Interview: Nadyasonika

In the past years, with video games becoming popular among more and more people, it was to be expected for cosplay to flourish. This week we’re interviewing a great professional cosplayer, Nadyasonika.

Alex: It’s a pleasure having with us today. Before we start, tell us a bit about yourself.

Nadyasonika: Hi! Well I consider myself a cheerful, responsible and hardworking person. Since I was a kid I grew up with video games, comics and geeky things, and always with a pencil in my hand. My passion drove me, drove me to be an industrial designer and model cosplay.

Alex: Cosplaying usually starts out of love for a certain thing. What was the spark that ignited your interest in doing a cosplay?

Nadyasonika: I always had the curiosity since I was a kid, on Halloween, school events, theme parties, and it eventually came to do just for fun.

Alex: Being a successful cosplayer requires a lot of skills, from tailoring to paper crafting. How did acquire all these skills?

Nadyasonika: I've always loved experimenting with new materials like metal, plastic, wood etc, and an advantage that I have is that I'm studying industrial design. That’s how I know these kinds of materials and try to implement them into my cosplays. Also I've taken sewing classes.

  

Alex: When and how did you decide cosplaying a character? Was it because you loved a particular game or show, or based on people’s choice?

Nadyasonika: Started in 2006 by going to a local event, and I chose the character Seras Victoria because at that time it was very fashionable the vampires.

Alex: Cosplaying isn’t the cheapest hobby to have, so how hard was it getting the necessary resources back when you first started?

Nadyasonika: Originally I began saving some money, only doing one or two cosplays a year, and using materials of not so good quality, but with hardwork I managed to make them look great.

Alex: I’ve noticed you cosplay as a lot of superheroes both from the DC and Marvel universe. What got you into comic books and what are your favorite superheroes from each universe?

Nadyasonika: From DC my favourite is Nightwing, and from Marvel its Cyclops. I’ve learnt more about them from comics because my dad was a fan. He always bought them in bunches, and that helped me read and follow them too.

 

Alex: Superheroes seem to be a really popular theme among cosplayers nowadays. Why do you think that is?

Nadyasonika: Well, superheroes are so cool, that’s why. Who wouldn't want to be a superhero?

Alex: We all have a story about how we started gaming. What’s yours?

Nadyasonika: I started with Atari, then Nintendo, Super Nintendo, PC, then SEGA, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64.... and the list goes on. I’ve spent my entire childhood playing with them.

Alex: What’s the best game you ever played? What about the worse?

Nadyasonika: The best game ever I think is The Witcher 2, and the worst game I think is some Disney game for PS1 I guess :C.

Alex: Out of all your cosplays, which one was the most fun to make and which most fun to wear?

Nadyasonika: Most fun in making was Camus from Saint Seiya because there were a lot of pieces and putting them all together was challenging, but a great experience. But dressing as the Supergirl is most fun wearing because it’s comfortable, everybody likes it, and it’s very cool too.

 

Alex: You’ve probably seen your share of conventions. Which one do you feel is the best suited for cosplayers and best suited for fan interaction?

Nadyasonika: I think the best convention for cosplayers is Dragon Con in Atlanta. Every cosplayer goes there, and a lot of very well known photographers attend that convention too. It’s really crazy out there. Sadly, I've never been to that convention, but every cosplayer that I know says that.

And I guess for fan interaction is Phoenix Comicon. Almost every well known cosplayers lives in Phoenix. So they have like their own table, and you can go and talk to everyone and meet them.

Alex: As a female cosplayer, you probably get quite a few rude and sexist comments. How do you deal with that and does it ever affect you?

Nadyasonika: You know what, NO! Everybody is very kind to me. But I know that’s a problem that some people think so little of female cosplayers and do that kind of stuff. Just do not let it bother you and everything will be fine, we will not sit well to everyone.

Alex: Any word of advice for the cosplay enthusiasts?

Nadyasonika: DO IT! It’s fun :D

Alex: As a closing question, nowadays there are quite of few professional cosplayers. What do you think sets you apart from the crowd?

Nadyasonika: Well, I think that what I’ve done is helping the cosplays scene to grow while I always try to keep my feet on the ground, trying to appreciate everything, always keeping a good vibe for everyone that wants to be part of what I do.

Thanks to Nadyasonika for making time to talk with us and here’s for even more successful cosplays. We look forward to hearing about your upcoming projects and wish you continued success! Keep up with Nadyasonika on her website and give her a like on Facebook!

Cirstoiu Alexandru Constantin, NoobFeed