Please introduce yourself – what’s your cosplay name, where are you from, how long have you been cosplaying?

I’m Mistvein (MistveinCosplay) a Belgian cosplayer with a passion for Costume and prop making. I was really interested in all these different series and games when I was younger, and to my surprise, I’m only cosplaying for 4,5 years.

How did you start cosplaying? What was you first costume?

I started cosplaying because I saw my friends getting really hyped about this weird thing called a Comic Convention. I went along and had the best day of my life. This motivated to start cosplaying myself. And I haven’t quit loving it ever since.

Do you have your favorite costume? If yes – what is it and why?

Not necessarily a favourite costume, but more or less a certain genre of costumes. But most costumes will definitely inspire first and then get me into the lore of the character.

What part of this hobby/life style do you like the most? Why?

The Community, The socializing and being able to share the experience with each other about the things we like and fan-girl about! But the most valuable moments appear during crafting sessions or workshops. Whenever I spot in the corner of my eye, someone getting the hang of a certain technique, I really get euphoric. Not because he/she mastered a particular technique but because I see someone progress. I don’t love anything more than seeing people become more amazing every day.

Why cosplay is important for you?

It has become a part of my life.  In a nutshell: ‘it’s a way to creatively do things and share it with others.’ You’ll meet so many people along the way, and that just makes it wonderful.

How do you choose characters that you cosplay?

I have a low-key kink for these Charismatic assholes or some well-designed ugly creatures. Sometimes I end up with the best of both worlds.

How much time do you usually spend on one costume? What was the longest time you spent on one costume and which costume it was?

Uhmmm… , I think a year? Yes, it was my first big armour cosplay which took me ages. But I learn each and every time.  Due to that the progress of trial and error, you eventually learn how to work faster and more efficient with different materials. Today, I still work as long on a costume, but everything becomes more and more detailed. I don’t think there will be a day where I could ever create a costume without spending a long but passionate time at it.

What would you consider to be the biggest achievement in you cosplay carrier?

My biggest achievement was when I got to work with CDprojektred, making a character from my favorite fictional universe.

Do you have any funny stories or accidents related to cosplay?

Oh loads of them! But then you need to come over for some story time 😉 Because I could tell about them for ages.

What would you say for people who thinks that cosplay is pointless waste of time and money?

Investing in the things you like is never a waste of time and money. As long as you’re having fun you’re not wasting anything. Others would also claim that cosplaying is a form of art. Remember even if you put as much time in it as some of us do, it’s the creation of art. (but with tiny legs).

What would you advice or whish for people who want to start cosplaying, but for unknown reasons are afraid or just don’t know where to start?

If you don’t try things you’ll never know what fun you might be missing.

Is there anything else you would like to say? 

I’m just really looking forward to that amazing cosplay community in Lithuania! See you soon!