cosplayforconfidence

[cosplayforconfidence]

Presentation time for my thesis !

[cosplayforconfidence]

So instead of a feature this week I'm posting some of my Photo’s from the shoot I did the week with  The lovely Chrissy Jenks Photography. She is a lovely and super talented photographer and did a fanatsic job if your from the midwest I would differently check here out !

Also if you want to follow  Chrissy’s here are links to her  Facebook  and  Instagram

Also my Facebook and Instagram if you aren't following me but want to :)   

[cosplayforconfidence]

More progress. I’m not going to lie it’s been a rough day with two breakdowns but I’m working though it and it’s coming along. #college #sakizoucosplay #cosplay #cosplaywip #Cosplayforconfidence #honeycosplay #honey

[cosplayforconfidence]

Productive day and good day (except for my finger casualty ) I got Sleeves are done :) now just the corset and bows to finish. Then honey is done :) #Cosplayforconfidence #cosplay #honey #cosplaywip #sakizoucosplay #college

[cosplayforconfidence]

Happy-Feature Friday!

This Friday I have the pleasure of featuring the lovely @nighteyescosplay

Hello everyone Welcome Back to Feature Friday !This time I got a chance to speak to the lovely NighteyesCosplay, She was kind enough to “sit down”  and do an interview with me about her experience in the hobby. 

as I said before I hope this series inspires you to continue doing what you love.

So on to the main event.

Also If you don't follow NighteyesCosplay, you totally should she is super talented and sweet. So below I have include links to follow her below. 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/nighteyescosplay

Instagram: nighteyescosplay

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightEyesCosplay/?fref=photo

Tumblr: http://nighteyescosplay.tumblr.com

Q&A

When did you start cosplaying and why?

 I started cosplay in 2010, after attending cons for a few years previous. I used to play Legend of the Five Rings, which is a card game kind of like Magic: The Gathering. That got me into the con scene, and after seeing a few people in costumes I realized it was something I really wanted to do. I’d always enjoyed reenacting my favorite movie scenes in costume in my backyard, so it wasn’t a stretch to move from Halloween costumes to making them for a convention!

What’s your favorite thing about cosplay? Now what’s you least favorite thing?

My absolute favorite thing about cosplay is the makeup. I love transforming myself into different characters, and seeing the results in photos, which is my second favorite thing about cosplay. My least favorite thing is drafting patterns. I taught myself how to sew from scratch, and I also taught myself how to pattern. I still struggle with it today and it is something I dread with every new project. :P      

What’s something you enjoy about cosplay besides making / wearing a costume? 

As I mentioned earlier, I really love makeup and doing photoshoots. But one thing I’ve come to love about cosplay is storyboarding. I love planning out photos and how they are going to tell a story. I love practicing expressions and poses and really feeling like the character. That has also prompted me to start experimenting behind the camera as a photographer. I’m really new to it, but I love taking pictures so it’s something I see myself exploring more in the future.

  Is there something you not confident in now? And what are you doing to try and overcome it? This can be something directly in the hobby of cosplay or something in daily life that carries over to cosplay.

 I’d say the one thing I lack confidence in the most is my sewing ability. It really boils down to experience and practice, and I know I’ve improved tremendously over the years, but it is still difficult to see others’ work and not feel like I’m behind. But that’s all part of the learning process, and I focus on challenging myself with each new project and learning new skills as well!

 Is there anything you haven’t done because you didn’t have the confidence to do it? This can be a outfit a prop, or anything else.  

 There are plenty of costumes I have yet to make because my skill level just doesn’t match up yet to do it justice. I have been putting off my Amaterasu cosplay from the video game Okami for almost 5 years now. It’s my dream cosplay, but the way I’ve designed it involves complicated props, armor, and sewing, so it’s something I’m saving for when I know I have the motivation and skill to tackle it properly.

Is there something you weren’t confident in that you are now. How did you overcome it?

I was not confident in my posing AT ALL for photos when I first started cosplaying. Everything felt flat, I couldn’t nail the expressions I wanted to portray for the character, and I often got photos back from photographers that I was extremely unhappy with. I realized that 90% of that unhappiness came from the way I was applying my makeup, so I started with that. Cosplay makeup is extremely different from everyday makeup, so I practiced and practiced until I felt I had a style that worked for my face and for the anime characters I love to cosplay. After that I focused on the posing, and a couple youtube tutorials later I had enough knowledge to apply to any photoshoot setting. Nowadays I spend weeks researching poses and planning photoshoots before I dive into them, and that has helped the outcome tremendously. I am much happier with the photos I get back, and the makeup I’ve been doing recently as well.

