Cosplay interviews! A new regular feature on Animetion where we talk to UK cosplayers on what motivates them, plus a cool gallery showcasing their cosplays.  Here we talk to cosplayer:

Name: Kerry O'Connor
(a.k.a. KerryOCO)

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

I started cosplaying at the first Expo I went to! It was the MCM London Expo in October 2006 so I guess it is approaching two years now, but I’ve enjoyed the experience so far and it has somehow become a big part of my life.

Q: What attracts you cosplay?

I absolutely loved the idea of dressing up and having the status of a famous person for a day, just because I was dressed as someone’s favourite character.  When else do you get that opportunity?  I also really believe that constructing your own cosplays helps you gain some amazing skills and the desire to make an amazing cosplay pushes you further.  I like the idea of gaining skills through doing something I truly enjoy!  And I’m sure other cosplayers feel the same.

Q:  What has been your favourite cosplay?

I would have to say Ignis, I love the character design so much and everyone kept telling me how much of a good job I did.  I think it was my most successful when it came to replicating the character effectively.  It was at that moment as well I decided I never wanted to wear a wig again, I think it impressed people that I got extensions.  Cost is not an issue with me anymore which is good news for my costumes bad news for my bank account.

Q: Most memorable moment whilst cosplaying?

One of my most memorable times whilst cosplaying was probably at the Tokyotoys store opening in Telford.  A few of us decided to go on the pedalos in costume, I remember the wind blew quite heavily that day and I was one of the people rowing the boat, unaware that my undies were on display most of the time whilst many people were taking photos!  Such a dippy moment for me there, I found it most funny to see the censored photos on the Tokyotoys forum the next day though - FANSERVICE FOR THE WIN!

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

Oh totally!  Its usually wardrobe malfunctions for me though.  From my experience its always best to bring a needle and thread as well as a few spare clear bra straps here and there, which brings me to the worst malfunction I’ve experienced.  Both of my bra straps broke while I was wearing a bunny outfit, I’ve never worn clear straps before and had no idea of how pesky they could be!  Other problems were mainly to do with the footwear!  I’ve learnt not to order shoes from the internet anymore, rule being if they are too tight your going to be a sad panda for the whole Expo.

Q:  Have you ever regretted cosplaying?

Nevaaaar!  If anything I’ve regretted not cosplaying!  For me being at an expo/con and not cosplaying is like being naked, but nobody cares!  Imagine being naked in a room full of cosplayers but you get no attention because people are only interested in all the amazing costumes floating around them.  That’s probably the only way of describing it for me lol.

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

I haven’t no (shameful), although I do intend to do a double cosplay for the upcoming Grand Cosplay Ball in November.  I can imagine it being a better experience, whenever I see group cosplayers I feel like the loser kid at school who can’t join in with the other kids because I’m not cool enough.  Although I am aware that its not like that at all!  Everyone is uber friendly at expos/cons, nicest bunch of people I’ve ever met ^_^

Q:  What cosplays are you planning?

Ignis the White!  It’s proving to be quite a difficult costume to construct!  Hopefully it will be worth it when it’s done!  And if not I’ll kill a kitty (ok I won’t but I’ll probably cry)!  Other cosplays planned consist of Poison Ivy and EGL. 

Q:  Do you have a dream cosplay?

There is quite a few but I have 2 in mind for the time being, the first being Ignis the White and the other is Poison Ivy!  It’s not going to be the comic book version either but an intricate design that I found by highly acclaimed artist Dianae on deviantart.  I’ve already asked for her permission to use her design and she has responded well!  So once its done all credit will go to her for the design.  

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

Get yer cherry popped yoof!...am I allowed to say that? (oh well, I suppose! - ed.)  I advise anyone wanting to cosplay to give it a go, there’s so much to gain from it, you won’t be disappointed! 

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

I do but I don’t use it!  So catch me on cosplay.com instead my username is KerryOCO, so check me out…and shake it all about! =D