Are you a Costumer or a Player?

survey services

I’ve always thought of myself as a “Player”. Someone who’s seriously fooling around, like seriously! Hahahaa. I mean, I’ve always been very serious about the hobby and every costume is given as much attention and respect as I could give it. But at the same time, I've always been doing Cosplay for the sake of fun and simply because I can.

Recently, I discovered a different aspect of my interest. A deeper, hidden side of my passion.Well, not exactly hidden nor deep but it was always something I wasn’t upfront about.

I realise my intense love for Cosplay rooted from my urge to be special, to be powerful, to be well….anything but simple, boring me. There, I've said it. TELL ME I”M NOT ALONE PWEASE?!!!

And I’m sure many people start cosplaying for similar reasons; a chance to be someone else. A chance to do something out of the ordinary. A chance to be their favourite manga character. A chance to be a ‘popular’ person (cosplayed character). A chance for a change that is bigger than the plain, ugly self I deem myself to be. 

(Please don't give me crap or flame me about faking self pity or phishing for compliments. There's no girl who won't feels self conscious )

WCS Singapore Preliminary 2010

AFAX Regional Cosplay Competition 2010

After doing my Skip Beat and Defence Devil stage performance, I discovered a love for acting/ performing. I realised I enjoy acting as the character that inspired my cosplay! I know it probably sounds all logical and sound on hindsight but let's just say it took me a while.

So all in all, I think I like cosplay because I want to live life, even if for a short few hours, as the cool, beautiful and engimatic characters I look up to. Not for the pretty skirt (okay, maybe a little bit), not for the fancy hair and not for the attention. I do it because I want to be just a little closer to the lovable individuals they are. They might not all be cool and kick arse but they all taught me something about life and gave my own boring life a kick of vitality xD!

I honestly don't know what's the whole point of my long proclamation but I sure as hell love confessing my love for this hobby and would like to hear yours too! Confess now! (comment & lemme know!)

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I know I haven’t been as active as I ought to. But after my Semi-Hiatus I decided I want to put in more effort to the hobby while I still physically can. No worries, I’m not diagnosed with TB or something, just decided to live life in the moment =)

http://elpheal.deviantart.com/#/d459trl

But I find it hard to abandon TheCosplayChronicles too because she’s my cradle baby so I guess I have to come to a compromise somewhere ^_^;

Would you wear your costume out?

Haven't done discussion entries like this in a while but this is pretty interesting. So recently, I was craving for some cool bubble tea and decided to pop into the nearest store to get my craving fixed. What greeted me as soon as I stepped in was this….

.

.

.

.

 

Spotted wallie xD?

Which reminded me of this picture a friend sent me ages ago.

 Gakupoid much ?

And she couldn't stop expressing her disbelief while filling me with details of how everyone was gawking at the girl.

So opens the question, would you wear your costumes (wigs, clothes, boots etcs) out for NON cosplay purpose? Has anyone tried it before? How did it felt? What made you feel like wearing it out?

Personally, I haven't done it much. Except for maybe, wearing a casual portion of the costume before or after the photo shoot/event. But I usually do that for convenience sake. It would be really cool if your costume had certain parts in them that would look blend in as a fashion accessory.

But personally, I haven't come across any costume that would escape looking awkward in the crowds of normal humans except for maybe NaNa. So, unless you can really work the outfit, I don't recommend wearing your costumes out for normal usage. Not so much of a '” it’s spoiling the character!” reason but because... it is usually a fashion disaster =/

But that's just me. How do you feel? Hmm... okay, on second thoughts... I think I might have been guilty of this act too.

My most notable achievement was going out in my almost full Kinomoto Sakura movie 2 costume to catch a bus to some event. Can't remember what event that was.

 

Went home in this 2 uniforms before because I was too lazy to change out.

And going home after AFA 2009 with my hot pink jumper because I couldn't bear to change out >w<. It's like parting with a friend. And yes, I went for dinner in that disgusting hot pink.

Which begs the 2nd question, do you ever feel like you want to continue wearing your costumes even after the event ends? I always feel like this whenever I'm late turning up for events xD I think its because I don’t want the dream and fun to end and I haven’t had enough fun!

panel management

What do you guys think? Do you think wearing a part of your costume out for non-cosplay reason is commendable? Or do you disagree with that?  Leave a comment and tell me please D: !

