I started out as a con-goer back in 2008. It mattered so much to me how accurate and realistic one person can go to look exactly like the character they are cosplaying. So I’d like to take this opportunity to feature some of my favorite Cosplayers, whom I’ve had such honor in meeting and befriending along the way.. -katz

CosFeature n#15: Kaika.. a.k.a. Elpheal

My next feature is another Singaporean cosplayer. She is good friends with two awesome cosplayers I’ve already featured, Cvy and Reiko. And yeah, it’s becoming staple that I admire these girls to bits!

K- Konnichiwa! Thank you so much for squeezing some time for me.

K- Pleasure’s all mine =)

K- Let us start from the beginning, shall we? What would you like to be called?

K- Kaika? Hahaha… Unless your question is asking about identity as a Blogger, Cosplayer or Vlogger….

Rin Kagamine – Vocaloid (Default version)

K- *bows* Hi there Kaika! Your interest in cosplay, how and when did it start?

K- I had my first encounter around Jun 2001, AXN was holding an event in Heerens and I went as a normal passerby. Then I had my first taste of cosplay in late 2001 at a local fan Event (MAC Cosplay) and it was exhilarating!!!!!

My attraction to Cosplay was as instant and natural as Ants to Honey. I’ve always been a tremendous 2D fan (loved drawing as a kid) so even though I thought Cosplay was as queer as can be, it didn’t stop me from jumping straight into the hobby as soon as I could!

Shana (with Yuji cosplayer) - Shakugan no Shana

K- Haha the feeling’s mutual! Tell me, did you make your first costume back then? Or you had it tailored?

K- Guess what? My DAD made it! Yes, my dad used to be a tailor =).

My first costume was Yukishiro Tomoe (Rurouni Kenshin). I really wanted to do Kenshin but the lack of cosplay skills prohibited him from being my debut character.

Yukishiro Tomoe (with Enishi cosplayer)

Himura Kenshin – Ruruouni Kenshin

K- ZOMG your Kenshin cosplay isn’t so bad too! X3 And whow, kudos to your dad! *salutes* Do you prefer solo or group cosplays?

K- This is difficult. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Group Cosplays allows for more storytelling and companionship while Solo cosplay allows you to take better subject focused Photographs. Solo cosplay is also easier to manage than groups XD

Final Fantasy 3 group

Guilty Gear group

Haruhi (w/ Yuki & Mikiru) - The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Ultimately, it all boils down to my love for the character. If I love a character enough to go ahead with the cosplay even if I’m alone, then I would do just that. But group cosplay is more fun

K- Yeshhh group cosplays FTW! *woot* How much has cosplay taught you? Pros and Cons?

K- Too much to count! Other than a lot of crafting and dressmaking skills, I’d say my biggest takeaway is the ability to think out of the box and the many life experiences the hobby has exposed me to. Cosplay has really given me a chance to live, experience and meet many things/people that I otherwise would never have. I’ve learnt to take note of the little things in life and looks at any unexplored land as a prospective photoshoot location xD

The con is the undeniable fact that this hobby has also taken away much from me. Money, Time, Attention and etc, you name it. I used to be an avid Drawer (I restrain from using Artist because I am so not one) and many of my childhood dreams revolves around Artistic ventures. But ever since embarking on Cosplay, most of my creative energy has been channeled towards that segment and been drained dry =(

Chang Wufei – Gundam Wing

K- ZOMG wu fei! I got three of you girls on my features now haha! Have you cosplayed abroad as well? If yes, how can you compare it locally? If not, what could you have wished for?

K- I’ve had the chance to travel quiet a far bit recently but I’ve only had the chance to Cosplay in Malaysia and Hong Kong. So I guess I can’t comment much.

But I really do enjoy the events in Malaysia as they remind me of the local events(Singapore) from ages long gone (2001). People were genuine fans and the focus was on having fun. Sadly, as the community expands exorbitantly, different cohorts with different agenda and styles are created too.

Anyway, I really wish to experience cosplaying in Japan one day so I can tell people that I’ve been there, done that >D!

Idamaria – Defense Devil

K- We have the same goal whee! *glomp* Btw, I love your action poses too! Cosplay aside, what do you do outside the hobby/community?

K- I am probably one of the most boring person you’ll ever meet. I spend most of my time working, working and surfing. If I’m not doing my office work, I’ll be doing some work for TheCosplayChronicles.

All those blog entries and videos don’t come easy and I’m sure you understand what I mean xD .

Whatever time left is dedicated to the usual stuffs like singing, watching films, youtubing, Costuming and checking up on Beauty & skincare stuffs. And of course, trying to maintain a healthy social life before my friends give up on me XD

Luka – Vocaloid (Rondo of the Sun and the Moon ver.)

K- Based on your experience, how’s about a message to aspiring cosplayers out there?

K- Have Fun and do what you like! Cosplay is ‘Costume’ + ‘Play’! There’s a reason why all the famous Cosplayers say the same thing, because without real passion it is hard to persevere and achieve results. (I must disclaim that I by no means am implying I am famous lol. But if makes you laugh you can take it that I’m just mimicking the famous in an attempt to sound cool XD)

And don’t expect good results without a good amount of effort pumped in. Do your research and go the extra mile for your cosplays if you can. Because trust me, sometimes it’s the little detail that makes a difference.

Last but not least, remember that this is just a hobby. Don’t get too caught up with it and mess up your priorities in life =)

Ok, one last one. Like it or not, to cosplay also means putting yourself on a shelf for all to C & C. Some will encourage while others will just nitpick, learn to take everything in your stride.

 

Mogami Kyoko – Skip Beat!

K- Now, please tell me something about yourself that no one knows. Like, what makes you YOU?

K- Erm… I have hair so long they touch my butt. My hair and nails grow so fast they annoy me some times.

Oh, something that makes me >.<;;;; . Hmmmm I’m tempted to say poverty but they say that’s bad luck and I’ve been reprimanded on that.

Okay, this ain’t no secret but I’m a very boooorrring, non-judgmental and un-expressive person. I usually do things very objectively.

K- Oh nonsense dear! *hugs* I really appreciate you being so honest and so natural for this interview. It just makes you a more likable person all the more! Thanks again! WHERE TO FIND HER: DeviantART and The Cosplay chronicles! 

Till next feature~~! *mhew*