Cosplay Interview - Emma Cutler (a.k.a. Sephirayne)

Cosplay interviews! A weekly feature on Animetion where we talk to UK cosplayers on what motivates them, plus a cool gallery showcasing their cosplays. Here we talk to cosplayer:

Name: Emma Cutler
(a.k.a. Sephirayne)

Q: When did you start cosplaying and how long for?

I started making costumes in 1989 but didn't really start until 1992 when I attended my first event. It was a small Star Trek event in Sheffield. From there my love for all things cosplay exploded and I have been cosplaying ever since.

Q: What attracts you cosplay?

At first it was a way to express creatively. I am a very creative person and enjoy expressing that. I also found it to be a great way to show others on the convention scene who you were a fan of and what you were in to at the time. Since I then began working as a professional actress in 1996 I found it a good way to practise my acting as well as being a way to creatively express.

Q: What has been your favourite cosplay?

Probably my Legolas from the Lord Of The Rings movie trilogy. My Abel Nightroad from Trinity Blood is quickly taking over though. Lol!

Q: Most memorable moment whilst cosplaying?

It has got to be receiving a standing ovation from 2500 people at Starfury's End of Days event in 2003, when I entered my Legolas into the fancy dress competition along with my brother as Elrond (I also made the costume). I felt that all the creative effort that went into both cosplays really paid off at that event.

Q: Have you had any cosplays go wrong/encountered problems whilst making cosplays?

Yes, I've had several delays with my Sephiroth costume (from Final Fantasy - ed.) as the armour proved tricky to get right. The first wear I wore at Collectormania 10 didn't go at all well due to the armour being made from fibre glass, so it kept snapping. I also misjudged the coat size and it ended up being huge.

Q: Have you ever regretted cosplaying?

Definitely not. I've meet so many friends over the years (all of which I do remain in contact with) and have had some of the best times.

Q. Do your cosplays have a particular theme to them?

Sort of. I prefer to cosplay as male characters white blond hair.

Q: Have you ever done group cosplay? If so how did you find that experience?

Yes I have. It can be an excellent experience as well as a bad one. It really depends on the people in the group. I would say I do prefer it as long as the group isn't too huge.

Q: What cosplays are you planning?

Currently have Prince Nuada from Hellboy 2 in the works as well as Cain Nightroad from Trinity Blood. I have two versions of Sephiroth planned.

Q: Do you have a dream cosplay?

Yes, that is my ambitious cosplay for next year. Thats Safer Sephiroth boss form from Final Fantasy VII the original game. I would also love to pull off Siegfried from Soul Calibur 4.

Q: Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?

Always have a back up plan for any event. I find it can be frustrating enough having things not arrive in time for an event, or be made in time for an event to have to not do a cosplay at all. Luckily I have enough outfits to do that though. I think being flexible with plans does make things less stressful.

Q: Do you have an account with the website Cosplay island/other social networking sites?

Yes, I have one on Cosplay Island and I have one on both cosplay.com and cosspace.com

(click any picture for a larger image)

Sephirayne as Abel Nightroad from Trinity Blood - photo by Uni

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