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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 cosplayer:

Name: Ashley Bell
(a.k.a. Arianna)

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

First time I cosplayed was… Amecon 2006 and I was Sasuke from Naruto. So it’s been 2 years and 6 months since I started cosplaying.

Q: What attracts you cosplay?

The chance to be someone different for a few hours/day.  It's also a great way of meeting people, especially if they like the anime or game you’re cosplaying someone from.  It is always nice to have someone coming over to you complimenting on your costume and then having a natter about the anime/show/game.  Also I love posing for cosplay pictures, it's always-great fun posing in character.

Q:  What has been your favourite cosplay?


That's a tough one because I have quite a few.  Roy Mustang (from Full Metal Alchemist - ed.) is always fun and Kurogane (from Tsubasa Chronicle - ed.) is also fun to cosplay as.  They are different sort of characters, Mustang is quite flirty where as Kurogane is grumpy and angry most of the time. 

Q: Most memorable moment whilst cosplaying?

I think I would have to say the first time I was cosplaying at Amecon 2006.  Dressed as Sasuke me and a few other Naruto characters were walking into the town centre in cosplay,  when we heard a car toot behind us.  Turning to look we noticed a car pulling over and a woman manically rolling her window down.  She said she loved Naruto and that our costumes were awesome.  When the car pulled away… we just sort of stood there for a minute like… ‘Ok… that was… different’.  That always sticks in my mind.

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

You mean apart from the fact that I can’t sew to save my life???  Most of the costumes I have were bought (-cowers-) I know I know… cosplayers seem to prefer it if they make their cosplays.  But I have started making little bits for my cosplays.  But you know sucking at sewing really limits what you can do.

Q:  Have you ever regretted cosplaying?

NEVER!!!!!!

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

Yeah me and my best friend Debbi always try to cosplay people from the same show, then you have someone to do cosplay photos with.  I think it is more fun when there is a group of you who like the same show and are cosplaying characters from it.  Gives more opportunities for pictures… I’m making myself sound like a picture whore.  Oh well.

Q:  What cosplays are you planning?

Currently working on Kanda from D.Gray Man as well as planning Tyki from the same show.  I really want to do Ada from Resident Evil 4.

Q:  Do you have a dream cosplay?

Dream cosplay would be…. hm…maybe something from Final Fantasy.  The costumes from it are so beautiful.

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

Make sure you have fun making and wearing your cosplay!  With cosplay it’s all about fun!

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

Cosplay Island -  http://www.cosplayisland.co.uk/profile/view/Arianna

Cosplay.com - http://www.cosplay.com/member/102615/



(click any picture for a larger image)

Arianna (left) as Sasuke from NarutoArianna as Saitoh Hajime from PeacemakerArianna as Roy Mustang from Full Metal Alchemist

Arianna (bottom) as Lavi from D.Gray ManArianna (centre back) as Cho Hakkai from Saiyuki Reload Arianna as Ayame from Fruits Basket
 

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