Interview with Cosplay Artist Anastasia
I recently had the opportunity to conduct a written interview with cosplay artist Anastasia! She has been cosplaying since 2009 and always brings a smile and some excitement to the art form! Below is the transcript of my interview with her!
Josh: When it comes to cosplay, what inspired you the most to get into the art?
Anastasia: I started cosplaying in high school. I’ve always loved sewing and anime. One day I was watching Shugo Chara, episode 42 aired and Amu transformed into Amulet Devil for the first time and I said to myself “I want to be her!” That same day I started making the costume. I happened to be going to my first anime convention sometime in the near future so I decided to make it and wear it at the con I was attending and I’ve been hooked ever since!
Josh: It says you have sewn and created a lot of your own cosplays. Did you have one that posed an incredible challenge?
Anastasia: My first Love Live cosplay! It was Honoka’s Christmas outfit! The costume itself was not difficult but going fabric shopping for fabric in bulk, making patterns, and helping out 9 girls from another state all create adorable matching outfits was the challenge. It was the first and only time I ever got a full Love Live cosplay group where everyone sewed their cosplays and created them the all same! I went shopping and divided up the fabric for everyone to pick up at a friend’s house in Cali, I made video tutorials on how to sew the capes and gave everyone measurements on how to wide to cut the fur so we would all have even length trim! I helped with any question or issues anyone had to get the group completed and ready for the con. Organizing 9 cosplay girls alone was a challenge itself.
Josh: On average, how long does it take you to create one entire outfit?
Anastasia: Honestly it depends on the complexity and details of the outfit! I could create a school girl uniform or a simple dress easily in a day. Cosplays that require more detail, craft, or armor could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks!
Josh: Are there any characters you haven’t cosplayed as yet that you would love to portray?
Anastasia: Kazemon and Flamedramon!! Its really lame but I LOVE Digimon! I’ve always wanted to cosplay my two favorite Digimon! It will always be a dream that hopefully I will make come true!
Josh: I’m pretty sure you’ve heard this one before, but do you have a favorite cosplay?
Anastasia: I absolute do! It’s between the two Sakizo cosplays I made! Both outfits were fun and challenging! I had the opportunity to sew with beautiful lace, beads, pearls, trims, and fabric and created something gorgeous, colorful, and elegant! Not only was it fun to wear it was fun to make!
Josh: You discovered your love for magical girl anime through shows like Cardcaptor Sakura. With the initial way Puella Magi Madoka Magica was previewed, I have to ask. Gen Urobuchi… genius or troll? Haha
Anastasia: Total genius and the ultimate troll! I absolutely love the Puella Magi Madoka Magica series and the last movie plucked all the heartstrings I have! My mind was blown by Homura’s resolve and I hope they make another movie! I’d love to see how she’s doing in her perfect world with Madoka. Haha
Josh: Green tea Kit Kats, eh? I have yet to try those, but I have tried the Green Tea Oreos which were surprisingly delicious! Have you had a chance to try those yet?
Anastasia: I actually love the Green Tea Oreos too! I happen to have a pack with me at my desk at work! There are never enough in a pack! They are always gone within the hour. Haha
Josh: One of your passions also happens to be video games. What got you interested in them?
Anastasia: I grew up with two brothers so video games have always been a part of my life! I remember playing Digimon World on the PS and getting a Game Boy Pocket in purple with the newest Pokémon game! The obsession just grew from there! I would always go grocery shopping with my mom b/c the game stop was right next door! I would check out the latest games to spend my allowance on. Haha
Josh: What are some of your favorite video games?
Anastasia: It’s a close call between Disgaea 2 and Digimon World 2. They are by far my favorite games of all time! I love the entire Disgaea series as well as Digimon World games! Also my favorite MMO is Tera online!
Josh: Lastly, is there anything you would like to say to The Outerhaven readers?
Anastasia: Thank you so much for the interview! I hope the readers found me interesting! I can be found at the following links:
Anastasia’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MangaFreak150Cosplay/
Anastasia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mangafreak150
You can also check out Anastasia’s Kospre page at the following link: http://www.kospre.us/anastasia
We here at The Outerhaven wish to thank Kospre for this interview opportunity and want to especially thank Anastasia for taking the time to answer our questions! Please make sure to follow her on social media and support her work! The photo provided is courtesy of Kospre!
