Cosplay is something you can do by yourself, or you can enjoy with friends in groups at conventions. It’s also something I like to talk about with others, and I happen to like getting other people’s opinions on it. We chatted with 3 talented Irish cosplayers yesterday, so check out Part One if you missed it.
Today we are chatting with 3 more Irish cosplayers about what gives them confidence, the bad side of cosplay communities, what their plans are for the next upcoming conventions and other fun sides of cosplay.
DANIELLE O’DRISCOLL
When it comes to confidence in cosplay, what do you do to boost your own?
What tends to help me is that I know people who cosplay, and that there are those like me who can’t afford to make our own so we cosplay from our wardrobe like for Naoto Shirogane (Persona 4) and the facts that you can meet people cosplaying from the same anime/game etc that you are as well. I had low self esteem and confidence before going to conventions and it has been nearly 6 years since I have entered and I find I am more confident when I am around in conventions compared to other situations.
Have you ever come across cosplay bullying? How did you deal with it?
I have had cosplay bullying happen to me, I can’t remember which con it happened, but I was verbally harassed (if it is the right phrasing), about the fact that I wasn’t the right height, gender…everything etc. (I was Levi from Shingeki no Kyojin at the time). The fact that it was loud and there was an audience made it much worse and I could hear laughing afterwards which did ruined the convention somewhat for me. I was also not with friends as they were in panels at the time so I had no backup or support.
I do admit that I am a bit overweight but that has never stopped me cosplaying. I also tend to cosplay male characters because they appeal to me more personality wise. I deal with cosplay harassment by usually tuning out the person/persons doing it and usually being around friends help.
What is your opinion on the cosplay scene in Ireland right now?
In my opinion, I am loving the cosplay scene right now, despite that one instance in the beginning of con going, I have had no problems what so ever. Everyone is so nice and always ask can they take pictures before taking them (in my case that is). We are all one big crazy family that meet up each time at conventions for reunions
Are you attending Eirtakon? What are your plans? What do you love about Halloween?
Sadly won’t be going to Eirtakon as I am in my final year of college, but planning to cosplay Tobio Kageyama at Kaizoku and hopefully Ludger from Tales of Xillia 2. Halloween- for the craziness, madness and the fact that you can release your inner child once again.
SHADOW SIONNACH
When it comes to confidence in cosplay, what do you do to boost your own?
Confidence in cosplay?! It definitely varies! There are definitely times when I have 0% confidence about a costume/character! But I think my way of thinking is if I adore the character, and I’m having fun as that character, confidence definitely goes up!
Have you ever come across cosplay bullying? How did you deal with it?
I have unfortunately come across bullying! Be it comments seen online, or rumors floating around! (Been the subject of it too!) You’ll get it in any and all forms, not matter what you’re in to!
Delete the comment, don’t even acknowledge it! Focus on the positive! Surround yourself with people you feel have a positive influence on you!
Are you attending Eirtakon? What are your plans? What do you love about Halloween?
And Eirtakon, YES! Cosplays still not 100% sure! I want to make sure I have everything finished on time! Halloween = PUMPKIN FLAVOURED EVERYTHING!!
SATURDAY’S CHILD COSPLAY
When it comes to confidence in cosplay, what do you do to boost your own?
As regards confidence, I usually pick characters that are confident or have qualities I’d like to have myself. I find this helps me feel more comfortable!
What is your opinion on the cosplay scene in Ireland right now?
I think the cosplay scene in Ireland is great at the moment, it’s grown so much and I’ve met so many wonderful people who are incredibly helpful.
Are you attending Eirtakon? What are your plans? What do you love about Halloween?
I’ll be attending Eirtakon, it’s so sad this will be the last one. I’m planning on wearing my Suicide Squad Harley again and a new Game of Thrones cosplay that I’ll reveal on the Saturday I’ve always loved Halloween. Before I discovered cosplay it was my only opportunity to really dress up! I love seeing all the little kids dressed up in cute spoopy costumes, haha!
For me, as a cosplay correspondent, as someone who writes about a subject that so many people love and are involved in, it’s definitely important for me to hear from the people I want to write for. Hence the reason for this week’s theme. Give these lovely cosplayers a like on Facebook, comment on their cosplays, get excited with them for Eirtakon and Halloween. And of course, please please comment on this and let us know your answers to the same questions! We want to hear from all of our Arcadians!
