Tiki (Fire Emblem Awakening) Progress Post #1

Hi everyone! I've finally gotten started on my Tiki cosplay and I'm super excited to share some photos with you!!

I started on the bracers first because I could get to the fabric store just then (and tbh I was a little nervous in sewing as usual so I procrastinated). This is my first time working with craft foam in making it look like.. something like... armor! I chose Tiki mainly because she didn't have too much of it, so I was able to feel comfortable in trial and error without buying too much material.

While I did prime the foam an off-white, I chose yellow in case the gold paint I got was a little too sheer (which it was). The yellow made for a good base, though in normal cases I guess you'd layer on the gesso until it was opaque. This was also my first time trying to weather something and I don't think it turned out very nice (up close) but I believe that was mainly due to the weird designs Tiki has on her bracers.

I was expecting almost elvish swirly leaf designs but instead they're these weird square shapes like a retarded leopard. I suppose they're supposed to be like scales? After I zoomed in on my reference photo I couldn't unsee the design anymore so I felt like I had to go with it. The bracers are fastened with velcro.

Initially I wanted to make a dragonstone with an acrylic ball and some paint, but when I went to the craft store the attendant said they only carried balls like that during Christmas season.. weird... So I would this glass decoration as an alternative that I actually really like! It has this cracked look which I think suits a mystical egg very well. The colour is a bit off, but i think the transparency and design still makes it worthwhile and interesting! Colour can be handled in post-processing anyways...

Next I went on to maker her headpiece. At first I wanted to make it out of paper clay (that air dries so I wouldn't have to bake it). I made an outline out of paper and judged it against my wig head. Immediately I didn't like how it looked because it didn't look dainty enough and was worried how I would attach it to my head. Finally I decided to make a craft foam version and I like the result a whole lot more (bottom right)!

The gem was really easy to do and I'm happy it didn't cost me a thing. I used some red construction paper as a base and then created the shape out of hot glue. The paper gives it a flat backing so it's easy to mount on things and won't ruin the surface (table, etc.) that you're working on. The result was a translucent pink oval that looked okay on its own, but for some added oopmh I coated it with a couple layers of red nail polish and a top coat to keep it from chipping/giving it a nice shine. I used the nail polish method for my Synchronocity Rin cosplay on a silver metal necklace and it worked like a charm there too! Definitely recommend this if you can't afford resin and don't need anything too complicated or large.

Finally I'm happy to say that I've started the dress! At this point I've cut and sewn most of it (including a zipper at the back that will be hidden by my cape). Just have to dart and adjust some areas as I've recently lost some weight. I'll do another update once the dress is finished (though I kinda wish I bought a stretchy fabric.. but the colour was nice soooo).

I'll see you all very soon! Stay cool in this heat!

Tiki Fire Emblem Awakening Cosplay Progress

Strangely enough I don't have many cosplay conventions to attend this summer so I've decided to take up another project: Tiki from Fire Emblem Awakening!

I've watched my brother play the past Fire Emblem games, so I'm somewhat familiar with them but Awakening is my first official Fire Emblem game. When you catch a glimpse of Tiki during the story quests I thought she was really beautiful and intriguing! I've been looking for an excuse to wear pointed ears for a cosplay for forever to so I'm really excited to wear some now!

It's a very girly cosplay for me! I typically end up doing the tomboy characters in groups, or the cold types when solo. Tiki seems to be a very calm and feminine character in this game... it's a nice change of pace! This costume will present some new challenges for me too! I already know how to make shoe covers, so now I can expand with different length boots. It'll also be my first time making gloves from scratch!

For the cape I really hope Genniieeee can give me some insight in how she did her Meruru cape hehe, it's nice to have talented friends who might be able to help you!

This wigs (I'm using 2 because I couldn't find one online with a ponytail premade that I liked) are on it's way already. I've purchased the red material I'll need (boots will have a zipper this time! eeeek!!), the elf ears I'm using are here and the thigh highs I ordered have been shipped too!

 (The ears are from Aradani, and I was too impatient to put glue on so they might not be at the right angle lol)

As I go along I'll do my best to capture my processes and which tutorials I used! I'm really excited for this costume since many of my friends are also doing Fire Emblem this year..! I'll be getting to work soon so stay tuned!!

Anime North 2013

OH MAN HAVE I BEEN BUSY! With work and moving into a new house, Anime North kind of snuck up on me! My blogging has taken a hit because of it I guess... Haven't been posting as much!

