Cosplay Gen http://www.cosplaygen.com Worldwide Cosplay Magazine Wed, 16 May 2012 15:14:58 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 CosplayGenhttp://feedburner.google.com CONTEST: Guess the cosplayer #4 http://www.cosplaygen.com/contest-guess-the-cosplayer-4-2/ http://www.cosplaygen.com/contest-guess-the-cosplayer-4-2/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 15:14:17 +0000 otaku http://www.cosplaygen.com/?p=6869 This week we revealed that Elffy from Finland, was going to be featured in the magazine as well. It’s time you help us guess another cosplayer this week and get a chance to win Cosplay Gen #05!

Leave a comment below with the cosplayer’s name, character and series he or she is cosplaying from and next week we’ll be picking a winner randomly!

CONTEST: Guess the cosplayer #4

]]> http://www.cosplaygen.com/contest-guess-the-cosplayer-4-2/feed/ 1 CONTEST: Guess the cosplayer #3 http://www.cosplaygen.com/contest-guess-the-cosplayer-3-2/ http://www.cosplaygen.com/contest-guess-the-cosplayer-3-2/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 14:17:33 +0000 otaku http://www.cosplaygen.com/?p=6848 Update: Dear fellows, we apologise for the delay. The Cosplay GEN team was very busy this period, but we also have some very good news: the magazine is already in print, and starting next week we’ll begin the distribution to those who preordered it. Special thanks to all those who have already preordered the magazine, and to all those who are purchasing the magazine and thus keep this project alive.

As for the answer to contest #03, everyone gave the correct answer: it’s Elffy from Finland. This time, the lucky answer is number 30, which makes Marzie the winner of a free copy of Cosplay GEN #05.

The cosplayer #03 FROM COSPLAY GEN #05

]]> http://www.cosplaygen.com/contest-guess-the-cosplayer-3-2/feed/ 38 CONTEST: Guess the cosplayer #2 [Update] http://www.cosplaygen.com/contest-guess-the-cosplayer-2-2/ http://www.cosplaygen.com/contest-guess-the-cosplayer-2-2/#comments Tue, 01 May 2012 12:04:47 +0000 otaku http://www.cosplaygen.com/?p=6821 Update: Looks like this one wasn’t hard for you guys at all. Yes indeedy folks, it’s Adelhaid with her Erzsébet (Elizabeth) from Horror Collector cosplay! We’re very proud to have her featured in our fifth issue!

The lucky random number this time is 21, which makes Rina the winner of a free copy of Cosplay GEN #05.

]]> http://www.cosplaygen.com/contest-guess-the-cosplayer-2-2/feed/ 28 CONTEST: Guess the cosplayer #1 [Update] http://www.cosplaygen.com/guess-right-and-win-a-copy-of-cosplay-gen-05/ http://www.cosplaygen.com/guess-right-and-win-a-copy-of-cosplay-gen-05/#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:16:08 +0000 otaku http://www.cosplaygen.com/?p=6753 Update: Ok, so a week has passed and the contest is now over! Thanks again to everyone who participated in the contest, looks like it wasn’t at all hard for you guys to guess this one. As you’ve all guessed, it’s Yami from Sweden, with her Giant Majini (Resident Evil 5) cosplay.

This time, the random number we generated (via random.org) is 26, which makes Raven the lucky winner of our new issue! Congratulations to her, and come back this week and try guessing the next cosplayer!

Alright people, we’ve already shown you who’s on the cover for our next issue, and now, in order to make make things more interesting, we’re gonna do this type of contests again to reveal some of the other goodies awaiting you in the next issue. Same as last time, we collaborated with the artist Cristian Dirstar (Akira), who made a few illustrations based on some of the photos in Cosplay Gen #05, all that’s left for you is to guess who’s illustrated!

Leave a comment below with the cosplayer’s name, character and series he or she is cosplaying from and next week we’ll be picking a winner randomly! You have until Monday, April 23th, next week. Good luck to everybody!

]]> http://www.cosplaygen.com/guess-right-and-win-a-copy-of-cosplay-gen-05/feed/ 37 Community’s Choice #02: Arianne http://www.cosplaygen.com/communitys-choice-02-arianne/ http://www.cosplaygen.com/communitys-choice-02-arianne/#comments Sat, 21 Apr 2012 15:27:21 +0000 Cristian Botea http://www.cosplaygen.com/?p=6096 We know we’re a bit late with this one, but here’s the interview with our first Community’s Choice contest’s second place winner, Arianne Gonzaga from Philippines.