Disclaimer: I am in no way trying to put the above 2 ladies down. Neither am I implying it is wrong to wear your costume out, because what you wear is your own style. I’m not about to teach people what to wear BUT, personally, I wouldn’t want to wear my costumes out. Because they usually stick out TOO MUCH and I like keeping a low profile. And also because I have many nice clothes to wear so yeah =P

=======================================================================

I’m sorry I have to bother you guys again. But I'm taking part in a 'Smiling' competition now. And the most voted contestant will win herself a trip to JAPAN !!!

Please pop over to http://tinyurl.com/greenpinkkaika and click on the 'vote' button! You DO NOT need to sign up for anything or even login, you just have to click. You can vote once everyday and you can vote once with each different browser(Chrome, Firefox, IE etc) =) Please help me win and I promise I'll bring you guys some souvenirs back ToT!

Would you wear your costume out?

Haven't done discussion entries like this in a while but this is pretty interesting. So recently, I was craving for some cool bubble tea and decided to pop into the nearest store to get my craving fixed. What greeted me as soon as I stepped in was this….

.

.

.

.

 

Spotted wallie xD?

Which reminded me of this picture a friend sent me ages ago.

 Gakupoid much ?

And she couldn't stop expressing her disbelief while filling me with details of how everyone was gawking at the girl.

So opens the question, would you wear your costumes (wigs, clothes, boots etcs) out for NON cosplay purpose? Has anyone tried it before? How did it felt? What made you feel like wearing it out?

Personally, I haven't done it much. Except for maybe, wearing a casual portion of the costume before or after the photo shoot/event. But I usually do that for convenience sake. It would be really cool if your costume had certain parts in them that would look blend in as a fashion accessory.

But personally, I haven't come across any costume that would escape looking awkward in the crowds of normal humans except for maybe NaNa. So, unless you can really work the outfit, I don't recommend wearing your costumes out for normal usage. Not so much of a '” it’s spoiling the character!” reason but because... it is usually a fashion disaster =/

But that's just me. How do you feel? Hmm... okay, on second thoughts... I think I might have been guilty of this act too.

My most notable achievement was going out in my almost full Kinomoto Sakura movie 2 costume to catch a bus to some event. Can't remember what event that was.

 

Went home in this 2 uniforms before because I was too lazy to change out.

And going home after AFA 2009 with my hot pink jumper because I couldn't bear to change out >w<. It's like parting with a friend. And yes, I went for dinner in that disgusting hot pink.

Which begs the 2nd question, do you ever feel like you want to continue wearing your costumes even after the event ends? I always feel like this whenever I'm late turning up for events xD I think its because I don’t want the dream and fun to end and I haven’t had enough fun!

panel management

What do you guys think? Do you think wearing a part of your costume out for non-cosplay reason is commendable? Or do you disagree with that?  Leave a comment and tell me please D: !

Disclaimer: I am in no way trying to put the above 2 ladies down. Neither am I implying it is wrong to wear your costume out, because what you wear is your own style. I’m not about to teach people what to wear BUT, personally, I wouldn’t want to wear my costumes out. Because they usually stick out TOO MUCH and I like keeping a low profile. And also because I have many nice clothes to wear so yeah =P

=======================================================================

I’m sorry I have to bother you guys again. But I'm taking part in a 'Smiling' competition now. And the most voted contestant will win herself a trip to JAPAN !!!

Please pop over to http://tinyurl.com/greenpinkkaika and click on the 'vote' button! You DO NOT need to sign up for anything or even login, you just have to click. You can vote once everyday and you can vote once with each different browser(Chrome, Firefox, IE etc) =) Please help me win and I promise I'll bring you guys some souvenirs back ToT!

What makes a Cosplay Photo popular?

I know I shouldn't be blogging about this as it is such a flammable topic, again. But in sight of the many Cosplay photo competition that have been popping up. All these competition just begs the question:

exactly what makes a cosplay photo POPULAR? 

 

 

Cosplay quality, photography, costume etcs aside. Let's focus on POPULARITY.

