Before I proceed with the Q&A, I apologize beforehand for posting this up so late, but well, school happened. That aside, are you ready to know more about our ikemen Stayxxxx? Are you eager to find out how it was like behind the scenes of Stay’s Heichou photoshoot? Would you like to know what advise Stay has for people that are interested in giving Cosplay a go? Are you a fellow fujoshi that is interested in Stay’s otps and how Stay ships them? Then read on! Yes, it’s a rather long post but I personally think that all the words were needed to describe the interview better. I hope you enjoy reading this fun-filled interview filled with a lot and a lot of laughter as much as I enjoyed interviewing Stay.
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When did you start cosplaying?
Approximately 7-8 years ago.
What made you start cosplaying?
During my schooling years, a senior from the same club told me to act as a side character for a school activity, that’s how I started cosplaying.
Of all the characters you’ve cosplayed in the past, which is a character that you enjoy cosplaying the most?
I don’t have any specific character that I enjoy cosplaying as I love all of them, however recently it would be Shingeki no Kyojin’s Rivaille. It started when I began reading the manga and came across this character, that’s when I told my friends that I like the character and I would like to cosplay him but everyone told me “No way! You can’t! You look nothing like him. You would make Rivaille look very self-centered.” But I liked the character and I really wanted to give it a go, that’s how I resolved to using makeup to create the illusion of Rivaille on myself. Honestly, the first time I’ve done the makeup for my Rivaille cosplay, I was shocked and asked myself ‘who’s this?’ This is because in my opinion, Rivaille is a very handsome character with a beautiful face yet at the same time, weird. It’s like he’s constantly knitting his brows together and his eyes are always sad. He’s a character that isn’t the usual characters that I would cosplay as. But after the first shoot, my friends were shocked and they told me “not bad”.
In your opinion, what are the criteria needed to be a coser?
I think it should start from the love and understanding of the character. To me, Cosplay is a form of doujinshi. Like a doujinka, to express the love for a specific character/series, he/she would draw it out or write fanfictions. Some would even make a movie for it. I think for a cosplayer to show his/her love for the specific character he/she could convey it by cosplaying. This would be the first and most important criterion needed because if one doesn’t love the character enough, he/she wouldn’t be able to understand the character well and without understanding, he/she wouldn’t be able to portray the character well. This is because for appearance wise, for example the looks, costumes etc could be overcome with hard work and techniques while the understanding of the character would be something more individual.
What are your opinions on cosplayers editing their photos on photoshop?
I think it would be best to not use photoshop. It would be best to use photography to manipulate and minimize the flaws. If one really looks different from the character he/she is cosplaying, they could start by using makeup, wig and costume to fix it. If that doesn’t accomplish the final needs, try talking to the photographer to discuss on how the photos could be taken. There are many ways to overcome this factor, and if all fails, that’s the only time I think photoshop should come in. I think that for minor flaws like dark circles and contrast of the photos, it should be fine to rely on photoshop but for major changes I don’t think everyone should rely on photoshop that much as it would also minimize the effort one would put to their cosplay. In other words, for me, Photoshop would be my last option.
After cosplaying for so many years, which character do you think is the most challenging character you’ve ever cosplayed so far?
Rivaille. I’ve already cosplayed Rivaille many times and I think the makeup for him is very complicated. This is because when Rivaille’s brows and pointing down, his eyes are looking up and if this was reality, I think that it’d be really weird. In 2D it might be presented as so but upon bringing it to 3D, it tends to look weird. I know that some people would straight away apply the 2D drawing method to their 3D cosplay makeup as if their face is a canvas, this is like turning a 3D being to a 2D being. For me, when I cosplay, I would find ways to portray a 2D character in 3D like a typical human being instead of turning a 3D being to a 2D character.
Then how long does it take for you to apply your makeup?
It doesn’t take long, for normal cosplays like the one on today (Gauche Suede from Tegami Bachi) would take approximately 20-30 minutes but it’ll take me longer for my Rivaille cosplay makeup.
Most important cosmetic item for you when it comes to cosplaying?
For me it would be an eyebrow pencil. This is because it’s a more universal cosmetic item as it could also double up as an eyeliner.
Do you have any advice to people that are interested in trying out cosplay?
I think for one to cosplay is a much easier task now compared to back then. Let’s say, 3 years ago, wigs and costumes aren’t things that are easily accessible compared to today. Now, there are more shops popping up to cater for cosplayer needs, selling premade costumes and even pre-styled/trimmed wigs for specific characters. I think the process of buying a wig then trimming it to the length and style you need for the character is good but since everyone now would just buy ready styled and trimmed wigs off shops and the internet, it is something rather unfortunate. By getting a wig then trimming it on your own, it would make you more creative.
Which cosplay of yours are you most satisfied with?
I don’t have any character that I’m satisfied with because after each shoot I would look back at the photos and find many flaws that I could’ve improved in. For example, Rivaille, I’ve cosplayed him thrice but some characters I would forget to re-cosplay them and I’ll just put them aside haha.
Below are questions & answers regarding Stay’s OTPs and such, so please click ‘read more’ to continue reading!
Because I myself is secretly a fan of Stay, here are more of Stay’s cosplay photos that are also my personal favorites! Also a disclaimer, all the photos below are taken from Stayxxxx’s facebook page and are used with permission given from Stay ^^ So if you like Stay’s cosplays as well, hurry up and like the facebook page >:)