I went Friday to Sunday as usual. This year we got to stay at the Doubletree which was AMAZING considering your feet are dying by the end of the day. It's nice to go straight from the con to your room!

Anyways we managed to get in a little early on Friday which was lucky! I had a league of legends lounge shoot with VickyBunnyAngel and some other lovely ladies, so as soon as we got in I had to start getting ready to be Ironscale Shyvana! It was very private, classy and TONS of fun! I live for photoshoots nowadays.. probably more than the convention itself! I love creating photos with other people haha

Teemo kicked our butts ;3;

VickyBunnyAngel so cute <3

Smoldering makeup.. I'm not used to having such dark eyes! 

I really hope I can get around to making the armor.. I just have NO money and I really wanted to use worbla.. maybe someday. After the shoot my feet hurt from the heels (I'm a big wimp hoho) so I was just in kigurumi for the rest of the night! We played Monster Hunter with a random guy in the Doubletree and watched the K-ON! movie (SO GOOD). It was a really chill Friday for a convention.

Saturday was a little crazier, I had a couple shoots planned for Kirin and I wanted to try an elaborate makeup so I got up a bit earlier. I was surprised that many people recognized the character! The game's been out for a long time on the PSP.. and it's not related to Tri at all (which I feel is why MonHun is more popular now)?

After I had my shoot with Thomas, CourtoonXIII and Chinasaur came for their shoot! I was so excited to see theeeeemmm! Haven't seen each other since Youmacon! I want to go to more US cons, but again it's all money...

They're such cutie butts I can't even! They helped my dad out, which i really appreciate too.. hopefully we'll see the cut interviews sometime soon! We got to hang out even more after I got out of Kirin which I was so happy for.. ahhh it was great.

Had dinner with moetron, brother and boyfriend in kigurumis at swiss chalet... somehow we kept missing each other at the convention.. We were all pretty busy I guess!

Sunday I spent the as much time with Sachie, Genie, Ringo and Karameru as I could. Chinasaur and CourtoonXIII tagged along with us to our Pokémon trainer shoot.

LOOK HOW CUTE MY WAIFUS ARE <3

I seriously need to cosplay with Karameru moooore <3 Best girlfriend.

It was a lot of fun cause we got to goof around a bunch hehe! After that shoot I'm afraid to say I had to leave an hour later. I can't wait for more photos to pop up though!

This year was a lot more relaxed in some ways than it had been in past years. I had many more organized shoots which was nice but less time in costume. My eyes are so sensitive that I can't wear them for too long.. and if I'm not wearing contacts for the character than I feel incomplete! So I think I struck a nice balance this year.

Next year I might not go though, solely for the reason that I'd like to save up for a large US convention like AX or Katsucon... preferable both.. or even Colossalcon! I'd like to make even more costumes too.. I just need to pick and choose I guess...

And that's it for this year! As usual, you can see more photo on my FACEBOOK PAGE

Kariya Park (& Birthday)

Yesterday I went to Kariya! The weather was overcast (it was even pouring when we left;;) and a bit chilly but it didn't stop us from having a good time. I was dressed as Ema Skye for the first time (I hastily cut the wig the night before like the good cosplayer that I am...)! It was pretty fun being in a lab coat hehe! The wig was surprisingly a pain because it was long and her half bun thing wouldn't cooperate. A good learning experience for AN though!

I got there a little earlier than the people I was planning on meeting up with (Mao and Karameru hehe, slowpokes!). I was really happy and surprised to run into my buddy Thomas and Genie from Moetron (She has an art blog here)! I didn't think they would be coming! I spent most of the day goofing around with them and Thomas snagged some nice shots I think.

Genie is my inner hipster child haha

Poor Thomas had to get dragged around by me haha, thanks ; v ;

I derp a lot when taking photos. Genie was sniping me without me knowing haha~
Also this costume was given to me by a sponsor. I might get new pants though as they're not long enough.
It'll have to do.

My birthday was the day before so I was even more excited to see Sachie make a visit even though she's really busy at home and work! It was really nice of her to make time for me! ; v ; In fact, many people wished me a happy birthday which was really nice, so thank you!