Arianne Gonzaga
Years of Cosplay: 4
Philippines

Cosplay Gen: When did you start cosplaying and what was your first costume?
Arianne Gonzaga: I started unofficially in 2008, as a mere school girl, because I didnt know anybody personally from the cosplaying scene here in the Philippines. I had no idea where to get costumes from, how to make them, etc. so one time I found this really cute uniform from a contact of mine on Multiply (where at that time, most cosplayers posted their cosplays). I bought that uniform and tried it at one of the smaller events. Then boom, I met some cosplayers and started talking to them more on the Internet, then finally got invited to cosplay groups, which encouraged me to have my real costumes done and actually cosplaying real characters. Then, later on, when I thought I was still not getting it right, I started on getting some personal touches on doing my costumes, until I developed some skills; in the present I’m still learning more techniques regarding costume and props making.

I am so happy that little by little my involvement in my costumes has grown so much that for some of my costumes I work by myself. But when it comes to more complex sewing, i still get it done by professionals.

Cosplay Gen: What made you choose to cosplay the super celebrity Blue Rose from the Tiger & Bunny series?
Arianne: At the time that I learned about Tiger & Bunny series, there were only 6 episodes. The series appealed to me very much, and that time there was also an international cosplay qualifier coming up (ACM2011) in our country. My boyfriend and his friend decided to pick that series for our entry because we all felt it would make a big impact on the contest. We would also be the very first in the country to cosplay that series, and that made it a challenge and inspiration for us.

As for the character I chose, actually at first I didnt feel I would give justice to her and felt really inferior since she’s like a super idol to the people of Sternbild and the viewers as well. But I figured, well, I would try my best, and still be me, idol or not. I also thought Blue Rose and I share the same passion, which is Music.

Blue Rose (Tiger and Bunny)

Cosplay Gen: What was the the most difficult part to make and how did you handle it?
Arianne: As I have already mentioned, the biggest challenge for the costume was to fit the role of an idol. I don’t think I am as pretty as the character, but I figured I just have to let my confidence shine, and try to carry the character gracefully. I just hope I did it well, but Im sure that I did my best.

Blue Rose (Tiger and Bunny)

Cosplay Gen: Can you detail how did you apply the make-up for this character?
Arianne: For the make-up, since i am of darker color like a true Filipina, I chose a make-up base (foundation) one shade lighter than my actual color. I used it on my face; my other parts didn’t need make-up anymore, since I used stockings for my legs (again one shade lighter than my actual skin), and my arms were covered by gloves. So it is really the face that needs make-up.

I used all sorts of glittery blue eyeshadow for the eyes and lips (I didn’t use eyeshadow for my blue lips. I used a nude lipstick for the eyeshadow to stay on my lips, then a gloss over it); then finished with a very light pink blush. I guess that’s pretty much what I did for the make up.

Judith (Tales of Vesperia)

Cosplay Gen: Where would you like to improve the most as far as cosplaying goes?
Arianne: I would like to really learn how to sew with a machine (since I can only do hand sewing, which works most of the time, but is really time-consuming). I would also like to learn how to sew with patterns! I am planning on enrolling in a vocational sewing class, since I am really poor in self-studying. I would also like to learn to do bigger props, since I can only do headgear and staff and guns for props. Right now, I am hanging out more with my boyfriend and his friends who are really good propsmakers. I like making props with them, asking how to-s and observing how they do it. I would pretty much like to be 100% involved in my costumes.

Meiko (BRS)

Cosplay Gen: How do you feel about cosplay competitions?
Arianne: I see competitions as a way to challenge myself. I usually don’t join them because whenever I join competitions, I need to have 100% focus and effort, and I want everything to be perfect, so I prepare longer than my usual cosplays. That’s why I only join them when I have time, and money.

Princess Amalie (Ludwig Kakumei)

Cosplay Gen: Care to share with us a funny moment from your cosplay life?
Arianne: Probably the funniest and most difficult part of cosplaying is when I try to explain to non-cosplaying folks what cosplay is. Because most of them (due to the current widespread of cosplay nowadays in our country) think it is a way to get to showbusiness or modelling industry.

Ragnarok Archbishop

Cosplay Gen: What do you like most about cosplay? What makes you continue doing it?
Arianne: Cosplay for me is like a very complex and expensive hobby. It’s like working hard to make your collection grow and feeling contented at the end of the day seeing what a great job you’ve done.

