Cosplay Corner Episode #27: Vera Chimera

Vera Chimera is a cosplayer who is looking to make a big splash in the community in 2012. Hailing from Australia, she has experience in cosplay, editorial, alternative and runway modelling. More importantly, she is passionate about cosplay and has a bright future ahead of her. Many people think cosplay is all about a pretty face, but she is looking to shatter those stereotypes, as we discuss various topics from general ethics, to cosplay expectations, community, and more! Read below for the full interview…

You’re obviously a very beautiful woman. Has you beauty caused any friction between your significant others and yourself with your choice of costumes or photoshoots?

Vera: Thank you very much, that’s very sweet! I tend to keep most of my costumes- whether they be ball-gowns or bikinis- to myself. It’s not that I’m hiding anything from anyone who may be concerned [eg. parents], because they inevitably see the end result. I just like to keep it all on the lowdown, and only show off my costumes when they’re done. Majority of the time there is no problem, which is always a good thing.

Your beauty, inside and out, is something you don’t shy away from. Pertaining to cosplay, what advice can you give to a woman who lacks self confidence to portray one of the sexier video game or anime characters?

Vera: In all honesty, I still look in the mirror and see a different reflection, which understandably isn’t a healthy thing to do. That’s something I’m fighting to change.

For years I’ve had an open battle with depression and an eating disorder after years of hell with bullying and self-abuse. If you knew me five years ago, I’d be a totally different person- both physically and emotionally. It’s only lately that I’ve decided to take a new stand, thanks to the help of all my loved ones, and a desire for change. And I can honestly say that I see the light on the horizon. I feel more confident with my anatomy, and inspired to make more beautiful and amazing costumes.

The best thing I could tell every single woman out there- not just cosplayers- is to be selfish for your own existence. Eat healthy. Exercise. Smile. Take risks. You’re alive, for goodness sake. Live! Tell yourself every single day that you’re beautiful, strong and unique, because that’s EXACTLY what you are. If you take care of yourself physically and mentally, the effort will show and you’ll look good in whatever costume you wanna wear. But having said that, I’ve even seen larger framed women look so stunning in their outfits, it makes me jealous! I’m proud of every cosplayer out there!

How healthy is the cosplay scene in Australia? Has it grown more into mainstream over the years or does it still have a long way to go before becoming socially acceptable?

Vera: Australia on it’s own is a pretty laid-back country, so when the cosplay scene hit, it was accepted pretty quickly. Often you’ll see trains crammed with people dressed up heading to conventions, and strangers of course stare and raise an eyebrow, but in general terms it’s a great country to cosplay in [just stay away from the western suburbs at night, haha]. It doesn’t have a huge scene in Australia as compared to Germany, America or Japan, but it’s very quickly getting there. The veterans are perfecting their skills and inspiring young talent to show off their costume skills, and with internationally famed competitions like WCS and Madman Comp coming into play, the cosplay scene is getting fierce!

Why did you wait so long into your life to explore your creative side? Were you always a creative person and just had a hard time finding an appropriate outlet?

Vera: I have always considered myself a creative individual, and to this day I use cosplay, art, modelling, or other crafts as a means of therapy. Ever since I was a little hobbit [I'm still hobbit height now!] I was drawing, designing and making bizarre things. But I find it pretty hard these days where I’d want to channel those skills. I’ve tried make-up artistry, fashion design, tattoo artistry, and even current affair journalism! Nothing seems to stimulate or satisfy me anymore, so 2012 is my time to find what I want to do. Fingers crossed!

2012 is the year you want to take the Cosplay world by storm. What goals and plans of action do you hope to achieve to accomplish this?

Vera: So far it’s all about cutting out my social life and locking myself up in the sewing room! I want to dedicate whatever spare time I have to pushing my skills further, collaborating with many talented people, and being more loving towards my costumes [I usually burn whatever costumes suck. Literally. True story!]. I was also recently given a very rare opportunity which will help expose more of my work to the world, but I can’t tell anyone- yet. In a week’s time, you’ll know! Keep an eye out!

What is the main difference between modelling and cosplaying? Do you have to be in a different state of mind when behind the camera in different photoshoots?

Vera: The difference between cosplay and modelling is that when you’re dressed as an anime character, you become that character. It’s almost like acting, in my opinion. You express yourself the exact way the character would, or else it wouldn’t look right. It’s limiting, when you think about it. With modelling, you don’t have those barriers. Whatever you’re wearing, you can throw whatever personality you want at the camera, and chances are it will work.

You do alot of your own make up as well. When trying to mimic a video game character or anime character, they don’t illustrate a base on the character. Can you take us through your creative process on how you approach this?

Vera: I’m a nutcase when it comes to perfecting the make-up for a cosplay! I do a ton of research on the character, and even take colour samples and practice weeks before the debut. If there’s little evidence of make-up, I study the character’s personality instead, and base my ideas off that. I don’t like to take it too far, however. Less is more, sometimes!

Vera: First thing I look for is the character’s personality, and see if I can reflect that in both acting and my physical appeal. I have a bit of an angry look, so I tend to find characters who are a bit badass or independent. Second thing is their physical build, which a lot of people can get wrong. If you really want to cosplay a character, make it to your body shape. But, even with that in mind, some cosplays I wanna do are out of the question [girls with big busts will understand!]. But the most important thing is my respect for the character. If I respect them, I tend to make a better costume.

Vera: I’m a bit of a picky character! Any anime or Asian films I watch either have to have a strong storyline, could possibly make me cry a river, or could leave me on the floor in stitches.

For anime, I am a huge Evangelion and Code Geass fan, along with Fullmetal Alchemist, Nana, Casshern Sins… and I grew up with Beyblade, Zoids, [and] Dragonball Z. Oh yeah, I’m a 90′s kid. For Asian cinema, I’m into Casshern, Appleseed, Spriggan, Shinobi, and a few others.

Lastly, your pictures and photoshoots are very serious and include lots of time, preparation, and preciseness. Do you think that Cosplay costumes, especially the revealing ones and ones that want to be serious about it, are suitable for teenagers?

Vera: I’ve only ever done one or two revealing outfits, but even then I don’t like to over-do the costumes or photoshoots. There’s been many questionable outfits I’ve seen that are more for the mature-aged, and should have viewer discretion. I always try to be careful, but having said that, I try to be an empowering example for women to not be embarrassed by their own anatomy. Of course it’s very easy to take it wrong, and it all depends how you represent yourself towards society. I’m very verbal on my opinions, and everyone I have met has respected that. I’m a modern feminist who wants women to love themselves and be happy with who and what they are, but to control it and make it your own form of expression. Some girls and boys sell themselves out to the mainstream desires of fan-boys/girls, but with cosplay you gotta be careful. It’s not just about dressing up- it’s about showing your respect to the original character design. You don’t want to tarnish the image [eg. nudes, porn, etc]. Be confident, but be safe.

Thank you so much for your time!

Vera: Thank you heaps! And to every cosplayer out there, I look forward to seeing your progress! Be ambitious!