Mao, Karameru, Tomomi and the rest finally got there so it was fun getting to see people who I haven't talked to since November for the most a.part! School keeps us all busy, though hopefully that will change now that it's summer. They're really funny and bright people, so they brought a little more sunshine into that overcast day :'D

Luan and Mao in the back, Genie on the right. We're all a bunch of derps hehe

I always end up duckfacing when taking photos with Karameru and I wonder if it's because
she's so pretty haha. I need to work harder LOL

Kariya park itself was an interesting location. It's a japanese style garden with a shrine and various interesting ponds to work with. Usually this time of year there are cherry blossoms so I was told, but because of our crappy Canadian weather we missed them in time for the event.. they might bloom in May hopefully! It was my first time going, but I really liked the venue as it was tucked away from the busy main street and surrounded by a nice looking fence. There were still some regular people walking around but overall us cosplayers had the run of the place mostly to ourselves! In nicer weather I'd like to visit again, perhaps with more props so we can reenact a crime scene or something!

I didn't have my t3i on me because everything is packed away due to my family's move, so I was bad and forgot to take pictures of the park. I got you some turtles though! And some Mao!

It started pouring when we left for bubble tea in Mississauga so Thomas was kind enough to give me a drive back to the station. I missed the train though.. had to wait an hour in the cold for the next one..

If you'd like to see more photos from the shoot, you can visit my Facebook page! I should be able to upload them starting this week. Until next time!

We're so street fashion!

Cosplay Tips 101: Why do you want to cosplay?

I've decided to create a group of posts exploring things about cosplay. I'm no expert (can someone be an expert cosplayer?) but I have been doing it for a while, so even though I may not be an expert in sewing or whatever, I still feel like there may be some things I can impart to you about my world. Feel free to add things in the comments section, so that we as a community can build up posts that are helpful for people who stumble upon. Not to mention that I'm always learning new things too!

I wanted to start this segment with a very simple question, but one that I find very important:

Why do you want to cosplay?

At first it might not seem like much, but it can become a loaded question if you think about it.

Cosplay is a very unique hobby, especially in a place like North America (where I'm from). The most we get dressed up for is Hallowe'en and perhaps themed parties. Especially since cosplaying brings to the forefront images of Japanese culture which tend to become lost on North American audiences. I remember when I first started cosplaying, every so often my parents would bring up things like hentai (Japanese animated porn, though what they had in mind specifically was the tentacles). So you can expect to not be met with understanding when expressing a foreign fandom openly. Just think about the elementary school yard when you were a kid. Those who were different were usually picked on weren't they?

That's another thing: parents. I know many cosplayers who struggle in pursuing their fandoms with them hanging over them. It's a childish hobby. You'll grow out of it. It's expensive. What are you going with your future. I've heard these things repeated more than once. For some of you, perhaps you'll come to disagreements with your parents. It's okay. If it's what's making you happy then why shouldn't you pursue it? When this comes up with my own family I usually make comparisons with people my age. I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs. However cosplay is a creative pursuit that utilizes many skills and creates a positive space where I can be proud of myself and my work. Whether you smoke, drink, or whatever doesn't necessarily undermine you. Heck, lots of cosplayers have parties in their hotels where they do just that I imagine. What I mean is, cosplay isn't necessarily a destructive hobby like your parents may think. At least not as destructive as frequent parties teenagers are prone to have.

I started cosplaying when I was around thirteen or fourteen. It's obviously a time when you're exploring who you are and are faced with crazy hormones and confidence issues! I am 100% convinced that cosplay is an outlet that has let me grow in discovering who I am in a safe environment. I can wear clothes that I wouldn't dream of wearing normally to explore facets of who I am that otherwise I wouldn't be comfortable exploring. Through cosplay I have learned makeup techniques and styling that help me look like a respectable female in my society. I've gained the confidence to imagine how to make gigantic arms and actually go through with the project. I can make my dreams into reality.

But most of all, I have found people of a like mind. I have found wonderful friends.

So while cosplay is, yes, incredibly expensive and, yes, isn't necessarily a typical hobby I ask you again why you want to do it and I ask you to hold on to it.

Is it because you love the theatrical aspect of becoming a character? Perhaps you love making costumes, clothing and props! Maybe it's the stunning way people can change how they look with makeup. Maybe it's your love of the fandom and the people in it. It feels nice when people recognize your hard work, so perhaps you love the spotlight.

Whatever it is, this emotion you have towards cosplaying is what will either have you participating in it for years or have it be just a small blip in your life. It will keep you from going insane when your friends at school may not understand or make fun of you for it, or when your parents don't approve. When you need to remind yourself why you take on more work or die at the gym to get that sweet-ass flat belly.

If you don't know why you want to cosplay, I think that's fine too. Because the more you do it, the more you enjoy it and that's all that matters.

