Yuzuki Yukari | Vocaloid 3

I wasn't really planning on cosplaying Yuzuki Yukari for my debut but I have no choice since I was very excited to get into the cosplay world. I didn't enjoyed that much during my debut because (first) I was very nervous and don't know how to react if someone asks to take a picture with me, (second) my shoes is killing my feet and (lastly) it was freaking hot while wearing Yukari's jacket so I sat on the bench most of the time. Will try to cosplay this once again, hoping that I'll improve in cosplaying her and also try my best to have a decent with this character FTW

A lot of people aren't familiar with her. Well, that is because she just recently came out in Vocaloid 3. Here's a little info about her in order for you to lighten up about her and in case you've been living under a rock for a while now xD

Yuzuki Yukari (結月ゆかり) is the first Vocaloid developed for Vocaloid3 by AH-Software and Vocalomakets. 

Her design is based on a rabbit, a play on words with her name.

Yuzuki Yukari is aimed at the producers themselves rather than a general Vocaloid fandom release. She was also made capable to be bought with many different other software bundles, including both her Voiceroid and Vocaloid versions and the software suite Music Maker MX. In 2012, merchandise of both her and SF-A2 miki began to sell including mugs and T-shirts.

Source: Vocaloid Wiki

                                                                                                             

Ozine Fest 2012

Now on its 8th year, one of this year’s biggest and most anticipated anime convention is here once again, the Ozine Fest 2012. Ozine Fest is said to be one of the biggest event of the year in the cosplay community.

Ozine Fest was organized by the editorial staff Otakuzine Anime Magazine, this year’s Ozine Fest was held on April 13-15, 2012 at Megatrade Hall 1 & 2, 5th Flr. Building B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

The event was jam packed with various activities like the Battle of the Bands, Ozine Maid Cafe, Ozine Host Club, Individual and Group Art Competitions, Gaming Tournaments, Auctions of Toys and even posters, Photo Contest, Gundam Building and Detailing Contest and various Eating Contest.

Also this year, Ozine Fest will be having its first School Festival-inspired area called Gakuensai wherein different booths will be decorated similar to a typical Japanese school festival. A re-designed Matsuri area dedicated for playing games, eating food or any activities that a Japanese Matsuri enthusiasts would enjoy is also in place.

My Cosplans for 2012

These are the characters I (have in mind)

1. Yuzuki Yukari of Vocaloid 3

Yuzuki Yukari is the first Vocaloid developed for Vocaloid3 by AH-Software and vocalomakets.

Prop Tutorial: Deco-Carts (Customized Luggage)

"What's a Deco-Cart?"

Every cosplayer needs a carry-cart to transport their luggage, props and wigs. Some people have lots of props, complex wigs and a lot of makeup to move around too... Our carts help us out a lot, so why do so many of us take them for granted?

I often find myself wondering "Why do cosplayers carry around such plain carts?". With so few designs and colors, it's easier to mix up carts or pick yours out of a crowd, isn't it? That's why, the idea of a "deco-cart" was born! Why not get in on the popular cosplay-world movement and customize your own?

In this article we'll introduce some of our own original deco-cart designs. We tried to play with a few different types and come up with some ideas that would be easy for Layers to use.

Making them is easy! It's just like decorating a cellphone or a portable game-system, so let your imagination run wild and you'll be designing like crazy in no time!

If you want, you can plaster your cart with your own decorations, or you can alter the designs you learn here. "Gosh, this is like a homework assignment" right? But hey, I really want to see some cooler carts!

We're giving away the carts introduced here as presents, too, so take a good, long look at them, okay?

Oh, and if you come up with a neat deco-cart of your own, we'd love to see your pictures!

With Ribbons and Lace, You Can Achieve Sweet-Lolita Mode

If you've got a black polka-dot cart, a few ribbons, a bit of lace and sparkly stones can give you a cart that matches your sweet disposition perfectly.

Weekend Getaway

I'm all packed-up and ready to go~

 

I will be on vacation starting Friday up to Monday because we're going to a Festival in Batangas. I just hope that the wigs that I ordered from Lucaille/Dear Wild will arrive on time before we head out to Batangas so that I could bring them with me for a photoshoot *crosses fingers*

Wig Tutorial: Basic Chop Cut

Let's be more careful arranging and cutting our wigs!

These days every cosplayer needs to wear a wig. But what if you suck at cutting and styling them?! "I can't arrange it the way I want!" "Cutting wigs is too hard..." It's easy to fumble when most of the big magazines show you elaborate style but no basic techniques to achieve them, but fear not newbies to hair and makeup, Saber Hands Matsumoto is here to teach you some simple and basic techniques.

Style 1: "The Chop Cut"
"Use a medium-length wig for this spikey bob style"

1) Cut your wig 10-20cms below the jawline.

2) Trace an imaginary line back from the top of your ear and use a pair of regular hair-styling scissors to thin the hair there. (Hold your scissors vertically and cut at a slight angle, taking only small bits off at a time).

Another Lina Inverse-Style Shoulder Pauldrons

Admit it. Most shoulder armor you see at conventions looks cheesy, cardboard-y, heavy, and is about as ungainly as anything you'll ever see. But it needn't be, as you'll soon see.

Here are the steps I took to create my first stab at shoulder armor using my foam and plastic method. The subject: Lina Inverse from Slayers.

Costume Tutorial: Kagamine Len

Boy-soprano Len hasn't quite grown into his pipes... or his clothes - so let's aim for a slightly too-big, boyish silhouette.

