About

Introduction to "Cosplaying Niffer"

Who are you?

My name is Niffer. I am a cosplayer (among other things like weirdo, Japanese translator, game enthusiast).

I am based in the UK so a lot of these are from UK events, but there are also some from Japan and the US.

While I was in University I spent a year at Kansai Gaikokugo University in Okasa where I did a lot of research on otaku and cosplay. I also did my final dissertation on cosplay community, so there are a number of articles I have written included in this blog.

 

Why Cosplaying Niffer?

It's mostly for my own reference and other people's entertainment. I've been meaning to put my cosplaying images and experiences together in one place for a while and I thought "Why not a blog? And hey, I can add all my crazy cosplay articles I've discovered and written over the years too!" It's basically one big cosplaying scrap-book.


What is cosplay?

If you have ventured to this site not knowing what it is then the most simple way of describing it is dressing up in costumes. There's a huge history and culture behind cosplay but I'll explain that in another post if you really want to know.


How long have you been cosplaying?

I have been cosplaying since October 2008, but making costumes since 2009.


How did you first get into cosplay?

I went to the London MCM Expo (now jokingly called London ComicCon -HA! It wishes!) in October 2008 along with my university anime society (KentANIMEted). I was so excited beforehand because a now good friend of mine, Nert of ManyLemons.com had displayed all these wonderful images of cosplay and I wanted to give it a go. So I got hold of my first costume off ebay to go to the con in...


What was your first cosplay?

My first cosplay

Everyone's first cosplay is embarrassing (except one person I met who did LARP before cosplay so I don't think that counts) and mine was no exception. I got a Yuuki from Vampire Knight costume off of ebay. It was so bad. I had no idea what I was doing - no hair styling or make up or even prepared poses - and just ran around the con like an utter ditz. Needless to say though I got the cosplay bug and from then on it was hand made costumes only.



What was the first cosplay you ever made?

With the help of a wonderful friend of mine who is amazing at thinking things up (but never implementing them herself) I made a general White Mage costume for myself and a Red, Black and Blue mage costume for some university friends. They weren't exactly made from scratch, but our ensemble looked pretty cool.



How easy is it to start cosplaying?

It depends on what character you want to do, how driven you are to do it (don't start making it the night before!), who you're cosplaying with (if anyone), if there's anyone to help you choose/make/buy the costume. It is very easy and very fun to do, but what I'm saying is you need motivation - don't be afraid to just do it!



Who should I cosplay?

That is entirely up to you! I found the best way to make a big list of characters you'd like to cosplay, write down everything you'll need to do them, and see which one calls to you most. I know it's not exactly a popular opinion, but I think choosing a character for your body shape is a good idea.

If you have any questions about me, the blog, or cosplay feel free to ask them and I'll add them to the list.
I hope you enjoy my random collection.

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