 Do you have any tips for people who are not confident in maybe abilities i.e. Sewing or Prop making or are dealing with body confidence? Here are some example of topic you can talk about Sewing, Body Image, anything else ….

Whatever it is you aren’t confident about, write it down. In explicit words. Write it in a journal and circle it, make it big and bold. “I am not confident with my sewing skills.” “I am not happy with my body”. Write it down. And promptly throw it in the trash. Cosplay is for everyone. Cosplay is a hobby. Cosplay should always bring you happiness, and encourage you to be the better version of yourself. Now instead, write something like this “I will learn one new sewing technique” or “I will practice posing more”. These are goals, things that can be achieved that you can look back on and say “Wow, I did that. I accomplished that. I see the improvement.” That’s what cosplay is about. Learning to love yourself for who you are, and showing your appreciation for characters by dressing up and parading around a con with your friends. Whatever it is that you don’t feel confident about, make realistic goals pertaining to that thing, and go go go. Take tons of progress photos, no matter how unhappy you are with the outcome of something. Always document your progress. So in six months, a year, 5 years even, you can look back on those photos and marvel at how much you’ve improved. Cosplay has a way of lifting your self-worth and showing you how amazing you really are, you just have to work at it.

Is there anything you have wanted to do in the hobby but haven’t done because you didn’t have the confidence to do it? This can be a outfit a prop, or anything else.  

As I mentioned before, I push a lot of cosplays back because I don’t have the skill level to do it yet. But confidence wise, there isn’t anything I’m not ready and willing to tackle. Confidence is relative. As soon as I step into that cosplay, I become that character, and I don’t care how many people have been the character before me, who has done it “better” than me, etc. The point is, I made this thing, I am proud of this thing, and I’m going to rock this thing. The only reason I choose to skip certain cosplays until I feel I can do them well is I don’t want to get too discouraged and quit when it’s just a matter of needing more practice and more experience. I don’t shy away from learning new skills, I hone them with repeated practice until I can say “alright, I know this now. Time to start on that dream cosplay”. You won’t ever truly gain confidence if you refuse to step out of your comfort zone. Go for it, whatever it is, and own it!

And Last but not least are there any cosplayers that inspire you?

In terms of skill and business ethic, Yaya Han and Kamui continue to inspire me every time they post something on Facebook. Those women are so talented and driven, and I aspire to feel the same way about my work. But at the end of the day, my biggest inspirations are my friends. The people I surround myself with in this hobby. Nina, (mangosirene) is my hugest inspiration, and also my best friend. She pushes me on the days when I can’t seem to find any motivation, and I am so incredibly proud of how far she’s come in this hobby. All of my friends encourage me and support me, and they’re all doing so many great things. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who strive to be the best they can while also cheering you on and pushing for your growth, those are the ones worth keeping. And I think you shouldn’t have to look to the stars to find inspiration; it should be no closer than that friend from anime club, or your tumblr pen pal. Inspiration is everywhere, and there are so many talented people in this community!

  Now that we have reached the end I wanted to say thank you to Nighteyes for  helping with the project and  thank everyone else who has supported and helped this project move forward. 

[cosplayforconfidence]

Hello everyone Welcome to Feature Friday !!! To To kick of this series for Cosplay for Confidence we are starting with a New friend and Super talented cosplayer Sarah Shortcake. Sarah was kind enough to sit down and do an interview with me about her experience in the hobby .

I hope this series inspires you to continue doing what you love and helps you realize everyone that your not alone and we are all here to help.

So lets get stated !

Cosplay Name: Sarah Shortcake

When did you start cosplaying and why?

Is tarted in 2007 but officially stated costuming for myself till in 2009/2010. I got into in because I attended a con and saw people cosplaying and though it was interesting and might be fun.  

Whats your favorite thing about cosplay? Now whats you least favorite?

My favorite is the creative processes its fun to see a project come to life.

My least favorite thing is Stage fright, But I’m working on conquering this fear.  (ps. Sarah competes )

Whats something you enjoy about cosplay besides making / wearing a costume? 

I enjoy meeting new people who share the same interests as me. I also like watching peoples process work its inspiring and fun to see a project come together. I also like to share my skills with others by teaching them what i know so they can create something. 

Is there something you not confident in now ? and what are you doing to try and overcome it? 

Yes, Im working to overcome my stage fright and I’m doing this by running more panels and skits with friends. 

Do you have any tips for people who are not confident in maybe abilities i.e. Sewing or Prop making or are dealing with body confidence?

