Shopping. I’m not particularly fond of it. Unusual for a woman, I would agree, as most of my female companions seem rather keen to partake in it on a regular basis. I hate crowded places; I hate being surrounded by unfamiliar faces that would quite happily trample all over me just to grab a bargain. I hate shoppers who spend a good hour in one shop raking through every aisle trying to find something to buy, or worse, shoppers who know exactly what they want but ransack every aisle anyway. Don’t get me wrong, I’m as happy as Larry, whoever he may be, when shopping in my local Gamestation, or getting new eye shadows from M.A.C. Unfortunately everything else a woman may need rarely tends to fall in either two of my second homes, so when I shop I do it on a big scale but not very often.
Larry eat your heart out!
So why subject myself to the hours of scouring shops, markets and websites to do the very thing I often hate? Simple – Cosplay! I love it; the planning, making, sewing, sticking, inventing ways to pattern outfits that defy the very notion of gravity, and the panic the night before you need to wear your creation and you’re still attaching a sleeve. It is, dare I say, a hobby, to many although for some cosplayers it stretches far beyond a pastime into a full blown career. It’s serious business for those who hold it dear, but for me it’s about fun, dressing up as one of your best loved characters and meeting people who enjoy taking their love of anime, films or games to a creative level.
My sister and I owe a lot to cosplay, without it I wouldn’t have discovered my passion for make up and special effects, and my sister now has a career in costume design. That aside, more than anything, over the years in which we’ve travelled to conventions and events to take part in cosplay competitions, we’ve had so many amazing experiences, made life long friends and have so many wonderful memories because of them.
In the following months there are two big events for UK cosplayers and lovers of games alike (let’s not forget that bit!). The MCM London Expo on 23rd May will be holding a world record attempt for the most people dressed as video game characters. It’s a record that was formerly held by the Expo, and they’re aiming to get it back! With world records already under the Ready Up team belt, hopefully it will be a successful addition for those of us planning to attend! Anyone wishing to take part should fill in their details at the MCM London Expo site. Aside from the world record, there will also be a games village with big publishers such as Capcom, Atari, Ubisoft and Eidos in attendance, giving con-goers the chance to get a sneak peek at some upcoming titles.
Following that we have the Insert Coin ‘09 event in July (as mentioned by Martin) which the Ready Up team will be attending! We will also be running the Cosplay Clash Competition for you all to get your teeth stuck into. More details will be added as we get them, so keep your eyes peeled for updates!
So, right now I find myself surrounded by metres of material, a sewing machine, threads, zips, buttons, paint and the like; stressed… but with a smile on my face as I’m doing something I enjoy. I’m creative at heart, and getting to cosplay is like feeling I’m home. Whether you’re a Marcus Phoenix, Masterchief, or Chuck Rock, I hope to see some of you at the upcoming events, if not check out Ready Up for coverage. Get sewing!
Another 50 rows and I’ll have a blinding Lara Croft
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