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

Name: Michael Sohi

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

I started cosplaying when I was 17 and I've been doing it for 2 years now.

Q: What attracts you cosplay?

There are many attractions to cosplaying for me but the biggest one would have to be the social side to it.  Being able to be yourself around those who do something who do the same thing as you is an amazing feeling.

Q:  What has been your favourite cosplay?

My favourite cosplay was when myself and two other friends dressed as the silhouette iPod guys at a party at Kitacon.  It was rather amusing as it fitted perfectly with the evening, although it was rather hot under a zentai hood.


Q: Most memorable moment whilst cosplaying?

My favourite moment was when I was wearing my Hamtaro kigurumi* and a mother asked if she could take a photo of me with her son who was no older than 5.  That really made my day because of how sweet it was.

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

I had a huge problem with a cosplay which was an Umbreon one (from Pokémon - ed.).  I decided to have it made of satin, which was clearly a bad idea as satin is hell to work with.  So I gave up on that cosplay and I don't intend on going back to it.

Q:  Have you ever regretted cosplaying?

I have and still do.  Whenever I'm associated to a hyperactive teenager running around with a Naruto headband screaming out "I lost the game" really makes me wish people wouldn't assume I'm like them.  That then results in regretting doing it.  Obviously I wouldn't because it's a lot of fun but there is that feeling of regret still lurking.

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

I have done and it's the iPod one.  It was the most amazing experience I've had whilst cosplaying within a group.

Q:  What cosplays are you planning?

Currently I am planning a Daxter cosplay (from Jak & Daxter - ed.) but I haven't really gotten very far with it unfortunately.

Q:  Do you have a dream cosplay?

I do indeed and it's Angemon (from Digimon - ed.).  I'd love to make 6 giant wings and walk around with them on, I think it'd be so cool...and slightly heavy!

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

Have fun and don't take it too seriously, if you do then it's never entertaining and it's more of something you have to do rather than something you want to.

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

I don't unfortunately, I should really get around to doing that...



(click any picture for a larger image)






*(kigurumi is the Japanese term for a costumed performer which represents a cartoon character - ed.)
 

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