Interview: Aicosu

For me, getting into cosplay for the first time felt like opening a Russian nesting doll; every time I thought I'd found the end of the cosplay community and was about to step into a void on my own, I found someone out there had taken the time to make a tutorial, or already asked the questions I had, or compared eBay wigs so I wouldn't have to. Like any time you get more than one human liking the same thing each in their own way, the community has had its kerfuffles. But on the whole, I've found it to be full of fun people who are happy in their geeky skins and helpful to boot.

Sheila and Sylar of the couple cosplay team Aicosu are two such cosplayers. Their Tumblr has been an awesome resource for new and veteran cosplayers alike (Sheila is a master tutorial curator), and with over 90 cosplays in their portfolio, they've done the trial and error thing**, understand the wonder that is hot glue, and always have an encouraging word for cosplayers who might be stuck. Check out my interview with them below.

**Seriously though, it's hard to imagine the error part, because I'm pretty sure they're perfect. 


C: What first attracts you to a cosplay? (The character, the costume, a love of the series, etc.)

A: Definitely the character. Whenever we are playing a game or watching a show, connecting with the character usually makes us want to create the costume. Sometimes we're attracted to the design, but it's mostly about the character's personality and how we relate to them. 

Photo by Maguma

C: Do you have a favorite and least favorite medium to work with when you're building a cosplay?

A: Yes! Craft foam is usually our favorite. We're the most experienced with manipulating foam rather than thermoplastics and its really great for more than just armors. As far as our least favorite; anything to do with sewing! Sheila is still really new to the sewing process, and measuring up patterns can be really frustrating when your self taught. Something always ends up a little wonky. 

C: Have you ever started a project and given up on it? Why or why not?

A: Oh sure. Sometimes a costume just defeats you. Usually we find out along the way that the process for certain costumes is above our skill level. We try to do what we can, but sometimes its better to drop the stress and come back to the project at a later date. 

Photo by DEL42 Photography

C: Sylar, we've heard you often stay in character when cosplaying. Do you have any tips or tricks for people wanting to try and do the same?

A: The best way is practice. All acting and performance takes practice -- and getting comfortable and confident with yourself. Rehearsing lines, poses, and gestures before a convention is really helpful. 

C: What's your favorite part of cosplaying together?

A: Every bit of the process brings us closer together. The challenges of the build, the fun of taking pictures together, sharing it with others at conventions-- it makes us spend time together and its something we share. So really, every step of the journey is our favorite part. It's really the basis of why we continue to do it. 

Photo by Rin

C: The cosplay community, unfortunately, has seen its share of negativity these last few years. So what do you most enjoy/appreciate about it? How do you hope it grows or changes in the future? 

A: You know, the best part of the community is that no matter the negativity, the positive attitudes outweighs it. Cosplay is still a newer hobby, with resources that rely on being shared. The outward reach of people making tutorials, sharing tips, and encouraging others to cosplay who and what they want is prevalent. We've experienced some bad negativity before, but again, it's so minor in the wake of how much support we've experienced. 

Honestly though our hope for the future is that the community and the hobby grows. We're really excited to be experiencing a boom in it since Geek culture seems to have become more mainstream. It's amazing to hear people in high schools know and share interest in cosplay when, in our history, we were made fun of it. 

C: What would you tell someone who wants to get into cosplay but is intimidated?

A: Start easy! Pick a character you like and start by breaking down the costume into something you can make by altering clothes. Trying shopping at thrift stores and cutting up shirts and pants to put together into an outfit. It helps you learn how clothes work, and can introduce you into making more complicated things. And remember that someone, somewhere has already made something similar to you. There are tons of free tutorials online for making everything from Han Solo pants to Sailor Moon's tiara. Take advantage of it and the minds of other cosplayers!

C: Lastly, what cons are you hoping to hit in 2015?

A: We will be attending Star Wars Celebration, Anime Expo, Dragon Con, and hopefully a few others! 

Thanks, guys!

Be sure to visit Aicosu.com for Sylar and Sheila's full portfolio, or visit their Facebook page.