Ventured into the world of comics, anime, e-sports, gaming and fiction, you will find a common similarity which involves a group of passionate people coming together as one to dress up as their favourite fictional characters. Cosplayers are who they are and they are considered celebrity status in their world with huge amount of fame and followings. To understand more, we are honoured to interview one of top cosplayer in Malaysia, Venus Lim to find out more about her passion and the industry.
Hello Venus! Tell us more about yourself to our readers
Hello! I’m a full-time costume designer who happens to be a Sith from House Lannister that has been sorted into House Slytherin. Dark side overloads! I have undying love for cats and furry animals. I also love travelling whenever I can afford it. When I’m not, I enjoy settling down with a cup of tea, a good book and some slow jazz for extra chill.
From your profile, we can see that you are very into cross/cos-play and you designed your own costumes. What actually inspires you the most to make your own costumes?
My cousin was a tailor when I was a kid. While she was interning, I had the opportunity to wrap myself with all sorts of fancy fabrics like some overdressed burrito. It was a natural evolution to start costume making once I started with cosplay, with early inspiration coming from projects by CLAMP. Through cosplay, I began exploring original characters featuring my own designs. My recent work has been catalysed by my love of fantasy with Lord Of The Rings as a particular highlight. I also find myself greatly intrigued and invigorated by the medieval splendour of the Tudors and Game of Thrones. Last but not least, there’s the massive inspiration of Star Wars. My travels greatly inspired my work as well especially the visits to costume and fashion museums in UK!
How long have you been cosplaying?
Since 2009, which makes it 8 years! I was really active in the first half. Second half I’m more involved with back stage for events and creating cosplay for others.
What anime character do you like the most, and why?
Oh, I wouldn’t want to limit myself to just anime! Cosplay covers so many aspects of pop culture, from video games to comic books and movie universes – so let’s widen the net! I’d choose Quistis Trepe from Final Fantasy 8. Smart, tough, independent, and more than capable of holding her own in a fight. She’s the sort of role model anyone can aspire to – reliable and trustworthy with a dash of flair on top of all that steel.
Out of so many cross/cos-players, who is your favourite and why?
I wouldn’t want to do a disservice to anyone in the cosplay scene, there are so many cosplay models on Instagram and I think they’re all amazing in their own way, and deserve to be recognized for their talent as individuals. The entire scene deserves to be spotlighted!
Are any challenges you faced so far during your journey so far as a costume designer and a cosplayer?
The laws of physics! It’s immensely difficult to translate 2D drawings into 3D shapes, or to turn 3D references into 2D sketches that can be stitched together to create costumes. Then there is also the difficulty in finding the right material with the right colour and the right texture at the right price. That’s before we start on always having to compromise – a constant battle between creativity and accuracy, a war between intricacy and financial constraints. It never ends…
If you can choose an anime character to be, who would you choose?
I’ve admired Quistis for the longest time and she’s always someone’ve always looked up to. She’s not an anime character, but no less awesome or amazing from the stable of characters that exist in the beautiful world of fiction. If it really has to be anime though, definitely Yuko Ichihara from XXXHolic – all knowing, cooler than frost bite and she can manipulate time! I love her wit and wardrobe!
What do you usually do during your free time?
Sleep. Aaaaaand…tea tasting, a good book, chilling with Hudson and Sherlock (my cats), and doodling new designs. Inspiration can strike at any moment, so maybe it’s right to say that there’s no such thing as free time – just time when you’re not struck by serendipity. I keep a doodle diary where I sketch costumes and plan events.
What’s your advice to people who are interested to pursue their passion for cosplay?
Always be honest with yourself about why you want to cosplay, and stay faithful to it. Whether it’s for competition or just for show, always remember to have fun and find joy in the process. Don’t waste your energy on hate – it’s never worth it.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
This is going to sound a bit crazy, but bear with me – my very own costume exhibition! A place where I can share with the world some of my creations. Who knows, it could turn into a tourist spot, like how other countries have their own costume or fashion museums. I would love that, but maybe 5 years is a bit too soon.
What is your life motto?
If there’s something you want to do, go for it! So long as it isn’t harmful to anyone else or illegal. There’s no time for regrets for not trying. It’s only too late if you’re 6 feet under!
