This past week at Anime Expo, I had the chance, along with our photographer, Dezi “Nightminx” Gentile, to talk to and photograph a wonderful group of cosplayers known as Kinetic Threads. I first became aware of them through deviantArt.com, where I came across their member RedYume (sorry friends, real name will be withheld due to privacy reasons, especially for the ladies ... I know how you guys like to get all "stalker" like on them cute ones). Through a series of back and forth discussions, we arranged to meet at Anime Expo, where she allowed us here at NfamousGamers the chance to get the group in an exclusive photo shoot for the site.

When we arrived at the agreed upon location and time, I quickly noticed our collaborators arriving shortly after us. It would be kind of hard to miss them in their beautifully designed costumes based on the characters from Kuroshitsuji (known in English as Black Butler). Watching them walk toward us, I couldn't help but wonder just how much time they had put into their costumes. As a former cosplayer myself, I know the amount of time it would take me to make a simple costume ... but to see them in these intricate Victorian-era, nobility-inspired costumes, I just had to stare and gawk a bit before they had reached us.

Very friendly and polite, they introduced themselves and showed off their costumes for us a bit. Rozier was dressed as Sebastian Michaelis, the demonic butler and guardian of the Phantomhive household and its 12-year-old master. Aoi-Ninja was portraying Maylene, the clumsy maid of Phantomhive who harbors a deep crush on Sebastian. RainbowJay was dressed as Madame Red, the aunt of 12-year-old Ciel who hides a deadly secret. And last, but most certainly not least, RedYume was cosplaying as Grell Sutcliff, a Grim Reaper in disguise who serves Madame Red and acts as her accomplice.

After introductions were made and a quick chat, we decided it was time for business and made our way toward the JW Marriott to begin the photo shoot. Along the way, I could see the members of Kinetic Threads starting to get into character, readying themselves for the shoot. Before making our way into the lobby of the hotel, we took some shots of the group by the ornate and decorative lamp post outside. This gave us all a chance to get quickly acquainted with how each other worked, which I thought went quite well.

Afterwards, we made our way into the lobby of the Marriott, where we quickly noticed an unused bar area that would make a great setting for the majority of our shoot. My thanks go out to the bar manager, who not only allowed us to stay there and take our time with the photo shoot, but also let us use some items from behind the bar as props in our project. (Sorry, just had to take the time to mention that). As Nightminx did her thing and the members of Kinetic Threads switched off or grouped together for picture after picture, I had a chance to chat with each of them. My initial feelings were correct; this group of people was definitely some of the friendliest and funny people I have ever had the chance to collaborate with, especially Rozier, who was experiencing his first time cosplaying ever.

After several different poses, groupings, action shots, and what not, we made our way back toward the area between the Staples Center and the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center to take the last set of pictures for our shoot. This gave us a chance to get them outside against the greenery along the convention center and the concrete outer walls of the Staples Center. We utilized this location to do some of the single profile pictures as well as the obligatory goofy shot. I was thankful throughout the whole shoot the group remained as professional as they were courteous, making the whole situation a lot easier on everyone. After the exchange of contact information between ourselves and the group, we said our goodbyes and made our separate ways back to the expo.

It was then I realized that because of the time constraints I had for covering more of Anime Expo, I had forgotten to interview RedYume as I had wanted to. But thanks to the wonders of the interweb, I was able to get into contact with her and finish the last of what I wanted to do with this group. It was definitely a different way to conduct an interview, but she and I made it work ... mostly she.

Arcee: How long have you been cosplaying?

RedYume: Since 2000, though I didn't start really taking it seriously until 2004, when I made my sister a Kouga costume and realized how much people really enjoyed seeing it.

A: How did you get into cosplay?

R: My first convention was AX (Anime Expo) 1998, and I was in AWE of all the costumes. However, I thought there was no way I could possibly do what those people did. It looked so ... difficult. So a couple of years later, I met a really nice girl cosplaying Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist and got to watch her with the make-up, the wig, see how everything was sewn and realized ... I CAN TOTALLY DO THIS!

Another big push came a couple of years later when Cosmode had their first panel at AX. The host was dressed as Hughes (also from FMA) and was incredibly sweet and personable. After that, I wanted to be a part of that community wholeheartedly.

A: How long does a typical costume take you?

R: Generally, I get 70 percent of a costume done within about 10 work hours, but there are always one or two pieces (a coat, a weapon, shoes, etc.), which takes me around 30 hours for that final 30 percent.

I also constantly update my costumes. I review my shots and consider how a piece wears and will go back and redesign, remake, or tweak things until I feel it's perfect. For instance, I have remade my Grell waistcoat three times ... and want to make it one more time to really get it right. I have also restyled and replaced the wig once.

A lot of time on top of actual construction is tracking down the RIGHT elements. If I don't feel it's PERFECT, I won't use it. "Perfection" to me is two parts. First there is accuracy, but secondarily is aesthetics. I will sacrifice accuracy for a cohesive feel — hence the shoes I use for Grell ... they should be red, but I WANTED them white. I think it looks classier.

