•        


Cosplay interviews! A new regular feature on Animetion where we talk to UK cosplayers on what motivates them.  Here we talk to:

Name: Amber Baker (a.k.a Hexi)

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

I started cosplaying when I was 14 or 15.  My friend introduced me back into anime and then introduced me to cosplay itself.

Q: What attracts you cosplay?

The attraction of being someone cool!  I'm such a geek back at home, because of my obsession with anime and manga, but at conventions I can be anyone.  I also love the construction of complicated costumes.  I want to be a costume maker in the future so it's pretty essential for me to enjoy cosplay!


Q:  What has been your favourite cosplay?

My favourite cosplay ever would have to be my Toadette from MCM London Expo May 2008.  It was great fun to be recognised so much!  The cosplay I am most proud of would have to be my Butterfly Chii dress (from Chobits).  I made it when I was 15 and absolutely love it.

Q: Most memorable moment whilst cosplaying?

My interview for Nintendo magazine.  Also my section in NEO magazine and counting over 100 photos all from the same convention. 

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

The 3 zips in my Kairi cosplay (from Kingdom Hearts 2) I kept sewing upside down.  Apart from the regular "oh crap I sewed that in wrong!" moments, nothing serious has happened.   *touches wood*

Q:  Have you ever regretted cosplaying?

Never.  Although I did get annoyed when my dress ripped down both sides at the cosplay cafe.

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

I went with a group of friends once, but none of use were in the same anime cosplay.... so no. 

Q:  What cosplays are you planning?

My next cosplays are going to be Baby Princess Peach (from Mario Kart Wii) for Video Games Live and MCM London Expo October '08.  Also Chii (from Chobits) for the Grand Cosplay Ball and Amu Diamond (from Shugo Chara) for MCM London Expo May 2009

Q:  Do you have a dream cosplay?

Although I'm currently working on a half-dream cosplay for the Grand Cosplay Ball, I've only ever seen one other person doing it.  It's Chii (from Chobits) in her bead covered dress from the front of Your Eyes Only art book.  My bank account will hate me after this one - those beads will cost a fortune!  However I have yet to find a cosplay so out of my depth I can't find a way of making it.  Not to blow my own trumpet or anything.

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

Try not to go for the generic Naruto, Death Note, Haruhi and Bleach cosplays.  As popular as they are, the one thing newbies seem to get wrong are the mannerisms which is what pull those cosplays off now.  People who don't get in character kind of take something away from the costumes.  Not that I have a problem with any of the above anime/manga but they're done way too much right now. 

Q:  Do you have an account with the website Cosplay island?

Indeed I do, my username is Hexi!  Add me 'kay?



Amber as Kairi from Kingdom Hearts 2   Amber as Toadette from the Mario series   Amber as Kairi from Kingdom Hearts 2

Amber (2nd from right) as Ai from Princess Ai   Amber as Tsukiyomi Ikuto from Shugo Chara + friends 

Amber as herself!   Amber (2nd from right) as Kairi from Kingdom Hearts 2
 

___________________________________________________________________________