What do YOU think makes a cosplay photo popular? What makes a single picture stands out from the competition? Why do you think the winner of such competitions won/deserved to win?

feedback surveys

To be honest, I feel that smaller scale competition (most Cosplay competitions are small. Big scale would be stuffs on TV like American Idol etc).are very much waivered by the popularity of the cosplayer. And of course, their ability to garner their help to vote.

 Konata wonders why …

And even though I’m unwilling to say this… but I too feel that the looks of the subject is a determining factor 70% of the time. Let’s admit it, we all love eye candy. That’s why high profiled celebrities get paid so much. Because people like us are willing to shell out money to see/watch them. Or at the very least, pay attention to them or any publication/promotional medium they appear on. And that pulling factor in them is what outshines ‘normal people’.

Kyoko wants to be famous too… but for strange reasons

Of course, voting is not the most accurate/fair way of judging but it sure is the best and easiest way to garner attention to your event or organisation. And I guess it’s also more interactive for the participants =)

What do you feel about competitions that are based on a voting system? Comment and let me knowwwwwwwwwwwwww!

What makes a Cosplay Photo popular?

I know I shouldn't be blogging about this as it is such a flammable topic, again. But in sight of the many Cosplay photo competition that have been popping up. All these competition just begs the question:

exactly what makes a cosplay photo POPULAR? 

 

 

Cosplay quality, photography, costume etcs aside. Let's focus on POPULARITY.

What do YOU think makes a cosplay photo popular? What makes a single picture stands out from the competition? Why do you think the winner of such competitions won/deserved to win?

feedback surveys

To be honest, I feel that smaller scale competition (most Cosplay competitions are small. Big scale would be stuffs on TV like American Idol etc).are very much waivered by the popularity of the cosplayer. And of course, their ability to garner their help to vote.

 Konata wonders why …

And even though I’m unwilling to say this… but I too feel that the looks of the subject is a determining factor 70% of the time. Let’s admit it, we all love eye candy. That’s why high profiled celebrities get paid so much. Because people like us are willing to shell out money to see/watch them. Or at the very least, pay attention to them or any publication/promotional medium they appear on. And that pulling factor in them is what outshines ‘normal people’.

Kyoko wants to be famous too… but for strange reasons

Of course, voting is not the most accurate/fair way of judging but it sure is the best and easiest way to garner attention to your event or organisation. And I guess it’s also more interactive for the participants =)

What do you feel about competitions that are based on a voting system? Comment and let me knowwwwwwwwwwwwww!

What does your parents think about Cosplay?

Much thanks to Maria for bringing our attention to this small article posted on Singapore’s local daily evening paper.

For those of you who don't understand Chinese, I’ve done a lousy translation below. I don’t claim to be good/accurate but at least I’m better than Google Translator ^^;;;

JOINING COSPLAY MASQUERADE, WORKING ADULT DRESSING UP AS GHOST OR HORSES, PARENTS DISAPPROVES.

He is usually a normal working adult but some times, he changes into a ”Death God” . Lim Yong Hong (23 years old, administrative worker) spent $120 last weekend, making his own Death God costume from the Japanese Animanga title; ‘Death God’ (Anyone knows the Japanese title?) and went to Downtown East to perform (direct translation here :P)

Cosfest 2010 is an event co-organised by NTUC and SCC Square. Attendees for the event are all dressed up as different Japanese Animanga characters.

Most of the demographics are students but there are many working adults as well, like Lim Yong Hong.

In our interview with Lim Yong Hong, he mentioned that his parents have disapproved of this hobby before but he doesn’t mind.

“After a year or so, they have come to terms with it and don’t want to care about it/me already”

Another lady named Lim Ruo Yu (20+ years old, Designer) holding a scythe and a skull head, is cosplaying as the main character from a new Japanese anime (obviously didn’t bothered to do much research).

She has cosplayed for 10 years . And for this costume, she spent nearly $800. The costume she wears is also made by herself. Fiber glass (?) is used for her armour. Her friend Wu Yi Hua(25years) has also spent 2 months on her costume.

