I discovered Nes Proxy Cosplay from a recommendation, and boy am I glad I did! This guy truly is a master of transformations of all sorts, be it through make up, armour, sewing, you name it, Nes Proxy has it.
Age: 35
Location: London, UK
Favourite food: garlic
How did you first get into the world of cosplay?
I started actually making cosplay in 2013. I’d just finished my doctorate and wanted a new challenge and was playing the new Metal Gear at the time – so I just went for it!
What was your first cosplay? How does it compare to some of your more recent work?
My first build was Raiden from Metal Gear Rising. It was a massive project that took about six months initially and then another six to refine it to a level I was really happy with. I think it helped me really get to grips with armour projects and encouraged me to eventually learn to sew too, but it definitely had its share of problems. Comparing it with my most recent armour builds, Gilgamesh, for instance, the difference in time it took to reach a stage I was happy with was massive. I think also the way components work and move together was something I hadn’t refined when I first made Raiden – but it’s something that doing the project made me hugely aware of for future work.
What would you say is your favourite part of the costume making process?
Learning new things! And the joy of a plan working as expected.
Do you have a dream cosplay you’d like to work towards one day?
Yes! Steerpike from Gormenghast, although right now I seem to be just working my way through a lot of Gilgamesh variants. I really want to work with more historical patterns and learn more about that – but the main thing stopping me right now is finding the perfect fabric. One day!
If you could go back in time and give newbie Nes Proxy one piece of advice, what would it be?
Take your time, and always enjoy the process. Make things for you, things that you’re proud of.