Name: Sorayomi (Lene)
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Twitter: @sorayomiiii
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sorayomicosplay
Photographer(s): myself, stepbackwards, jotei-elizabeth, akahimechan
What was your first Cosplay experience?
Back in 2006 my sister and I attended our first anime convention, Anime Central. We knew about the cosplay culture beforehand, so we prepared ourselves some costumes when we attended. Being surrounded by people who share common interests as us was really interesting and we had fun being the characters we were cosplaying! It was a fun unforgettable experience.
How long have you been Cosplaying?
I started in 2006 however I took a break for a couple of years because of school. However in 2010, I picked up the hobby again! Since 2010, I have been moderately active in cosplaying.
Who or what inspired you to take up Cosplaying?
I’ve always saw the idea of dressing up fun because as a kid, my family couldn’t afford to do that on Halloween. Seeing other kids dressed up in fun costumes intrigued me. I used to put a dash of purple eyeshadow makeup on and pretended that I was Princess Zelda from Ocarina of Time!
Years later, I stumbled upon Yaya Han’s cosplay website randomly from one of her old Battle Royale cosplays. Then my curiosity lead me to discover more cosplayers like Yuanie and Adella. Soon enough, I was immediately drawn onto the cosplay world. But then it wasn’t until 2006 that I actually made my first cosplay. I was also taking sewing lessons at school around the same time, so it helped me complete my first costume. To this day, those school sewing lessons have helped me a bunch!
If you had to pick a favorite Cosplay you have worn, or have seen someone else wear, what would it be?
I’m a big fan of Kuchiki Rukia from Bleach and if I have to choose a favorite cosplay I’ve worn, it’s her Shinigami uniform. It’s fairly simple, but I’ve grown so attach to it. It was one of the first costumes I made and the cosplay memories I had wearing that cosplay is precious to me.
The cosplay community has so many talented people. The skills and abilities ranges from small to big, so it’s hard to pick just one favorite cosplay someone else has worn!
If you had unlimited funds and resources, what Cosplay would you create?
The Final Fantasy concept art Yoshitaka Amano has done of the female heroines are some of my all-time favorite costume designs. His use of beads and patterned fabric collides so well together and there’s a sort of “flowy-ness” he incorporates in his designs that I love so much. His costume designs has been dream cosplays of mine for many many years. I hope one day I can make it come true!
What advice would you offer to those who are aspiring Cosplayers?
Cosplay first and foremost is to have fun. Don’t let anyone discourage your love to dress up!
If you’re stressing out about cosplay, it’s a nice idea to step back and take a breather or a break until you’re mentality is in a better place. If you’re having a problem with how to construct a costume, 10/10 times, there is probably a tutorial or guide out there that can help you! It also doesn’t hurt to ask for help. You’ll find that most cosplayers are friendly and willing to help new comers!
To learn more about Sorayomi, feel free to follow her on Twitter: @sorayomiiii and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sorayomicosplay
If you or someone you know would like to have a gallery featured on Geeks With Wives, please email Casey at gwwcapescrew@gmail.com!