==== translation of article in the purple column ====

PARENTS SPEND ONE DAY MAKING PROPS

Many parents do not disapproves of their child doing cosplays, in fact, some even help to make props for them.

According to Wang Xin Hui (15 years) who was cosplaying as a character from “Demon dispelling shounen” (okay, I seriously need help in finding the Japanese title=_=|| ) along with Chen An Na (16 years), both their parents are very supportive.  Wang Xin Hui’s big Hammer is even made by her parents who spent an entire day on it.

According to Chen An Na, “The materials are bought with my own savings, I did not particularly spend anymore of my parent’s money. With this hobby, I’ve gotten the chance to meet many like minded people henceforth my parents are both very supportive”

 

This article is a classic example of how typography is superbly ultilised. And how one can make your content juicier and more attention catching than they really are.

Really gotta give it to the peeps behind this write up. Not only have they successfully garnered the attention of their regular readers, they have also drawn in attentions from outside their usual demographics, (albeit negative or positive attention, I can't comment) to their publication. What a great media tactic.

Isn't it interesting how a simple change in perspective,  usage of words and grammar can result in totally different meaning? I'm always very amazed by how one can subconsciously manipulate the thoughts of others with words alone. Death Note, Monster and Lelouch of the Rebellion anyone xD?

*Giving out flyers is a great promo tactic! No bunny suit deducted  points though =X *

 

On a totally different note, check this grammar video (below) out just for lols xD

My mom don't like me spending time on cosplays and she's forever chiding me for the amount of rubbish I've accumulated.

Yuanie doing some costume stuffs at my place ^_^

The most annoying part comes when I start drafting or sewing my annual costumes. And my mom will start commenting that I "keep doing these things" when I obviously don't! In case you guys haven't realized, my cosplay quota per annum is very low. Meaning to say, I really should cosplay more but am not.

Suzumiya terrorising Oofuris XD

So I personally find it frustrating and unjust to be told that when  I (personally feel)  have dedicated most of my waking time to other people or work and when I use what's left of my time to do my own hobby, I have to be told that =_=. It makes me feel like she feels I’m just wasting time doing needless stuffs. Of course, I do understand why the older generations are a little susceptible to Cosplays  so to their disapproving response, I can only ignore or roll my eyes.

Another awfully fine example of how the older generations disapproves of cosplays can be seen at Cosplay events held in public places. How many of you have tried changing/doing your cosplay make up at a public toilet before? And how many of you have gotten “shooed out” or received rude comments from the toilet cleaners before? 

Share with me your experience in the comments.

Jesuke, me and Noshuu. Taken last saturday @ TGX

Sigh, I personally have a lot of such experiences. Many a times I really feel like retorting straight in their face to shut them up. But…. let’s just say I’m usually both too tired from costume rushing and too panicky (with costume changing) to bother with people of their level.

Or maybe somewhere in my heart I feel guilty, for being the “problem”.  It’s a difficult scenario to assess who is right and who is wrong =\ More on the topic of public/event unhappy incidents next time. We experienced a lot of unhappy drama last weekend at TGX. Would probably blog about it in another entry. 

Can’t believe I spent so much time on this entry again *palms forehead*. Remember to leave a comment and tell me what you guys feel!

What does your parents think about Cosplay?

Much thanks to Maria for bringing our attention to this small article posted on Singapore’s local daily evening paper.

For those of you who don't understand Chinese, I’ve done a lousy translation below. I don’t claim to be good/accurate but at least I’m better than Google Translator ^^;;;

JOINING COSPLAY MASQUERADE, WORKING ADULT DRESSING UP AS GHOST OR HORSES, PARENTS DISAPPROVES.

He is usually a normal working adult but some times, he changes into a ”Death God” . Lim Yong Hong (23 years old, administrative worker) spent $120 last weekend, making his own Death God costume from the Japanese Animanga title; ‘Death God’ (Anyone knows the Japanese title?) and went to Downtown East to perform (direct translation here :P)

Cosfest 2010 is an event co-organised by NTUC and SCC Square. Attendees for the event are all dressed up as different Japanese Animanga characters.

Most of the demographics are students but there are many working adults as well, like Lim Yong Hong.

