Cosplay Corner Episode #59: Meru
Breaking news: This week's featured cosplayer is a beautiful woman! But, more importantly, Meru is an extremely accomplished cosplayer who can be appreciated for her skills in addition to her looks. And there's no denying that Meru is super cool; not only has she produced some amazing costumes, but Meru currently lives and works in Japan. So, yeah, chances are she probably speaks better Japanese than you do (and me too). I highly encourage our readers to check out Meru's website and her highly entertaining Twitter, where she regularly posts pictures of her daily life in Japan. In late 2012, she will be returning to Austin, TX, and is looking forward to continuing to cosplay (and be stalked by our manly Editor-in-Chief!…just kidding!)
How long have you been cosplaying? What made you decide to start?
Meru: I've been cosplaying for nine years, since 2003. I heard about anime conventions and events when I was in high school, but there weren't any in my area at the time, and my parents were wary of me traveling far by myself to attend something like that by myself. It wasn't until I was in university that I got to attend my first convention, Anime Weekend Atlanta 2003. I wore two simple costumes and was instantly hooked. Towards the end of my university days, I started making my own costumes, which was much more fulfilling.
You are currently located in Japan, did your interest in cosplay lead to an increased interest in Japan or vice-versa?
Meru: My interest in anime led to my interest in Japan, and cosplay came along somewhere in the middle. My university did not offer Japanese classes, but I was still very into J-pop back in the day. Back then, the extent of my knowledge of Japan was only based on what I had seen in anime and the lives of my favorite singers, so it became my goal to travel there someday. Years later, my husband and I honeymooned in Japan in 2008, which opened my eyes to so many things. Ever since then I have been fascinated with the lifestyle here. For the longest time, I always thought cosplay was something I could never achieve because I didn't know how to sew, but then I slowly learned with the help of my friends.
For cosplay beginners, are there any common mistakes you see made? Do you have any advice for new cosplayers who want to make their costumes pop?
Meru: Everyone has to start somewhere, so I urge new cosplayers to have fun with this hobby and take your time learning! That being said, I feel that fabric choices can really make or break a costume. You don't need to spend a fortune, but waiting for sales and saving coupons are helpful for when you want to splurge on higher-end materials.
All of your costumes are extremely clean and well-constructed. When it comes to costume construction, what goals do you usually set for yourself with a new costume?
Meru: When I first started sewing, it was all about getting the costume finished in time for –x- convention, even if it meant pulling an all-nighter in the hotel room, or rushing the costume just to have it done. These days, I'm a lot more careful and meticulous when making things. I feel that quality over quantity is much more important when it comes to cosplay, and I make it my goal to properly finish seams, line garments, and make everything to the best of my ability. I also like to learn new techniques and methods when making costumes.
As a cosplayer who loves the process of constructing your own costumes, what are your thoughts on the abundance of pre-made costumes now available over the internet? Do you think cosplayers who buy their costumes are missing out on one of the more rewarding aspects of cosplay?
Meru: I think sometimes having the option to buy costumes is nice. I'm happy I was able to purchase my school swimsuit instead of making it. Some companies (such as COSPA and Cospatio) also make very nice costumes which are of high quality, which gives non-sewing cosplayers some choices. I personally get the most satisfaction out of this hobby when I create my own costumes though, so I think some people might be missing out on that aspect.
Has living in Japan changed your perspective on cosplay at all?
Meru: Honestly, being away from the scene for about a year has made me appreciate it more. I didn't have access to a sewing machine or fabric stores, so I'm really itching to start crafting something soon after I return to the states! I have noticed that Japanese cosplayers pay careful attention to details such as makeup and character likeness, which inspires me to strive for that even more in my own cosplay now.
What is the most rewarding aspect of cosplay to you?
Meru: I would have to say that portraying my favorite characters in a costume that I've made myself is the most rewarding aspect. Cosplay is all about representing my fandoms, and it's even more meaningful when I can say that I made the costume myself. Sometimes the time period between start to finish is long and challenging, but I love it when a costume finally comes together.
Have you had the opportunity to cosplay at any events in Japan? Have you noticed any big differences between Japanese and American cosplay communities?
Meru: I recently attended Summer Wonder Festival in Chiba. Their community is a bit different than the American cosplay scene. Most people seem to commute in to the event, change in designated fitting areas (sometimes with minimal personal space), and only pose for photos in certain cosplay areas, rather than around the entire event site. Based on my experience there, the photographers would queue up around a cosplayer, ask permission for a photo, and snap a few shots. Often, cosplayers and photographers swap meishi (contact cards), which is also starting to become popular in the U.S.
I found changing on-site a bit stressful since I'm used to getting ready in a hotel room at my own leisure, but cosplay in public is more taboo here, so it's understandable. I did really like posing only in designated areas, since it doesn't clog up the flow of traffic around events that have nothing to do with cosplay. It was also still very easy to chat with other cosplayers and make new friends.
Recently, female cosplayers have exploded in popularity and are featured in countless media outlets. Do you feel that people have begun to over-emphasize the 'sexy' side of cosplay? Has your husband ever felt concerned about one of your costumes or photo shoots being 'too sexy?'
Meru: It feels like only "sexy" costumes are featured in a lot of the media that's circulating these days, and it kind of sets the tone that ALL cosplay must be sexy, for someone who is an outsider to the hobby. I would much prefer to see well-crafted costumes over sexy cosplayers that skimp on the details of a character design. My husband was a little worried that my bustier Louise costume was "too sexy," but he knows I use common sense at conventions by sticking with friends and only shooting with photographers I'm well acquainted with.
Showcasing your work on the internet must open you up to a lot of criticism. Cosplayers, in general, are usually their harshest critics and spend many agonizing hours trying to replicate costumes as accurately as possible. Is it really difficult to spend so much time on a costume and then receive negative comments? Do you have any tips for cosplayers on how to stay positive in the face of criticism?
Meru: It's a little disheartening when you put a lot of work into a costume, only for someone to stay something nasty about your hard work, but this hobby has allowed me to grow a thicker skin when it comes to criticism. If someone doesn't like how I look, it's their problem, not mine. The best advice I have is this: cosplay for yourself, and stick to what you love. Don't let the haters bring you down.
Now that you are returning to the US in late 2012, what are some of your future plans?
Meru: My husband and I will be relocating to Austin, Texas this month. I'm really looking forward to it since it's a city we have been hoping to move to when the opportunity presented itself. I will be making preparations for graduate school and of course, getting ready for more cosplay after a long break.
Want to keep tabs on Meru's cosplay adventures? Follow her cookie crumb trail below:
http://merucosplay.com/
https://twitter.com/valliere/
http://www.facebook.com/merucosplay/
http://merucosplay.deviantart.com/
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