This topic is a topic Sarah and I talked about at length so I’ve complied a list of the main ones we spoke about. 

Sewing:

we all start somewhere so keep trying.

Ask questions! If you don’t know how to make something as someone who might more then likely they would love to help you and you’ll get a chance to lean something new.

Don’t be afraid to stop and come back to something later if its not going how you want.

Patterns aren’t you enemy if your still learning they can be a great tool to teach you new terms and techniques! 

If you want a good patterns to learn from try the amazing fit patterns by simplicity she says some of her favorites are 1537 and 2648.

Try making something for your self thats not cosplay related you will build your skills and its fun and rewarding to wear something you made.  

Body Image:

 Try to tailor things to fit you body shape.

Learn what works for you and beware no one is the same.So find  something that works for you because then you will look and feel great.

As try making things for your self it will help you learn to dress your body type so you will know what will make you feel great and what won’t. 

And Last but not least Are there any cosplayers that inspire you?

Yes! there are! I have linked them all below! So go check them out!

Betsy Bon Bon : friend  and cosplayer 

Coffee Cat: Another friend and super talented cosplayer 

Lyddi Design : friend and super talented cosplayer and seamstress her website is also on her page, and she has a million interesting write-ups on her costumes which are definitely worth the reading :) 

The Wicked Tailor: Super talented and also does some historical work as well 

Donttouchmymilk Cosplay: Great cosplayer with some hair raising but beautiful creations. 

Pancake Mix : Awesome cosplayer with some spine tingling work. 

December Wynn: A amazing cosplayer, who shares a lot of equally amazing process, if you like process shots this is a cosplayer for you 

As we reached an end i would like to take this time to thank Sarah again. It was so much fun working and chatting with you I’m so thankful that you where willing to share your stories and that we were able to become friends. 

If you want like this and want to share your story or something your working on feel free to send a message or write a post and tag me. I would love to hear your stories :) 

~Yin Yagami 

[cosplayforconfidence]

Hello everyone Welcome to Feature Friday !!! To To kick of this series for Cosplay for Confidence we are starting with a New friend and Super talented cosplayer Sarah Shortcake. Sarah was kind enough to sit down and do an interview with me about her experience in the hobby .

I hope this series inspires you to continue doing what you love and helps you realize everyone that your not alone and we are all here to help.

So lets get stated !

Cosplay Name: Sarah Shortcake

When did you start cosplaying and why?

Is tarted in 2007 but officially stated costuming for myself till in 2009/2010. I got into in because I attended a con and saw people cosplaying and though it was interesting and might be fun.  

Whats your favorite thing about cosplay? Now whats you least favorite?

My favorite is the creative processes its fun to see a project come to life.

My least favorite thing is Stage fright, But I'm working on conquering this fear.  (ps. Sarah competes )

Whats something you enjoy about cosplay besides making / wearing a costume? 

I enjoy meeting new people who share the same interests as me. I also like watching peoples process work its inspiring and fun to see a project come together. I also like to share my skills with others by teaching them what i know so they can create something. 

Is there something you not confident in now ? and what are you doing to try and overcome it? 

Yes, Im working to overcome my stage fright and I'm doing this by running more panels and skits with friends. 

Do you have any tips for people who are not confident in maybe abilities i.e. Sewing or Prop making or are dealing with body confidence?

This topic is a topic Sarah and I talked about at length so I've complied a list of the main ones we spoke about. 

Sewing:

we all start somewhere so keep trying.

Ask questions! If you don't know how to make something as someone who might more then likely they would love to help you and you’ll get a chance to lean something new.

Don't be afraid to stop and come back to something later if its not going how you want.

Patterns aren't you enemy if your still learning they can be a great tool to teach you new terms and techniques! 

If you want a good patterns to learn from try the amazing fit patterns by simplicity she says some of her favorites are 1537 and 2648.

Try making something for your self thats not cosplay related you will build your skills and its fun and rewarding to wear something you made.  

Body Image:

 Try to tailor things to fit you body shape.

Learn what works for you and beware no one is the same.So find  something that works for you because then you will look and feel great.

As try making things for your self it will help you learn to dress your body type so you will know what will make you feel great and what won't. 

And Last but not least Are there any cosplayers that inspire you?

Yes! there are! I have linked them all below! So go check them out!

Betsy Bon Bon : friend  and cosplayer 

Coffee Cat: Another friend and super talented cosplayer 

Lyddi Design : friend and super talented cosplayer and seamstress her website is also on her page, and she has a million interesting write-ups on her costumes which are definitely worth the reading :) 

The Wicked Tailor: Super talented and also does some historical work as well 

Donttouchmymilk Cosplay: Great cosplayer with some hair raising but beautiful creations. 

