July 28 2023
Here comes the interview of Veenacos from USA !
1. For how long have you been in cosplay ?
I've been cosplaying for around 9 years now! I started back in 2015 and have done it pretty consistently since! I didn't get super into cosplay until around 2016-2017!
2. Cosplay is a time consuming hobby. how long does it take to craft your costumes ?
Most of my cosplays will take me around a month, if I start from scratch and make everything myself. I have a few very simple cosplays that take a day or two to make. I used to spend everyday working for 6-10 hours a day in a shed my parents had allowed me to take up shop in, back between 2016-2018. Now I have a lot more adult responsibilities and other work to do so sometimes it can take me longer to make an entire cosplay.
Photo by ssnwwc
3. Any other hobby or passion besides cosplaying ?
I love photography! I honestly prefer being behind the camera rather than in front of it, it's nice to not worry about how I look and focus on helping someone else. I used to take graphic design and media production classes in school, so I'm pretty good at retouching photos as well. I take most of my own photos nowadays, something I learned how to do during the pandemic.
4. What materials are you using for cosplay crafting, worbla ? Foam ?
I'm an avid fan of worbla, even to this day. Most folks have moved on to just using foam, which I do as well, but I still love using worbla. It's just so versatile and forgiving! My older armor cosplays were entirely foam covered in worbla, but I found they were very heavy and inflexible. Nowadays I pick and choose between foam and worbla, depending on how the piece should function and wear.
Photo by chriswithcamera
5. Do you have any favorite cosplayer ?
I have always been and will always be a big fan of Jessica Nigri. She inspired me and uplifted me a lot when I was younger and new to cosplay, and that really stays with me even after 9 years of cosplays. I really look up to how positive and strong she is as a cosplayer and a person, I respect it a lot. Another favorite cosplayer of mine is my friend Cobalt Cosplay. All of her work is so accurate and intricate. her work is flawless up close and I love how dedicated to her craft she is.
6. Did you hurt yourself while making a cosplay or in a convention ?
All the time! I actually got cut a chunk of my hand partially off today while cutting foam and had to take a break to care for it. Crafting for someone as clumsy as me leads to a lot of cuts, burns, and bruises. I don't usually get hurt wearing cosplays though, unless they are really ill fitted. It's important to not rush and to ALWAYS cut away from yourself when working with something sharp. I've learned to be extremely cautious when using hot power tools, as well. Burns are probably the worst and I have many scars from working with hot tools.
Photo by Affliction Photography
7. Do you sell your old cosplays, or just keep it in a huge closet ?
I hoard all of my cosplays! Unfortunately, most (if not all) of my work from 2015-2019 got destroyed during a flood and had to be thrown out. I wasn't too upset about it, as my body has changed a lot getting older and most of them don't fit properly anymore. I have never sold any of my costumes, they hold too much sentimental value to me and are all precisely fitted to my specific body.
8. Who teached you to craft your cosplays ? Your family ? By reading books or watching youtube tutorials ?
I am mostly self taught! In the beginning I did a lot of research. once I had the basics on how to begin, I just spent hours and hours trying out techniques and coming up with new ones. There are so many Youtube tutorials and digital write-ups on how to make things now. I still regularly reference them when figuring out how to make something.
Photo by Pezturbator
9. Which conventions are you going to this year ?
My plans for the rest of the year are as follows: Galaxycon Raleigh, Galaxycon Austin, Anime Weekdend Atlanta, possibly Dreamhack Atlanta, and Holiday Matsuri. I will be a cosplay guest at both Galaxycons! Sadly, I won't be attending Dragoncon like I usually do. It falls upon the same weekend as Galaxycon Austin and I prioritize conventions where I am a guest.
10. What is your limit budget for a cosplay ?
Usually, a cosplay will cost me anywhere between 100 and 500 dollars. It depends on what materials I will need and if I already can use stuff I have in my inventory from past cosplays I have made. In the past I have gone thrifting and used large articles of clothing for fabric, rather than spending a lot of money buying new fabric. I used to buy only Arda wigs, but now that my wig making skills have improved, I can buy a cheap wig from Amazon and make it look just as good. I'm all about cutting corners nowadays as I have bills to pay now, haha!
11. Any future super secret cosplay project in mind ?
If I told you it wouldn't be a secret, right? Just kidding. Right now I have nothing crazy planned. I have a few cosplays on my bucket list, though. I would love to cosplay a Halo Spartan one day!
12. What are you doing in "real" life for a living ?
I've done a lot of things in the past. I was a certified makeup artist, a music video assistant director, a model, and I've worked a few retail jobs. I have some health issues now that prevent me from working a regular job, so my main source of income comes from that one website for fans (wink), and guesting at conventions!
Photo by Cerberus
13. You best experience from a convention ? And your worst ?
My best convention experience was cosplay Scary Godmother at AWA 2019! The character and movie are special to me, as I loved it as a child. A lot of people also new who I was, which surprised me! My worst convention experience was when I cosplayed Do-S at Dragoncon 2021. I got sexually harassed so much, and had to get police involved in one instance. It was extremely stressful, but I had some good friends with me that helped me stay safe! Don't ever be afraid to tell someone and get help if you're in an uncomfortable situation, and never be afraid to say "No!"
14. Any advice for cosplay wannabees or beginners ?
I'd say do what makes you happy. Don't pay attention to the numbers or compare yourself to others, it saps the fun out of it and cosplay will lose it's spark. Cosplay your favorite character, don't worry about being perfect, and just have fun! Go with the flow and you will likely form many good memories to look back on and cherish. I've learned all of this from experience, and I've seen too many cosplayers lose their confidence over these things.
15. Do you have limits ? Some cosplays you will never make ?
I mostly just cosplay whatever characters catch my eye, and from whatever series or game that I am passionate about. I do have limits, though. I don't push myself too hard. Every cosplay I make, I try to challenge myself by learning a new technique or material. However, I know what my strong points are and try not to set the bar too high. That's a one way trip to a mental breakdown, if you ask me. i've learned that you don't have to be the best, just do what you like! That passion and love will reflect in your cosplays.
Her facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/veenacos
Her instagram : https://www.instagram.com/veena.cos/