A: How much does your typical costume cost you to produce?

R: When everything is said and done, including accessories, I can't make (shoes, contacts, wigs, and whatnot), a costume will run me a minimum of $300. A costume typically runs closer to $500. Some may think that is a lot of money, but quality, durability, and visual impact are very important to me. I'm a "do it right or go home" sort of girl.

A: This is a two-part question: What factors do you consider when choosing a character? And how do you choose what costumes to do?

R: That is a tough one for me. I used to go based on what characters I liked ... but more and more, it has become a serious process of feeling a connection to the character's personality, love of whatever they're wearing, and the desire to challenge myself to do it all justice.

Personality is a big factor. If I don't think that I can "slip into the skin," then I don't bother trying to make the costume. A lack of emotion will show in photos.

Costume challenge; if I can throw on a sweatshirt and wig to complete "the look," then I'm not interested. There needs to be challenge, detail, and style I really find to be beautiful for me to consider it.

And love of the character; this is probably the most important part. It is the factor which ensures that when I start a costume, I complete it, AND I pay attention to all the little details. If I don't love the character, I'll probably lose interest halfway through.

I don't like simple costumes ... I want to stand out. So if it's simple, it needs to be REALLY well done. There is no such thing as "easy" cosplay in my book.

A: What character(s) would you like to cosplay as in the future?

R: I have quite a to-do list, but before SDCC (San Diego Comic Con), I hope to have Gaara (Naruto) done. Vincent Valentine (Final Fantasy VII) and Rip (Hellsing) are also on the list. I like variants, so you can be sure before I branch out too far, I'll be doing more versions of Grell Sutcliff (Kuroshitsuji) as I LOVE cosplaying him. We already have a 1920s gangster version of him (as well as Maylene, Madame, and Sebastian all in gangster garb), which should be posted shortly. Others will follow. (Shhh, it's a secret!).

A: You will have to let me know when your "secrets" are out. I would love to see them. But on to another two-part question: What was your worst experience as a cosplayer? What was your best? I like to start with worst and then go to best to not dampen the mood ...

R: My worst experience was probably back in 2004, when I made matching kitty costumes for my sister and her friend ... she was in red and white, her friend was in blue and white ... big bells, cute bows, the works. For myself, I made a much simpler costume (I ran out of time). While I was thrilled at how well-received the kitty costumes were, I was totally overlooked and felt very left out.

My best cosplay experience was when I was at my local mall and a group of people recognized me from my cosplay photos on dA (deviantArt.com). It was really cool to meet people who actually followed my work and appreciated all the hard work that went into it. I felt like I had done something worthwhile at that point.

A: Would you ever discourage someone from cosplaying?

R: From cosplaying in general, no, I would not. If someone asks for my advice though, I'll give it. Meaning if the costume is slapped together, falling apart, or is a poor fit ... I'll be honest. I prefer to give helpful critique rather than bash someone's hard work.

A: On that subject, do you have any advice for new cosplayers just getting started?

R: YES!

1. Make your costume to be DURABLE. No one wants things falling off or falling apart. So if it isn't sewn properly or glued right or what have you, you're just asking for it. Things happen, so when in doubt ... reinforce. This goes for buttons, Velcro, snaps, zippers, doo-dads, accessories, trim, weapons, etc., etc., etc., etc. EVERYTHING!

2. If you don't know how to do/make something, don't be afraid to research it and jump in head first. It is the only way you'll ever improve your work and will save you money (and time) in the long run. This can be a VERY expensive hobby, so the more you know, the better you'll be able to handle mishaps and find creative answers to construction issues.

3. Lastly, as I know this is getting to be a long rant ... OWN IT! If you are in costume, you need to own it. Your attitude is a huge part of your success. If you look shy and awkward ... or you look like you are "too cool" to pose ... it's going to come across in photos, and it isn't very appealing. Give your all, KNOW you look good, and don't be afraid to convey that.

A: Actually, I didn't mind if it was a long rant at all. You definitely know what you are talking about. But lastly, RedYume, my team and I had a lot of fun with you and your group. Would you be willing to do it all over again in the future with us?

R: You know it. Now that we know a little better what you're looking for, we can better prepare and give you a better shoot. It was low-key and fun.

I would like to thank the members of Kinetic Threads, especially RedYume for helping to organize the whole thing. They were a great group to work with, and I can't wait to see them and work with them all again in the near future. I hope they realize just how much fun we had working with them on this photo shoot. It was definitely the best hour and a half we had that day.

If you would like to learn more about Kinetic Threads, please follow the links below. And be sure to check them out on their YouTube Channel (which is currently undergoing an overhaul) and at the upcoming events below.

Upcoming Events

Kinetic Recruitment at the San Diego Comic Con

Winter Cosplay Fashion Show in San Diego

Links

Official deviantArt Group

Official YouTube Channel

RedYume deviantArt page

Rozier deviantArt page

RainbowJay deviantArt page

Aoi-Ninja deviantArt page