Pancake Mix : Awesome cosplayer with some spine tingling work. 

December Wynn: A amazing cosplayer, who shares a lot of equally amazing process, if you like process shots this is a cosplayer for you 

As we reached an end i would like to take this time to thank Sarah again. It was so much fun working and chatting with you I'm so thankful that you where willing to share your stories and that we were able to become friends. 

If you want like this and want to share your story or something your working on feel free to send a message or write a post and tag me. I would love to hear your stories :) 

~Yin Yagami 

[cosplayforconfidence]

Handwork ! Here is some progress to kick of the week. I made quilted fabric attached beads, assembled the front of Honey and I'm excited because it's finally looking like something!

[cosplayforconfidence]

Cosplayforconfidence

About two years ago I got really into anime from a friend introducing it to me. A year or so after that, I discovered cosplay was a thing from YouTube and was instantly mesmerised by bringing anime characters into the real world. The first channel I discovered was cupofsquirrel, and quickly watched all their videos and found their personal channels- if they had one- proceeding to watch those videos as well. I later found more cosplay YouTube channels and social media accounts which I was thrilled to follow and look into. I realised that maybe I, like these people, could cosplay my favourite characters- but there was one problem. How could I look as good as these people did? How could I act as well? These cosplayers are amazing! Surely, way better than I. My lack of confidence has always been a set back when it comes to cosplaying, and, though owning quite a few cosplays, have never posted pictures of myself in them. I always feel that I do not quite portray the character as they should be, and I do not look right for the role, also being afraid of my insecurities being noticed by people I did not know. These same reasons have kept me from creating a YouTube channel for cosplay. I hope to eventually overcome my self image negativity and not be as self conscious when cosplaying. Maybe eventually I will be able to make a YouTube channel that my friends and I can use to upload videos of us cosplaying on! @cosplayforconfidence @

[cosplayforconfidence]

Update :post

Hey everyone just a quick update. Ive been working on honey and dealing with a lot with work and life and actually just got back from Katsucon which was an adventure. So i said this before but I'm going to try to do weekly updates and posts on Mondays and sometimes mid week updates on Wednesdays so stay tuned for that also starting very soon I'm going to be posting some interviews with some cosplayers that are super talented and nice and have agreed to be part of this movement. Im excited and a little scared but thats what this project is all about growing and stepping outside your comfort zone. 

Also keep watch ill be posting a little bit more personal post that explains why i started this project and what i struggle with.

[cosplayforconfidence]

Here is some more progress of honey I'm still working and want to say I'm going to try to post regularly on Mondays and wed. So just check back.

[cosplayforconfidence]

First step order swatches , though sadly I'm not sure I like any of them. Such is life though it's a good thing I ordered swatches.

[cosplayforconfidence]

Cosplay For Confidence : the first post

Senior Project :Cosplay for Confidence Hello everyone here is my big new as some of you might know I’m a senior in college and I have  a thesis for this semester and after much thinking and talking I’ve decided to do mine on cosplay but more specifically Confidence.

So what is this and why should you care? Well for me its a learning experience and a way to push myself to gain confidence i need to be a better role model because even though i don’t think of myself as one Ive had people tell me they look up to me as a cosplayer and honestly I’m flattered but don’t feel like I’m there yet , but thats another story.

So just like others I’ve struggled with the way I look and a medical condition that doesn’t help with that. which sadly i let effect who I cosplay and why, Sometimes its because i feel I cant make the cosplay or other times I’m just afraid of not looking like the character or afraid of what others think. So Im over it thats why for this project I will try to and overcome this road block. So how? Well I’m going to be making a Sakizou cosplay that I’ve wanted to do but have kept putting it of because I was afraid. So what, I’m making a cosplay right. Well this is a journey so I will be sharing all my progress on social media and here on my new blog @CosplayandConfidence for this project . I will also include pictures,blogs and vlogs and work logs, But  this project isn’t just about me its also a way to help connect people who have been though the struggle or are still struggling with the issue to feel better and know their not alone. So keeping that in mind I will be doing a feature each week where i interview a cosplayer and  they will share their experience or feeling on the subject too. Also because I wouldn’t be doing this without my followers I will have a way for you to summit stories , ask for advice or just to say hi and send support.

So thats it I hope you all will join me on this journey because it would mean a lot to me and anyone else who feels this way.

-Yin Yagami  

link to my instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/yinyagami/