In our interview with Lim Yong Hong, he mentioned that his parents have disapproved of this hobby before but he doesn’t mind.

“After a year or so, they have come to terms with it and don’t want to care about it/me already”

Another lady named Lim Ruo Yu (20+ years old, Designer) holding a scythe and a skull head, is cosplaying as the main character from a new Japanese anime (obviously didn’t bothered to do much research).

She has cosplayed for 10 years . And for this costume, she spent nearly $800. The costume she wears is also made by herself. Fiber glass (?) is used for her armour. Her friend Wu Yi Hua(25years) has also spent 2 months on her costume.

==== translation of article in the purple column ====

PARENTS SPEND ONE DAY MAKING PROPS

Many parents do not disapproves of their child doing cosplays, in fact, some even help to make props for them.

According to Wang Xin Hui (15 years) who was cosplaying as a character from “Demon dispelling shounen” (okay, I seriously need help in finding the Japanese title=_=|| ) along with Chen An Na (16 years), both their parents are very supportive.  Wang Xin Hui’s big Hammer is even made by her parents who spent an entire day on it.

According to Chen An Na, “The materials are bought with my own savings, I did not particularly spend anymore of my parent’s money. With this hobby, I’ve gotten the chance to meet many like minded people henceforth my parents are both very supportive”

 

This article is a classic example of how typography is superbly ultilised. And how one can make your content juicier and more attention catching than they really are.

Really gotta give it to the peeps behind this write up. Not only have they successfully garnered the attention of their regular readers, they have also drawn in attentions from outside their usual demographics, (albeit negative or positive attention, I can't comment) to their publication. What a great media tactic.

Isn't it interesting how a simple change in perspective,  usage of words and grammar can result in totally different meaning? I'm always very amazed by how one can subconsciously manipulate the thoughts of others with words alone. Death Note, Monster and Lelouch of the Rebellion anyone xD?

*Giving out flyers is a great promo tactic! No bunny suit deducted  points though =X *

 

On a totally different note, check this grammar video (below) out just for lols xD

My mom don't like me spending time on cosplays and she's forever chiding me for the amount of rubbish I've accumulated.

Yuanie doing some costume stuffs at my place ^_^

The most annoying part comes when I start drafting or sewing my annual costumes. And my mom will start commenting that I "keep doing these things" when I obviously don't! In case you guys haven't realized, my cosplay quota per annum is very low. Meaning to say, I really should cosplay more but am not.

Suzumiya terrorising Oofuris XD

So I personally find it frustrating and unjust to be told that when  I (personally feel)  have dedicated most of my waking time to other people or work and when I use what's left of my time to do my own hobby, I have to be told that =_=. It makes me feel like she feels I’m just wasting time doing needless stuffs. Of course, I do understand why the older generations are a little susceptible to Cosplays  so to their disapproving response, I can only ignore or roll my eyes.

Another awfully fine example of how the older generations disapproves of cosplays can be seen at Cosplay events held in public places. How many of you have tried changing/doing your cosplay make up at a public toilet before? And how many of you have gotten “shooed out” or received rude comments from the toilet cleaners before? 

Share with me your experience in the comments.

Jesuke, me and Noshuu. Taken last saturday @ TGX

Sigh, I personally have a lot of such experiences. Many a times I really feel like retorting straight in their face to shut them up. But…. let’s just say I’m usually both too tired from costume rushing and too panicky (with costume changing) to bother with people of their level.

Or maybe somewhere in my heart I feel guilty, for being the “problem”.  It’s a difficult scenario to assess who is right and who is wrong =\ More on the topic of public/event unhappy incidents next time. We experienced a lot of unhappy drama last weekend at TGX. Would probably blog about it in another entry. 

Can’t believe I spent so much time on this entry again *palms forehead*. Remember to leave a comment and tell me what you guys feel!

Meeting Kipi @ Genting!

So I went for a short short short weekend getaway at Genting Highlands located in Malaysia with a few friends. It was an awesome trip and the cool climate there was such a refreshing relieve from Singapore’s  usual burning.

at the malls with arcades and ‘Funland' like stores

On the last day of our trip, we took a cable car ride down hill to visit the ponies and gawk at the awe-inspiring scenery of the highland. And while brisk walking to the cable car area, an unexpected encounter arises!

