Tell me a bit about yourself and your cosplay persona. How did you get started with cosplay?

My real name is Andrea Gerome, it’s not my full name but I rather people call me that. It’s actually unexpected or more like a calling on how I got my cosplay name. You see, Kazumi Kazu was actually a random name I set when I made my FB account during elementary school. The name stuck to my peers and so people around me started calling me Kazumi. I started having an interest in cosplay when I saw a childhood friend of mine was cosplaying. I was quite amazed that cosplay was a thing. Moreover, I was a huge anime fan, cosplay looked fun so I tried it.

What was your first cosplay experience like? What did you learn from it?

My first cosplay was actually a closet cosplay! I cosplayed KDA Akali from League of Legends during Conquerors 2019, which was a LOL event at Manila. Seeing the complex costumes of League cosplayers that time, I told myself that if I wanted that kind of quality, with perseverance I definitely could.

Who or what were some of your early inspirations in the cosplay world?

It’s no surprise when I say Alodia Gosiengfiao, she was and still is an inspiration to me and other cosplayers. I also would like to mention Kleiner Pixel, I learned a lot of cosplay make-up techniques from her, alongside accurate character portrayal. You guys should check her out!

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The Creative Journey Begins

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Walk me through your creative process for choosing a character to cosplay.

I actually started with characters from older anime shows. I wanted to reminisce about the hype of that character during that time, and the nostalgia when another person still recognizes your character is just amazing! That’s when you know you did the character justice.

How do you research your characters to ensure an accurate portrayal?

References, I first start by looking at other cosplayers that have cosplayed the character, and then compare it with the original animated character. I try to look for ways and parts to improve the portrayal of said character by let’s say, making it more realistic when they’re styled as 4D. Learning how they move, speak, and act are some of the key features to it.

Do you have any special skills or techniques you use for prop-making or costume construction?

Honestly, I mostly DIY it. I tend to search and find materials that are inexpensive because realistically speaking, your cosplay won’t be worn everyday anyway. You just need to find the same color, texture or maybe an alternative to the actual material for your cosplay. What matters is when you see the finished product, make it recognizable enough that you won’t see a difference with the reference picture and the actual thing at first glance.

Can you tell me about some of your most impressive or challenging cosplays? What made them special?

Rize Kamishiro from Tokyo Ghoul definitely tops the spot! From the way you should move and act, especially when you have a huge Kagune prop on your back hindering your movement. But that’s just what makes it challenging and fun at the same time, as it was a lifelong dream of mine to cosplay her.

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The Community and Impact

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How has cosplay impacted your life? Has it helped you build friendships or discover new aspects of yourself?

Cosplaying for me all started as a hobby, never have I expected to meet influential people that changed the cosplay industry, built friendships that hopefully lasts for a last time, or learned a set of skills that made me love being an artist even more!

What does the cosplay community mean to you? How do you connect with other cosplayers?

I wouldn’t have made it this far without the support of my cosplay peers and the community everyone built. Several of my cosplay friends are the reason as to why I keep on going, they were the ones who believed in me from start to finish. Cosplayers truth be told, are very supportive with each other, as it should be. We are all strangers with the same relatable hobbies at first, but that’s what makes it magical, bonding and having fun with the things we love.

Cosplay can sometimes be misunderstood. Have you faced any challenges or misconceptions as a cosplayer? How do you deal with them?

We can’t help being judged mostly by older people or those who aren’t aware of what cosplaying is, even more when the costume is revealing, unique, or somehow unrealistic. I do entertain their questions in a calm and collected state, I explain to them the concept of cosplaying, and how it is something that both the older and younger generation can associate with. Remember that they’re just curious people, don’t start by being negative, but rather educate to make them understand.

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What’s Next For Kazumi Kazu

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What are your future goals within the cosplay world? Do you have any aspirations to compete, collaborate, or create content?

I did compete back then, and I’m grateful enough to have won some, maybe if I had time I could but it’s more of a wishful thinking really. In terms of collaboration and creating content, I beyond any doubt would. I, alongside my peers, started creating and exposing ourselves by collaborating on events and future contents, it’s a rough start but we’ll get there.

What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in starting cosplay?

If you have time and a penny to spend, go for it. Cosplay is for everyone, as long as you follow the basic and common rules of cosplay, there are no boundaries on why you shouldn’t be doing so. Although professionally speaking, go small first, bit by bit have a feel on cosplay, are you comfortable? Having fun? Always prioritize your comfort above all else! You can begin with a closet cosplay, try portraying a character in your own way as long as you feel happy with the outcome. Having a hard time trying to cosplay is normal, cosplayers take years to improve and master their craft, remember that if we can, you could.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your passion for cosplay?

I wholeheartedly love dressing up, may it be just for fun, or portraying a character, it all comes with love. Achieving your cosplay goal and people acknowledging that same goal is genuinely rewarding, this amazing craft is sure to have a special place in my heart.

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Extra Stuff About Being A Creative

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How much time and effort do you typically dedicate to a cosplay project?

If I wanted something perfect, it takes me an estimated 2 months or a month to prepare for that, maybe even more if I had time. Achieving an accurate presentation of a character will take much of my time as I do research and study. I’m quite hard-headed so when I want to execute something, I know I can.

Is there a specific part of the creative process you find most rewarding?

Answer: When I’m only half-way done and a part of the character’s costume is already recognizable. It brings me utmost joy and excitement as I expect the finished product to be even more worthwhile.