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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 English cosplayer:

Name: Cam Rose

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

My first ever cosplay was one of the MCM London Expos in '07, I forget which.  I was Ishida Uryuu from Bleach (I had the right hair at the time).  I went with two of my mates as a kind of 'I will if you will' thing.  We helped each other make our costumes and it was great fun! So, I've been cosplaying for about two years now.  Give or take a few months.  I wouldn’t take back any of that time.

Q: What attracts you cosplay?

You can go to an anime-themed event and its great fun no matter what you are wearing.  But, to me, cosplay adds a whole extra dimension to it.  You're not just at the convention; you're part of it.  For those who really like to get into character, such as myself, it really helps bring that character to life, especially if they’re done well.  It's a great

conversation sparker too, especially for someone as bad at starting conversations as I am.  Alas, I’m still waiting for the day where I’m swarmed with fan girls. Never mind, my time will come!

Q:  What has been your favourite cosplay?

So far, my favourite cosplay has to have been my very first one, Ishida Uryuu from Bleach; simply because it was home-made and was the one that got me the most recognition.  I even remember someone calling out to me in a service station on the way home to Shrewsbury because they recognised the character! 

However, one cosplay that I would always go back to is Allen Walker from D.Gray-Man.  Love the character, love the outfits.  I've got his first two uniforms and I hope to own the third relatively soon.  I just like the fact that I'm one of the few guys who will actually cosplay as him in a fandom pretty much dominated by girls.  I don't care if I'm slightly too tall. I'm anatomically correct, darn it!

Q: Most memorable moment whilst cosplaying?

At one of the MCM London Expos, when I was cosplaying as Allen Walker in his first incarnation.  I got held up by Road Camelot, Jas and Devi (from the same series - ed.).  I had my hands in the air and was screaming 'Don't hurt me!' very loudly.  Good times. 

I also remember with a big smile when I did the cosplay masquerade at AmeCon '08.  I was with their Mascot, Ame-Chan as her arch nemesis; General Error.  I think our performance had some real energy, rather than the ones who just walked around and did a few poses.  I really enjoyed doing that!

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

The only cosplay I've even made by hand, the Ishida Uryuu one.  By the end of the event it was falling apart.  That's what I get for hand sewing it.  The fact that it was all thin, white material didn’t help my self-consciousness either.  Heat is generally a big issue too as most of the costumes I have are predominantly black in colour and made of a thick material.

Q:  Have you ever regretted cosplaying?

Only when I was clad head-to-toe in pleather (Allen Walker’s second uniform), wearing a wig and about to pass out from the heat.  To this day, I don't understand why I didn't just open the jacket.

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

Not yet, but I plan to do a few at the upcoming AlCon '09.  Including Air Gear and Phoenix Wright.

Q:  What cosplays are you planning?

I have quite a few planned for 2010 including Kristoph Gavin from Apollo Justice, Simon from the final arc of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (If I manage to get my stomach flat enough in time!), Wonderwice Margera from Bleach and, if all goes well, Death the Kid from Soul Eater.

Q:  Do you have a dream cosplay?

It's one that I just mentioned; Death the Kid from Soul Eater.  I've had a lot of people tell me that not only do I look similar to him but I also share a lot of his personality traits, albeit his are a lot more exaggerated than mine.  If I could be him and get it perfect, with a perfect pair of Thompson Sisters too and manage to grab some recognition with it, I could die a happy cosplayer.

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

Buy your first cosplay from a professional and get used to the idea of walking around in a strange outfit before you attempt to make your own.  Especially if you have no experience in making stuff like that.  Trust me; it's bad enough to feel nervous and self-conscious on your first time than to have your costume start falling apart on you, too!

Pay attention to detail, a few small changes can make a cosplay so much incredibly better.  Also, always bring needles, thread, scissors, glue, paint etc. when going to cons, don't let a broken costume ruin your day.  Oh, and have fun ^^

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

I do have a Cosplay Island account, but I haven't really used it as of yet.  After AyaCon '09 I think I'll start.  My username is 'Ovii-Sama'.  Keep an eye on it. 



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