Name: Amanda Vitale (Amaya of Night Rain Cosplay)
City: Marysville, Ohio
Twitter: Do not have one
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nightraincosplay?ref=bookmarks
What was your first Cosplay Experience?
My first convention was Ohayocon in 2005 and my first costume was Yuna (Gunner Sphere Version) from Final Fantasy 10-2. I was first introduced to cosplay by a friend in high school. I had never even heard of the term “cosplay” before then. Afterwards, I did research about the hobby on the internet. After seeing photo after photo of amazing cosplayers bringing my favorite characters to life, I knew this was something I had to get into. Since I didn’t have any cosplay experience what so ever, I had to buy my first costume. Needless to say I don’t regret it! I wasn’t the most accurate Gunner Yuna around, but I received many complements on my cosplay and lots of photos taken. My first cosplay experience couldn’t have gone any better!
How long have you been Cosplaying?
I have been cosplaying since January of 2005! So I have almost 10 years of experience under my belt, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon!
What is your favorite cosplay you have worn/created?
Hands down my favorite cosplay thus far has been my Megaman Starforce costume. The buster lights up and its very popular at conventions. I feel like poor ole’ Megaman doesn’t get enough cosplay love these days. I actually have already done 2 Megaman cosplays of different armor types, and I’m currently in the process of planning my third set of Megaman armor.
If you had unlimited resources, what Cosplay would you create?
If I have unlimited money, resources and skill, i would cosplay Rose in her Dragoon armor from the game Legend of Dragoon. Its absolutely gorgeous! The cosplay requires the use of many different types of material to create (some of the materials I have never worked with before), making it a very difficult cosplay to accurately achieve.
What advice would you offer others trying to break into Cosplay?
I have a message to all new cosplayers that don’t have the skills to make their own cosplays yet but want to get into cosplay regardless: if you are a cosplayer that only commissions or buys their costumes, you are STILL A TRUE COSPLAYER!!! I actively participate in a lot of cosplay based forums, and there has been a lot of negativity in the community lately regarding those who don’t make all of their own cosplays; that they are not “TRUE” cosplayers. This type of mentality is ridiculous to me, as cosplay is meant to be fun, and some don’t have the time and skill to make their own costumes, and they have every right to find other ways to participate in such an amazing hobby. So because I don’t always make every piece on my cosplay, does that mean I’m not an official cosplayer? Certainly not. Even if you don’t make your own costumes, YOU are the one that has to find a way to pull it off. You are the one who has to apply the perfect makeup. You are the one who has to find the perfect photographer for photos. You are the one that has to find the perfect location for a photo shoot. You still have to find a way to make the costume work, and that can be just as stressful sometimes. There is no official definition or rule that states what constitutes a real cosplayer. Also race, sex, or weight should NOT stop you from cosplaying who you want. I will say it again: COSPLAY IS FOR FUN!!