Check Your Coloring!
There's a big difference between Rin and Len. Even at first glance, the twin's uniforms have one noticeable difference. It's the coloring of their shorts. Looking closely, you'll see that the mismatch is because Rin's shorts are actually dark grey, while Len's costume is black. Purchased costumes tend to be made in pairs with the same fabrics, so accurate coloring will give you an extra home-made touch.

Kagamine Len Construction Point Check!!

Len's image is rail-thin, so keep that in mind when sizing. Since the character has a "cyber" feel, shiny fabrics like enamel are also an option for accents. Use whatever fits your own image of the character.

Lina Inverse-Style Shoulder Pauldrons

Materials:
Wire # 16
Soldering pencil, solder paste and tin
Tweezers
Sandpaper # 100 and # 200 (so they say, are the gray and black)
Carpenter's white glue
Silicone gun + glue sticks
stucco= filling wall plaster
Spray paint or enamel (black and gold)
Cardboard
FOMIX
Paper
Brush
1 inch black elastic
Red christmas bulbs

What to do

0. Draw real size top and side view of 1 pad (they are symmetrical parts so right side equals left side)
1. Make profile with wire, folding each corner with tweezers and curve shaping a cylindrical object (this case, use a pot xD). Solder wire where each end point meets after bending. Remember putting solder paste after melting tin.
2. Add necessary guidance (welding) to generate the volume as well as drawing the side view. Horizontal and vertical guides.
3. Cover wire skeleton with FOMIX, pasting on back with silicone to each guide and edge.
4. Cut cardboard or FOMIX in triangular form, paste it on bulb wrapping it.
5. Equal surface with stucco (apply 5 coats and sanding, repeating the process several times) or newspaper (glued with carpenter gum, do not add water because this will delay the process.)
6.Cover bulb with paper and tape to prevent getting stained when you paint base in black and gold borders.
7. Join shoulder with black elastic, paste back of the piece with silicone.
8. Result = a happy Lina

It is a long process but here there is no Wonderflex and those wonderful materials. The finished product is a lightweight but rigid, with an extra layer of resin and is indestructible ^ ^, the wire can be replaced by sewing plastic guides but will not be as reliable structurally. Sorry if it is very hard xP.

Credits goes to: Anne-annie-annet

General Tutorial: Packing and Item Transport

Staying organized on the go!! Unbeatable luggage packing skills can be yours!!!

We'll show you how to make the most of the space in your cart (and the least mess when you take it all out).

Choosing the right cart (a small roller-suitcase) will make any event a breeze!

Your wig, your costume, boots and your camera... Participating in a cosplay event is enough to give anyone a packing headache! Some people stuff their carts full to overflowing and some even need to pack a second bag with their leftovers! If you use the tips introduced here, you too can master the art of the "no-fuss cart".

First you need to choose a cart.

Recommended Dimensions:
W41cm x H64cm X D27cm
Weight (unpacked):
8 kg

Once you`ve compacted all of your goods, a cart like this should work for just about anything. Most people pack all sorts of items for cosplay events, so costumes made from materials that fold down easily are ideal. Read on for what will fit (and how)!

Your costume
If your costume creases or wrinkles easily, you can pack it in a hanger bag.

Wig
Your wig should be set before you leave. If the style is complicated, you should pack it in a shoe box or something else to protect it from being crushed.

Make-up Pouch
This should be one of your later additions ~ pack it after your costume and large items. It should fit in the spaces between other items.

Boots
Platforms and tall boots take up a ton of space. Keep this in mind when shoe-shopping. Don't buy anything you aren`t willing (or able) to carry!

Camera
Use your costume as a cushion. Wrap your camera carefully and then pack it on the top (so it doesn't get crushed).

Crossplay Techniques and Tips

Another tutorial! But this time it's for cross-playing :) For those people who wants to cross-play here are some of the tips that could help you in cross-playing.


Beginner's Level
This tier is for those just beginning cross-play or who are interested in getting started soon. Here we'll introduce basic tips for "pulling off" a male costume.

Use Shoulder Pads to Bulk Up!

"I've got wimpy shoulders, so I always use pads! I don't just put them in my undershirt either, but in shirts and jackets too." Some people are sticklers for details ~ if you haven't got the upper body of a man, you may not pass.

Watch the Shape of Your Heel When Choosing Shoes!

"Thin-heeled boots throw off the balance of your body. With thin heels, you'll have a delicate footstep and an appearance that's distinctly feminine." When you buy boots, be sure to choose ones with a heel that will suit your costume. We recommend fat, flat heels on chunky platforms.

Choose Underwear that Won't Show Through Your Costume!

 

"I was wearing a transparent over-shirt one day and didn't realize it. I thought I was passing well and took a ton of photos. But after looking forward to them... when they came out, you could see my camisole in all of them!! (tears)" Light-colored uniform shirts, light grey or tan pants, etc can be transparent! If you think your underwear might show through your costume, be sure to match your camisole and underpants to your costume or choose flesh tones undergarments. If you're binding, remember to match your binder or to use flesh-toned tapes.

6th TAGCOM Toys and Hobbies Convention

The Recently concluded 6th TAGCOM 2012 last March 30, 31 & April 1, 2012 was a big success. It was sponsored by Hobbiworx Inc. and Robinsons Midtown Mall. We had the chance to go there yesterday (Day 3) and we were in for a treat.


They were lots of cosplayers present. There were also many collectible items on auction and up for grabs. There were also a few antique items that were being sold. We particularly liked the old photos of some places here Manila maybe in the 70′s or 80′s, old Philippine moneys even foreign moneys and the Coca cola collectibles.

Mayden Kae Ong won as the Best Female Cosplayer while Don Robert Torio won as the Best Male Cosplayer. We were also able to see some of the classic anime and game group cosplay like Daimos, Samurai Showdown, Naruto and One Piece.