayer of the week is Digi Rin! Digi Rin is a long time cosplayer and the evidence of this can be seen in her beautiful and well crafted costumes. This is a cosplayer that really brings the characters she portrays to life and we are always excited to see new projects from her.

1. What got you into cosplay?

When I was about 8 years old my Dad took my sister and I to Fan Expo (which was called CNAnime at the time). He heard about it from a co worker who was into Star Wars. When I went I saw a lot of people dressed up. It was almost like a 2nd Halloween. That night, since we were going to attend the convention the next day, my sister and I scrabbled to make closet cosplays. Cosplaying at a convention always gave me a sense of "I'm ONE of you", like brought me into the whole community of the Anime fandom. Especially since I'm usually scared to talk to new people at cons, this helped me feel more at ease and more a part of the community.

2. What was your first cosplay?

I consider my first cosplay Puchiko from DiGi Charat (because it was my first non closet cosplay). My Mom helped me out with the sewing the uniform and I took on sewing the hat and boot covers. It was my first sewing project too I was really proud.

3. How long have you been cosplaying?

My first closet cosplay was in 2002, but my first made cosplay was in 2003. So 12 years.

4. What is your favorite part of putting on your cosplay?

I actually hate putting on my cosplay because the process to do so takes me upwards to about 3 hours for attaching armour, make up, and wig. I like afterwards though, walking around feeling like a bad ass in my armour. Like you can't walk around in armour on the daily, which is why I usually choose armoured cosplays.

5. What's the best part of cosplay for you?

Before I would say making the cosplay. It used to be a huge creative outlet for me, and still is. But now that I've actually opened up to meeting people I would say the community. Finding people with similar interests to you, who's experienced many cosplay making all-nighters is like "Wow, you understand what I'm going through" in a way. Also it makes you feel like you're surrounded by people who see that this isn't only just a hobby, cosplay gives you a huge sense of accomplishment and all the blood and tears are worth it.

6. What is your favourite cosplay?

Lightning from Final Fantasy 13-2 is still my favourite cosplay. But everytime I push myself and try to make new things I'm not comfortable with it becomes my favorite cosplay. Lightning was my first armour so I always have a deep sort of connection to it (plus I love Lightning, but who doesn't love Lightning)