Like most hobbies, you make friends who share the same passion and grow with your hobbies altogether. It’s also a way to showcase different sorts of talents aside from cosplaying itself, making our inner creativity shine.

Tifa Lockhart (Final Fantasy Advent Children)
]]> http://www.cosplaygen.com/communitys-choice-02-arianne/feed/ 1 Cosplay GEN #05 pre-order is a go! http://www.cosplaygen.com/cosplay-gen-05-pre-order-is-a-go/ http://www.cosplaygen.com/cosplay-gen-05-pre-order-is-a-go/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:42:43 +0000 otaku http://www.cosplaygen.com/?p=6730 It’s spring, so it’s time for Cosplay Gen #05! The good news is that the new issue is almost done with the last preparation stage, and ready to go to the printers! As usual, the magazine will bring you articles, interviews, tutorials and other surprises, not to mention the brand new bonus that we hope you’ll like. And the final preparation stage also means that Cosplay Gen #05 is now available for pre-order. To pre-order it and support the project, go to the shop page on our website.

This time, our cover story will present you a very talented cosplayer from South Korea, Miyo, who shared with us some of her experiences and opinions about this hobby, and what it means to her. As for the other names featured in this issue, you’ll get to find them one by one, through the means of several giveaways we prepared for you! Stay tuned for more Cosplay Gen news in the near future!


]]> http://www.cosplaygen.com/cosplay-gen-05-pre-order-is-a-go/feed/ 3 Cosplay Gen: 2 years anniversary! http://www.cosplaygen.com/cosplay-gen-2-years-anniversary/ http://www.cosplaygen.com/cosplay-gen-2-years-anniversary/#comments Sun, 01 Apr 2012 21:33:34 +0000 otaku http://www.cosplaygen.com/?p=6705 This spring, Cosplay Gen is already two years old, and, as an anniversary gift, the second issue of the magazine is SOLD OUT and available for free of charge in digital edition. Thanks everyone for the love and support and we hope you’ll be with us for the future issues too!

Cosplay GEN #02 preview

Cosplay GEN #02 Digital Edition on Issuu

Cosplay GEN #02 Digital Edition on Calaméo




]]> http://www.cosplaygen.com/cosplay-gen-2-years-anniversary/feed/ 0 L’Arc-en-Ciel concert tickets winner! http://www.cosplaygen.com/win-free-tickets-for-larc-en-ciels-new-york-concert/ http://www.cosplaygen.com/win-free-tickets-for-larc-en-ciels-new-york-concert/#comments Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:52:39 +0000 Cristian Botea http://www.cosplaygen.com/?p=6605 The L’Arc-en-Ciel tickets giveaway organized with the help of AEG Live, for the band’s concert in New York, ended. We’d like to thank all those who took part in the contest. We received 77 answer entries, and the randomly chosen winner was no. 18 – William Steimel from New Jersey. Congratulations and enjoy the show!

And, of course, to all those going to this amazing concert: Have a great time!

Also, for all those who want to buy a New York concert ticket, the details can be found at this link. For more information regarding the L’Arc-en-Ciel world tour, check their official website.

]]> http://www.cosplaygen.com/win-free-tickets-for-larc-en-ciels-new-york-concert/feed/ 0 Acksonl (CA) http://www.cosplaygen.com/acksonl-ca/ http://www.cosplaygen.com/acksonl-ca/#comments Sun, 18 Mar 2012 12:36:14 +0000 otaku http://www.cosplaygen.com/?p=6665
Acksonl
Toronto, Canada
Cosplay Gen: Can you tell us a few introductory words about yourself?

Acksonl: I work for a large Canadian retailer during the day, fight crime at night, and shoot cosplay on weekends.

As a kid, I’ve always loved playing around with moving images; I guess it all started back when Microsoft released Movie Maker. However, over the years I’ve transitioned over to the use of Apple computers systems because it fulfilled more of my editing needs.

My first convention was Fan Expo in 2002 or 2003, which is held in Toronto, Canada. I mainly went to see the guests, and was really never into the whole cosplay scene up until a year ago. At heart I’m a Trekkie/Trekker. I cried hard when I met Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway from Star Trek: Voyager) a few years back.

As for filming gear, I get asked this question a lot; I usually carry around my Canon EOS 5D Mark II and a Canon EOS 7D along with a camera stabilizer. Many cosplay enthusiasts who have seen the videos consider purchasing a digital SLR camera with video capabilities to make their own videos. However, I don’t recommend doing so unless the individual is comfortable in handling one and understands the fundamentals of a digital SLR. A digital SLR with video capabilities is very different than a standard PRO/SEMI-PRO camcorder. Any person who has had experience using both will tell you the same. I don’t really want to get into details but I recommend going online and doing research before investing in this technology.

