Been awhile since you saw
one of these right? I’m extremely happy to share with you guys the incredible
work of cosplayer Ani-Mia again! Mia is currently based in Washington DC and
has been cosplaying for quite some time! Having started following her work late
last year then meeting her at New York Comic Con I can tell you guys she’s an
absolute sweetheart and beautiful no less! Characters she’s cosplayed as before
include Serah from Final Fantasy 13-2, Zatanna, Supergirl, Velma, the Ame-Comi
version of Catwoman and lots others! Hope you guys enjoy this interview!
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| Photo by Ron Gejon Photography |
1. What is your Name?
My name is Mia but I go by the cosplay name Ani-Mia
which is a play on my name and the word anime.
2. Where are you from?
I'm a military brat so I've lived all over but I
spent the majority of my time in Seattle and NC. I'm currently living in DC
though.
3. How long have you been Cosplaying?
I have been cosplaying since 2008
4. What is your Favorite Cosplay you’ve made so far?
I really loved making my Castanic cosplay because I
got to work with Worbla to make armor which I find to be really fun and
challenging.
5. Are there any upcoming outfits that you are able to
share/tell?
Can't tell you too much because I like to keep them
secret but I want to do a lot more costumes from childhood characters that I
really love. So old comics like Elfquest.
6. How did you get into Cosplay?
I went to my first convention in 2007 and saw
cosplayers for the first time. They looked like they were having a blast and I
love making things and crafting; so it instantly drew me in as a way to combine
art with the same things that I've loved all my life like comics.
7. Who’s your favorite Video Game Character?
That's really hard. I would have to say...I've always
had a crush on Balthier from Final Fantasy XII. He was very much the main
character.
8. Who’s your favorite Comic Book Character?
Rogue has always been my favorite character. She is
actually a really deep character who has a very difficult ability to deal with,
work with and not manipulate for her own advantages all at the same time.
9. What was a memorable con moment? Worst con moment?
There are so many memorable moments. I think my
favorite would be meeting Richard and Wendy Pini who created Elfquest. It
amazing to get the chance to meet the people who created something you love. I
honestly don't have any worst con moments. Except for maybe realizing at SDCC
that I didn't give myself an easy way out of my costume when you have to pee.
10. Do you have a Favorite convention you go to/been to?
My favorite is always. SDCC just because I love
getting to see all the new stuff coming out and the vibe is always so lively
and happy. DragonCon is my favorite to go to and just hangout with friends and
cosplay at. These are the cons where I get to see my friends and just have fun.
11. What
advice would you offer to those that want to get into cosplay?
Don't be scared, just get out there and do it.
Whether you make your costume or buy it, it doesn't matter; just have fun with
it. That's the whole point of cosplay. That's why I go to cons just for fun
every now and then between being a guest. It gives me a chance to get back to
what cosplaying is all about. Getting to dress up and become your favorite
character around people that get you.
12. What is your favorite part about Cosplaying a Character?
For me, it's getting to become that character. I've always been a shy
person, believe it or not. Cosplaying helped me overcome that. That's why I
tend to enjoy cosplaying powerful and strong women, because it's a chance for
me to come out of my shell, especially at conventions, where it is acceptable
and embraced. The more I've been cosplaying, the more I've realized that I've
become less shy. There was a time when I could barely get up and talk in front
of a class of 20 people, let alone host a panel in a room of more than 500
people.
Picture:
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Photo by Bill Hinsee Photography
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How did you make this cosplay?
That one is actually made of hand dyed silk and
chiffon, lace and various beads. The bracelets were created to give the extra
draping to the fabric attached to it. The piece in the center was actually from
an old sweater that fell apart years ago and I've had that piece sitting around
for 6 years.
How long did it take to complete it?
This one took me about two weeks to make. I work
full-time so I have limited time to work on cosplays so I do a little here and
there. Plus, I have a habit of working on too many costumes at one time so it
takes a while.
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| Photo by Ron Gejon Photography |
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| Photo by AshB Images |
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| Photo by MineralBlu Photography |
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| Photo by Ron Gejon Photography |
There you have it guys! Mia definitely loves spending
time making cosplays especially when the character holds a special place in her
heart. Which is basically how most cosplayers go about choosing characters to
cosplay as! I’m very much looking forward to seeing her again this year so you
haven’t seen the last of her! If you want to follow Mia and keep up with her
work, check out the links below!