Con-G 2013 Report

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to be offered media passes to Con-G in Guelph, Ontario. I don't normally go to many smaller conventions because it does cost a lot of money for me to travel back and forth. It landed on my Reading Week (a university holiday) so the timing was good enough. In return for the free passes, I had to do some coverage with Ackson that included interviews with a few people as well as a couple fun skit type things! I also had a personal job that I needed to get done for CosplayFU.com, which I'll link to eventually. I like doing this kind of work!

Sachie and I didn't go Friday because a) I needed to finish Lyra and b) we weren't convinced of who would show up there since many of our friends bailed. Life calls sometimes, eh? So instead we played Hospice and basically just fooled around all night.

Saturday we got up early to dress as Hilda/Touko and Lyra/Kotone from Pokémon Black/White and Gold/Silver! I love playing Pokémon so much so it was only a matter of time. It was my first time making boot covers and a giant poofy hat! Sachie helped me make the little sefuku collar she's got going on. I still have a ways to go, but I'm learning. I was very proud! :'D

I'm always surprised when people come up to say hi to me! I never assume that many people actually follow what I write about on here or on my page. I only hear from the guys that follow mostly :'). Ladies, I love hearing from you! You made my day so much brighter! I hope I wasn't too awkward haha.

We filmed a lot that day with Ackson and I must have photographed every cosplayer that walked into the convention centre! So busy; I was BAGGED!

Sunday was very chill. I was in regular clothes and wearing a Raptor mask for a portion of the day. A couple cosplayers from No. 6 came up to me and asked if I could take a few shots for them! They were really cute and nice so of course I said yes (Though I'm not sure how the photos turned out lol).

 I left at around 2PM I think? I also filmed a bunch with my dad, who was working on a concept about conventions. If that goes through I'll share it with you guys! I think many of you made an appearance. :)

All in all it was a very small convention (a hallway!), but the people there were so friendly and well-behaved. It felt good being a cosplayer among many who went. I didn't take many photos of myself in costume just because the lighting wasn't the greatest. When spring hits I'll bring Lyra out again ;)

Did you go? How was your experience?

Con-G, what's up?

Con-G is coming up close and I find myself getting hyped! It's such a small convention apparently (I've never been) and most of my close friends aren't going. We had planned to have a large Pokémon trainer group though Genniieeee, Ringo and Karameru are busy with school and family that weekend! I'm still planning on doing Lyra though (hopefully).. and if not I'll be PhotoRaptor again! RAWR!

Sachie is coming over Friday night and staying over at my place till Sunday so I'm super excited! Us Moetron gals never get to see each other since we're responsible, studious girls that live a good distance away from each other (lol). I'm always happy to hang out with my favourite people~

We'll be cosplay as Hilda and Lyra from Pokémon if all goes well, if not I think Sachie is bringing out her Hinata cosplay! We'll be doing live coverage over Instagram (@domineaucos) and Twitter (@domineaucos) so be sure to keep in touch in case you want to find us! I'm always so psyched when people come up to say hi! It seriously makes my day!!

For now I'll post some progress photos, still so much to do! I've decided to hold off on making her bag and pokégear for when we do our actual group.

This is my first time making shoe covers and I was just trying to see if I was going in the right direction there (right). The shirt has been cut and now there's just her silly white thing to attach to the collar. AND THAT HAT. I'll be thrilled if it turns out okay haha..

I'll be very busy this weekend -- I hope to see you there!

PS. Ackson also asked me to appear in the below video! Some cool people with be at Con-G this year!

Tsubasa Hanekawa Cosplay Progress

Hi everyone! A friend asked me to join her Bakemonogatari photoshoot with the rest of the group, but seeing as how she wanted to do Hitagi, I chose to do Hanekawa Tsubasa :) I'm reusing the same uniform as my Hitagi and a base wig I bought online for another cosplay thinking that I can squeak by as Tsubasa.

But ohmygod this cosplay is going to be so ghetto.. colour retouching and tedious photo editing will be involved, I feel sorry for the editor hoho... I'm not going to spend money on the same outfit that I'm only going to wear once.. And I don't have time to run out to downtown Toronto for ribbons and such for her hair and whatever so I just used paper (I was howling while putting the outfit on just because I knew everything was hanging together with tape.. I don't even own a hot glue gun at school!)

SO LONG AS IT LOOKS OK IN PHOTOS HAHA

Being megane is so fun ;o; ♥ But I think the braids might be a little long.... oh well!

