Cosplay for most of us is usually a group of oddly clad fans, dressed as a favorite character from an anime, comic, movie or video game. Picture them with bubble gum hair, impossible physiques and animated expressions as they pose for the cameras. Most onlookers, would never truly dwell upon the extreme measures each of these individuals would take to achieve such a finished visual. Our cover girl, Anya Dogari; a young accomplished cosplayer with a passion for redheaded characters is another fan of this form of escapism- Her Dark Phoenix won her first place during last year’s comic con and we are curious to know more.
Q. Tell us about yourself.
A. I was born in Moldova in 1993, and was always passionate about the creative arts. When I walked into my first Cosplay event back in 2016, I was blown away. I felt like I belonged. I finally found the perfect blend of all the things I liked. The colors, the details, the creativity- I knew then and there, that I wanted to be part of any Cosplay fandom.
Q. Details? Is that what’s most important in a costume?
A. Of course! That, and the color and shape of the garment. A finished costume should really suit you.
Q. Sounds like a challenge, how do you usually go about it?
It really depends. First, I must choose a character. Then, I tend to research the general picture of the character’s costume. I draft a sketch of it and go from there.
Q. So, you sew everything from scratch?
A. Not always. But a good sewing hand is necessary, even a ready costume needs a bit of altering to fit it’s owner.
Q. You mentioned choosing a character, is it always going to be a redhead with you?
A. Unless it’s Khaleesi from Game of Thrones, than yes…always.
Q. I take it you believe a person must possess some similarities to their chosen character before pulling off a cosplay?
A. It’s really about passion. Anyone can be anything they aspire to be.
Q. Tell us about your first costume.
A. I was Misty from Pokémon. Another red head, It was an easy costume for a beginner.
Q. So it could be hard, depending on how intricate the costume is. How long does it usually take for you to pull off the finished look?
A. It takes a week to make a plan, a month to actually finish the costume. I also, practice my Cosplay skit a couple of weeks in advance.
Anya Dogari Dark Phoenix Gallery
Prev 1 of 6 Next
Q. What are your thoughts on escapism through Cosplay? Do you believe in such a thing?
A. For me, when I put my costume on I remain Anya. I act as my character only on stage or during a photo shoot. I’m not going to lie, it’s a great feeling when people recognize the character and ask me for a picture…but this does not in any way erase my true self. I don’t think I could create a decent costume if I was in denial about my reality. Cosplay is art. It’s inventive, and fun.
Q. Being a woman, and an attractive woman at that…were there any incidents during the many comic con events you’ve joined?
A. Nothing like that. I just get asked for pictures but then I never go alone to these conventions. I’m almost always with friends or my ‘bodyguard’ (husband).
Q. Lastly, is there any advice you’d care to give to new Cosplayers?
A. If you can dream it, you can do it! Believe in yourself, believe in everything you do. Try, make mistakes, try again! Start with a simple costume and then improve it. Don’t be scared to show your work.
Comments are closed.