Blood, sweat and tears part and parcel of cosplay: US cosplayer Stella Chuu
Want to try your hand at cosplaying? Make sure that you love the art and most importantly, "don't be a jerk", says US cosplayer Stella Chuu.
The 26-year-old, who has been crafting her own costumes since 2011, is no stranger to the demands of cosplaying.
"Cosplay is very hard. If you want to learn how to make your own costumes, it's a lot of blood, sweat and tears. You have to love cosplaying in order to love making cosplay," Chuu told The New Paper at a Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention (STGCC) media preview session on Thursday (September 10).
Chuu, who is most well-known for cosplaying as characters such as Ivy Valentine from the SoulCalibur fighting games and Quorra from Disney's Tron: Legacy, spent three weeks putting together a costume for her STGCC debut over the September 12 weekend.
During the convention, Chuu will appear at panel sessions on stage, sign autographs as well as pose for photos with fans.
Her Singapore outfit — an beautiful recreation of Tharja's, a beloved character from Nintendo's Fire Emblem series, costume — is proof that she is a true cosplay-lover.
WATCH: Stella Chuu talks about the costume she made for her STGCC debut
Chuu went to great lengths to ensure that her costume looked as close to the original possible. The neckpiece alone took her multiple attempts to get right.
The costume is also testament to Chuu's creativity. Her prop, a spellbook similar to the one Tharja is often seen carrying, doubles as a purse.
When asked about the spellbook — which is actually an old textbook— Chuu flipped it open to reveal handbag items such as makeup, oil-blotting paper and lip balm which were placed in a neatly cut out compartment.
To Chuu, the golden rule of cosplaying is to be nice to fellow cosplayers.
She said: "Cosplay is about community and sharing things that you like so don't be mean to anyone."
WATCH: Quick questions with Stella Chuu
STGCC runs from Saturday (September 12) to Sunday (September 13) at Marina Bay Sands, Sands Expo and Convention Center, Level 1, Halls B and C. Tickets start from $19 and can be purchased at selected retail outlets or at the convention itself.
For more information, visit STGCC's official website.
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