Name: Rayi

Location: Berlin, Germany

Twitter: @Rayili

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RayiCosplay

Photographer(s): VW, Rabbit’s Hole Photography, So Say We All, acorea, Photography by Franky, Andy-K.

What was your first Cosplay experience?

I went to my first convention in 2005 and borrowed a cosplay from a friend back then… which was Rei from Beyblade! I actually was a big fan back then, haha! I really loved seeing all the great costumes and the fun everyone was having, so I started making my own cosplays after that. The first one was Youji from Loveless.

How long have you been Cosplaying?

At this year’s Connichi in September it’ll be 10 years! Time sure flies!

Who or what inspired you to take up Cosplaying?

It was pretty simple actually. I was into manga and anime already and a friend of mine who I met through those interests asked me to come to a convention. Before that I’d never heard of cosplay, but it was really inspiring to see all those cosplayers there, and so I took it up myself and can’t seem to stop since then!

If you had to pick a favorite Cosplay you have worn, or have seen someone else wear, what would it be?

Oh dear, if I were to pick someone else’s cosplay, I could never decide! There are way too many fantastic costumes out there! And it’s even hard to pick a favourite of my own, since I love each of my costumes. If I absolutely had to pick one costumes it would probably be my Anna from Frozen cosplay.

If you had unlimited funds and resources, what Cosplay would you create?

It’s been a long standing dream of mine to cosplay Ashe’s wedding dress from Final Fantasy XII!

What advice would you offer to those who are aspiring Cosplayers?

Cosplay what you want for whatever reason you want! No one can tell you, you’re cosplaying something for the wrong reason or that you don’t fit the character. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and don’t be afraid to ask other cosplayers for help. But when you ask – really think about what you wanna know – asking a specific question usually works better than asking for general advice.

Today there are also many many tutorials, so if you’re a beginner, I’d always recommend looking for those. Don’t give up, when something doesn’t work out the first time, we all have to start somewhere, you can do it!

And most important of all – cosplay can take up a lot of time so don’t let yourself be stressed out by this hobby and have a lot of fun doing it! <3

To learn more about Rayi Cosplay, check out her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RayiCosplay and follow her on Twitter: @Rayili

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