Name: Laura/Sumyuna
Location: Madrid, Spain
Twitter: @sumyuna
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SumyunaCosplay
Photographer(s): El niño mutante, Jesús Clares, SKYLine Photography and Taichia Photography.
What was your first Cosplay experience?
The first time I attended a comic convention in my city I was really impressed, even jealous, to see people dressed as my favourite character; that looked super fun! At the next convention, I used an old dress to make a closet version of Shampoo from Ranma ½ so I could also take part of it.
How long have you been Cosplaying?
I started cosplaying in 2005, so that’s 10 years ago. Now I feel old!
Who or what inspired you to take up Cosplaying?
As a child I always spent my holidays in a nearby village; as part as the summer festivities there they always host a costume contest. Crafting a costume and wearing it was always the highlight of the summer for me, so I guess that is were it came from. Still, when some years later I knew about cosplay via the internet, I didn’t think I’d never do anything like that, it wasn’t until I actually saw it on person when I wanted to do it myself.
If you had to pick a favorite Cosplay you have worn, or have seen someone else wear, what would it be?
It’s hard to pick a favourite between my own cosplays because most of them have some strong feelings attached; I either struggled and learned a lot crafting them, or represent a character that is very dear to me, or both. My favourite own cosplay may be Flemeth from Dragon Age 2.
As costumes I’ve seen, it’s even more difficult! There are a lot of wonderful things around! For example I’m always impressed by the works by Shoko and Jéròme, a French couple. Final Fantasy armors are amazing. I was also really impressed by Yaya Han’s craftsmanship, specially her Carmilla costume.
If you had unlimited funds and resources, what Cosplay would you create?
I’d like to do something with prosthetics and big volumes, something like Kerrigan from StarCraft. But actually my main concern is usually the available time, even more than the funds.
What advice would you offer to those who are aspiring Cosplayers?
Just to have fun, really. Pick projects that make you really excited and even if you do not know how to make it perfect, you cannot learn until you try. Remember what sparkled your interest on the first place, be it the love for the character, the craftsmanship challenge or whatever, and stick to it.
You may find difficulties or get stressed but it’s ok, just remember this is a hobby, you are not required to compare yourself to anybody or reach any milestone, I know it can be very easy to lose perspective nowadays, but as long as you are enjoyed what you do, nothing else should matter.
To learn more about Sumyuna Cosplay, follow her on Twitter: @sumyuna and check out her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SumyunaCosplay
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