Cosplay Gen: Your videos are mainly oriented towards cosplay and you even have some costume showcases, why is that? What does cosplay mean to you?
Acksonl: Before I started shooting convention videos, I use to do a bit of cosplay photography and a bit of wedding photography on the side. As soon as Canon released its first pro digital camera with video capabilities, I immediately sensed the opportunity to take cosplay documentation to the next level.

Cosplay Gen: Your videos have a very artistic feel, compared to normal coverage videos; where do you get all those ideas and how do you convince the cosplayers to cooperate?

Acksonl: I’ve seen many convention videos posted on the internet where it normally involves a cosplayer being interviewed by someone, which is also how I got started in filming my first anime convention at Anime North 2009. After I finished editing all the footage, I came to the realization that what I did was very generic when it came to video documentation of a convention. I’ve also noticed that many talented cosplayers weren’t that comfortable speaking in front of the camera. With that in mind, and with experience shooting weddings and some inspiration from Stillmotion (a popular wedding photo/video studio), I decided to combine contemporary cinematic wedding video techniques with the art of cosplay.

Getting cosplayers to pose for the videos isn’t too difficult, just approach them and ask kindly like every other photographer or congoer. Sometimes they may decline because they need to get somewhere or are just not in the mood, but for the most part, cosplayers are more than willing to participate briefly at a convention. Getting cosplayers to go offsite to shoot around the city for a couple of hours is another story.

Cosplay Gen: What sort of things have you learned since you started doing these videos, and what sort of tips can you give for people who’d like to start doing something similar?

Acksonl: It can be tempting to fall back on whatever techniques you know will work time and time again, but videos will get stale fast if you always do the same thing. You need to be able to find a way to bring something new to every new project and try new things. Admittedly I can be guilty of this on occasion, but finding new materials by filming different cosplayers and locations helps keep things fresh. Experimenting is the key! In a way, shooting video is similar to shooting photography, except you deal with a moving image; there are more elements you can incorporate into the shot. Over time, as your portfolio increases from experimenting, your videos will become more dynamic.

For those just starting out, it’s always best to do ample research, so that way you have a better understanding of what you need. Also, having a good idea about what, who and how you want to shoot will help you narrow down what you specifically need to get the job done.

Running off and buying things just because it works for someone else, might not work as well for yourself. Again, it all depends on the individual and the goal you want to accomplish.

Cosplay Gen: Do you have any bigger plans for the future, such as a documentary or a much more comprehensive video?
Acksonl: As it is just a hobby, I have committed quite a substantial amount of time and resources. I plan on continuing shooting similar types of videos in 2011. Currently I do not have plans to deviate too much from what I am currently doing.

Cosplay Gen: What sort of problems did you run into when filming? Can you share with us an awkward or funny moment?
Acksonl: I’ve found that filming at conventions is becoming harder as I gain more viewership. As much as I would love to converse with watchers I meet at cons, it takes away from time I spend filming.

For more amazing videos visit Acksonl YouTube Channel.

// Interview by Cristian Botea
]]> http://www.cosplaygen.com/acksonl-ca/feed/ 1 Community’s Choice Vocaloid Edition – Winners http://www.cosplaygen.com/communitys-choice-vocaloid-edition-winners/ http://www.cosplaygen.com/communitys-choice-vocaloid-edition-winners/#comments Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:28:25 +0000 otaku http://www.cosplaygen.com/?p=6643 We have finally finished checking and validating the votes for Community’s Choice, and now we are able to present you the final results!

Unfortunately, in order to keep the contest fair and honest, we were forced to disqualify some of the contestants, whose votes were increased through quite a huge number of false accounts.

According to the correct assessment of the votes, the winners are:

1st place: Aicosu (USA)

2nd place: Hanna Werner (Germany)

3rd place: Puchys Love (Mexico)

The winners will receive free copies of Cosplay Gen #05, along with goodies from our partner Crypton Future Media. And, of course, the winner of the first place will be featured in Cosplay Gen #05!

We’d like to thank all the cosplayers for participating in the contest with the wonderful photos they submitted. Unfortunately, we cannot reward all of them, but we surely encourage them to keep up the good work!

For the top 10 of the Community’s Choice Vocaloid Edition please visit mikubook.com

]]> http://www.cosplaygen.com/communitys-choice-vocaloid-edition-winners/feed/ 0