I didn't want to get out of the wig right away.. it's so silky and thick! I've bought from this eBay seller before and I've never been disappointed.. ahhh♥

I swear no shopping on this.. How did this turn out so creepy? ;o;

And this one kinda reminds me of human Ursula from The Little Mermaid

Thanks for dropping by!♥

Youmacon 2012 Report

Hi everyone! Now that I'm finally starting to feel my legs again after this weekend, I decided I should post a report for you all! (Though I don't know what legs has to do with this haha)

This was my firs time going to Youmacon in Detroit, MI and it was also my first time traveling alone with my girls (Sachie and Genniieeee), last time didn't count because we were being escorted by Ackson. We took the Greyhound bus early Friday morning from Toronto and arrived in Detroit around mid-afternoon. Sachie stayed over the night before which was really awesome since we can never meetup outside of conventions due to school.. it was nice being girly and getting primped for the con the next day! (Next time you can have the bed, Sachie!)

When we crossed the border, we had no idea that the con was so close! The bus dropped us off a few blocks away and we ended up taking a taxi over to the Renaissance Center. For anyone else going, please be careful with taxis! We got scammed because we were Canadian and the driver started loading our bags while we tried negotiating the price of the trip. We could have haggled more, but we were all a little nervous because there were some sketchy folks behind us calling out to us. It was just an uncomfortable situation in itself... please be careful!

The convention itself was... interesting to say the least. Luckily we were rooming with some AWESOME people (I miss you guys already!), but we had some difficulty with the hotel room as the Marriott introduced a wristband policy to monitor how many people were in the room. We didn't want to take the risk, so a whole lot of us crammed into our friend's room...

The layout of Youmacon this year was a little confusing (certainly for a first timer like myself). The building goes vertically, so escalators and elevators galore! The walkways are all circular as well, so it's very confusing trying to get where you're going. We must have walked around that place a billion times. Some locales are nice for photos though, and it's very urban.

Cool ceiling near on of the escalators in Cobo Hall

What confuses me the most though is why they had the dealer's/artist alley in Cobo Hall. Obviously space is an issue, but it separates a major part of the convention from everything else! I spoke with a couple of artists who were disappointed and stressed, as it's a lot of effort to sell your work at these events.

CourtoonXII as Saki Morimi from Eden of the East

As for my cosplay lineup, it was a fairly relaxing weekend!
Friday I went as Maid ver. Ritsu from K-ON! with Sachie as Mio:

Saturday I went as Howl and interviewed LittleKuriboh, as well as others, as part of press for Crunchyroll:

Photo by Sachie

And Sunday Sachie and I went as Matryoshka Meiko and Miku.. we also met up with Berndor who cosplayed Gumi! We were the most moe together haha, I loved it! We also ended up being included in the Detroit News which was nice!

All in all, I feel it was the people I was with that made the event great. I`m really thankful that Inner Mind Theatre and everyone else looked out for us Canadians! I hope we can see each other again really soon! xoxo.

Otakon Con Report Day 3: Sunday

Last day of the convention!! ;A;
I cosplayed Synchronicity again because it was something I was very proud of! My first fully made cosplay where most of the work was done by myself. With STR I had a lot of help with the arms (with sanding for example), but with Synchro I did all the pleating, sewing, etc. by myself! Genie still helped me with drafting though which I'm super thankful for!

I can't wait for the day when I can fully make a costume by myself.. victory will taste so sweet!

Sunday might've been the most chill out of all the days! The con practically ended at 2pm so we spent the rest of our time walking around and eating by the harbor. Packing also soaked up most of our time as well.. I basically hung around with Sachie and the tumblr-famous Mako (I joke of course) for the rest of our hours. I didn't eve wear lenses again orz;;

With the last of my money I bought a Morico t-shirt and a cuff-linked earring from another artist alley vendor! I feel super badass when I where the earring though haha!

I didn't get back home until 2 or 3 PM on Monday.. I simply passed out on the bus out of exhaustion from the weekend. Snoring passengers or not lol XD

Overall I loved going to Otakon so much! It was such a great experience, but I feel it'll be hard for me to go again because everything worked out so nicely this time.. my hope is to one day go to Anime Expo in LA! Next year I'll have to budget.. but maybe I can squeeze a cosplay event here and there...?

So where does this leave me now? Well... I did happen to maybe pick up some things that I might be giving away to you guys... maybe....! ;)
Stay tuned!