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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: Vince Lau
(a.k.a. k4tt)

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

I actually first cosplayed at MCM London Expo May 2009 as Kiseki from Shugo Chara.  My wife made the costume and persuaded me to wear it.  It was great that people recognised the characte and, it was at that moment, that I said to myself that I want to make a costume of my own.  Then, a year later at MCM London Expo May 2010 I debuted my first cosplay.  So you could say that I'm a cosplay newbie.

Q: What attracts you cosplay?
 

I like seeing the costumes that people make.  Their creativity, the awesomeness of their craftsmanship, their sheer presence walking around the halls.  It's also a great way to meet new friends, especially seeing as everyone else is out there to also cosplay and have fun. 


Q:  What has been your favourite cosplay?

As I have only made one costume so far, my favourite will naturally be my Strike Noir from Mobile Suit Gundam Seed CE73 Stargazer.

Q: Most memorable moment whilst cosplaying?

It would have to be the reception I got when I managed to get onto the stage on the Saturday Masquerade.   It was totally unbelievable, and all the bruising and pain I had throughout the day, simply went away for those few minutes.

Q:  Have you ever regretted cosplaying?

I wouldn't say I regretted cosplaying but, due to how I constructed Strike Noir, my feet suffered a lot as I only got twenty minutes of "sitting down" time throughout the whole day

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

Yes.  The wing broke off during transportation to the hotel so I had to do an emergency fix on the Friday night.  Also, the right foot broke as I was walking to the masquerade queue, and naturally I stumbled, breaking parts of the leg, side and back.  Again, I had to do an emergency fix, but I'm lucky the rest of the suit held together.

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

I tried organising a group cosplay, but there wasn't enough interest.  I think it was down to the sheer length of planning time required to make such a mecha costume.  I'm continuing to organise group mecha cosplays for the future, in the hope that it will gain more of a presence 

Q: Why are all your planned cosplays mecha?

 I enjoy the challenge.  I don't see too many mecha cosplays around the UK circuit.  Besides, some of my dream cosplays are mecha based, so the more I do them, the better I become at making mecha suits.  And the better I become at making them, the happier I will feel once I make my dream cosplay ^__^

Q: How much did it cost to make to make the Strike Gundam and how long did it take?
 

I estimate it cost around the £300 mark.  This includes tools, materials, electronics, and paints.

The whole project from start to finish took about eleven months, working on the suit during some evenings and weekends.

Q: In comparison to a standard cosplayer who would use mainly sewing equipment, how do your tools companre?
 

The only tools I actually used were a metal ruler, cutting mat, folding utility knife and a hot melt glue gun.  It was only recently that I realised the importance of having a decent hot melt gun as was made apparent when my suit needed vital repairs on the Saturday.


Q: As this is the first cosplay of this style you have made, what lessons did you learn from making and wearing it?
 

As above, I learnt the value of using a good quality hot melt gun.  Also, when working with foamboard, having a decent blade helps when cutting complex shapes.  I also learnt that nothing is as light as it seems, until you put the whole suit on.

Q:  Do you have a dream cosplay?

I have several, but the ones I want to spend my undivided attention on, are the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam, and Nene Romanova's Hard Suit from Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040.

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

Have fun and enjoy yourself.  If you're making your own costume, people will appreciate the time and effort you put into a cosplay.  Also, don't be afraid to ask for help on the forums.  There are so many cosplayers out there who are more than willing to share their tips and experiences.

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

Yes, I am on Cosplay Island and deviantART as k4tt.



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