Cosplay: A portmanteau of “Costume” and “Play” it is the act of designing and wearing a fantasy character. Many of us observers, are often fascinated to look beyond the masks of these players, and into their heads. What makes them…them? Why leave reality? What is their true face? Sam is a chameleon, a player of many faces. Here’s my try at dissecting their true identity.
Q. Tell us more about yourself.
A. Well, aside from Cosplay, I’m really interested in art and music. I’ve been playing Piano for about 8 years and recently started learning Guitar, my skills aren’t the best in it yet but I’m fairly familiar with music and could pull off a decent tune.
Q. So creative outlets are your thing.
A. Oh definitely, I’m all for that mind vomit.
Q. Your Instagram account was formerly @ItsSamSenpai, which translates into Upperclassman Sam, why that term?
A. A few of my friends used to jokingly call me “Senpai” since I’m all about Japanese culture so it stuck. I’ve recently changed it to @uusausagii though.
Q. When was your first encounter with Cosplay?
A. Japanese culture and music had a role in this. I discovered Jpop, Jrock and Vocalism back in 2013. I recall being absolutely mesmerized by the glitz and chords. I’ve never seen anything this over the top, and that was when I realized this was a thing; That people over there were doing in celebration of fashion, music, art. It just gave me so much motivation; following all these Cosplayers and looking into their world. It pushed me (a shy introvert) into the right direction.
Q. Who are your heroes?
A. Knitemaya! but really, I meet more and more Cosplayers every year, and they’ve just boosted my morale all around. The camaraderie has been the most positive experience I’ve ever had.
Q. You’re obviously very talented at it. What was your most difficult project?
A. Thank you! I don’t recall making something too complicated since I don’t do props as much as makeup and wigs.
Q. So, how do you go about ‘making’ a costume?
A. I use my own clothes, add the right details to them and make whatever
Additional props I might need. But most of the time I buy the actual costume.
Sam - Vamp Gallery
Prev 1 of 5 Next
Q. Have you joined any Conventions?
A. Yes, I started participating in conventions in 2016, so I’m relatively new here. The best was OtakuCon, I have good memories of that one.
Q. What was your
favorite costume?
A. The most fun I’ve had was as Toga. It was my first time as a female character and it was so well received.
Q. So, you do not identify with genders in Cosplay?
A. It’s art. It’s a costume. Why go there?
Q. I presume you are all for character requests from your followers then?
A. Of course. I try to play out as many as I can, and I love taking in people’s suggestions. These characters are favorites to many, it is only fair they’re done right.
Just keep going. Never give up. Don’t listen to the naysayers. You’ll never know what you can or cannot do until you actually do it.
Q. So, do you act these characters out? Or are we only talking
costumes?
A. No. I act out all my characters, that’s where the magic is. Making them come to life.
Q. How empowering is that for you?
A. It’s a very healing experience, at least for me. I suffer from anxiety and is usually quite shy. I’m changed for the better because of it, and I mean that for every aspect of my life, not just the one in costume.
Q. Do you think you might do this professionally?
A. Well, I am only twenty, and a student at that. Can’t say for sure, but I do have a passion for it.
Q. Any advice you’d like to impart onto new cosplayers?
A. Just keep going. Never give up. Don’t listen to the naysayers. You’ll never know what you can or cannot do until you actually do it.
The Team
- Cosplayer: Sam
- Photographer: Ibrahim Ansari
- Visual Effects: Adrijana Cernic
- Studio: Studio ACA
Comments are closed.