From Dark Phoenix to Sailor Mars, Kirichan Cosplay is all about cosplaying powerful women and having fun while you do. Her costumes are spot on and inspiring for everyone so naturally we had to catch up with her to ask her a few questions!
Age: 27
Location: Pennsylvania, USA
What is your favourite food? There is a vegetarian Chinese place near me that I love!
Photo by Just Cosplay Photography
You have cosplayed a lot of powerful comic women, which one is your favourite and what is it that draws you to her?
Of the ones I have cosplayed, Jean Grey/Dark Phoenix is my favorite. I think I have always been drawn to her because she has so much power but is afraid to tap into it. I have love affair with villains, which is why I did the Dark Phoenix version (although I would love to do more versions of her). I find the constant internal battle and struggle Jean has to be fascinating.
When you put your costumes together which is you favourite part of the process? Why?
I like searching for fabrics/materials. There is something very satisfying to me seeing something in a comic/game and finding the perfect material in real life. Also, the moment when it all comes together and I see myself as my favorite characters!
Photo by Otaku-Haven
All your costumes are quite complicated, on average how long does it take you to make each costume and which has been the most complicated one for you?
Usually a few weeks to about a month depending on how much free time I have. Dark Phoenix was probably the most so far because I had never made a stretch appliqué, boot covers, or a full bodysuit. I usually learn at least one new thing with each costume I make.
You have also dabbled with all sorts of different types of make up from facepaint to gothic etc, can you walk us through how you go about figuring out how to do a character’s make up?
I usually just try a quick attempt at what their makeup looks like to start and see how I like it. If I think something does not look quite right, I will try adding in colors or shading to make something pop more. Like Dark Phoenix and Psylocke do not appear to wear eye shadow, but I use it to give my makeup more dimension. A lot of character’s makeup does not translate from 2D to 3D without making adjustments. I choose usually do 2 or 3 practice tests until I figure out exactly what I want.
Photo by Midnight Sky Photography
What advice would you give to new cosplayers?
Just go for it and try. Do what makes you happy and cosplay for you. If you cosplay to make other people happy you will drive yourself crazy. Choose characters you love or feel connected to. Oh, and there is nothing wrong with commissioning a costume or buying one. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
Dee Dee twins from Batman Beyond with Brianna Young. Photo by Midnight Sky Photography.
Photo by Just Cosplay Photography
Photographer unknown