To my utmost astonishment, I saw a famous Japanese Cosplayer at one of the NeoPrint shop! And she is……..

 

KIPI!!!!!

Yes, the famous japanese cosplayer. Best known for her Suzumiya and Shana and many many moe cosplays!

 

Pictures credit to Kipi herself and crimsonrain.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

It was totally unexpected. This is taken outside the print shop where I saw her! And took many photos of her without permission =X

Apologies for the poor quality of my camera that refused to work under the low light. I tried my best to photoshop as well as I could but the quality are still pretty shitty u_u Either way, hope you guys will enjoy them!

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.

.

.

.

.

 

 

Kipi 1

Kipi 2

Kipi 3

So did you guys enjoyed it? HAHAHAHHAA. Apologies for taking photographs without permission. Bad Kaika xD

I seriously wonder how long these photographs have been there. The colour seemed somewhat washed out when i saw it in RL and honestly, how can anyone call Neoprint a ‘Latest Attraction’ ?! That thing has been around for near 2 decades! Old enough to be a teenager by itself!

I wonder how Kipi would feel if she saw this. How would you feel if one fine day, you find your own Cosplay photos printed and plastered on A2 size pillars?

If you ask me, I’d admit, it is a big compliment. BUT I’d also feel greatly displeased to have my hardwork and intellectual property so blatantly USED and EXPLOITED without permission!

Yes, piracy is prevalent and heck,  everyone of us here has in some ways been part of it too by supporting Vocaloid PVs and variety shows on Youtube and downloading scans or Animes etc.

But when things are brought out of the virtual world and into a physical + COMMERCIAL world. I believe we are talking about something on a totally different scale altogether. Of course one might argue that maybe that shop owner is Kipi’s personal friend or have paid her a hefty commission fee. But I frankly doubt.

What do you guys think?

Meeting Kipi @ Genting!

So I went for a short short short weekend getaway at Genting Highlands located in Malaysia with a few friends. It was an awesome trip and the cool climate there was such a refreshing relieve from Singapore’s  usual burning.

at the malls with arcades and ‘Funland' like stores

On the last day of our trip, we took a cable car ride down hill to visit the ponies and gawk at the awe-inspiring scenery of the highland. And while brisk walking to the cable car area, an unexpected encounter arises!

To my utmost astonishment, I saw a famous Japanese Cosplayer at one of the NeoPrint shop! And she is……..

 

KIPI!!!!!

Yes, the famous japanese cosplayer. Best known for her Suzumiya and Shana and many many moe cosplays!

 

Pictures credit to Kipi herself and crimsonrain.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

It was totally unexpected. This is taken outside the print shop where I saw her! And took many photos of her without permission =X

Apologies for the poor quality of my camera that refused to work under the low light. I tried my best to photoshop as well as I could but the quality are still pretty shitty u_u Either way, hope you guys will enjoy them!

.

.

.

.

.

.

 

 

Kipi 1

Kipi 2

Kipi 3

So did you guys enjoyed it? HAHAHAHHAA. Apologies for taking photographs without permission. Bad Kaika xD

I seriously wonder how long these photographs have been there. The colour seemed somewhat washed out when i saw it in RL and honestly, how can anyone call Neoprint a ‘Latest Attraction’ ?! That thing has been around for near 2 decades! Old enough to be a teenager by itself!

I wonder how Kipi would feel if she saw this. How would you feel if one fine day, you find your own Cosplay photos printed and plastered on A2 size pillars?

If you ask me, I’d admit, it is a big compliment. BUT I’d also feel greatly displeased to have my hardwork and intellectual property so blatantly USED and EXPLOITED without permission!

Yes, piracy is prevalent and heck,  everyone of us here has in some ways been part of it too by supporting Vocaloid PVs and variety shows on Youtube and downloading scans or Animes etc.

But when things are brought out of the virtual world and into a physical + COMMERCIAL world. I believe we are talking about something on a totally different scale altogether. Of course one might argue that maybe that shop owner is Kipi’s personal friend or have paid her a hefty commission fee. But I frankly doubt.

What do you guys think?