Switzerland🇨🇭
Tikï (solo): Hi! I’m Tikï, but my real name is Anaïs. I’m 37 years old and I have been cosplaying for nearly 20 years, but it will be my first international contest. I’m an engineer and I work on the development of medical devices. So, obviously I love science. I’m also a history nerd, a sport addict and a book lover.
Melo (duo): Hello, I’m Melo! I started cosplay in 2016 and participated in my first contest in 2019, encouraged by the other members of our group because I was terrified to get on stage. After that first experience, I started to get a taste of it and went back on stage several times with friends.
Then for the first time solo, I was ranked 2nd at the SWISS COSPLAY LEAGUE last year. Apart from cosplay (which already takes up a lot of my free time I admit) I really like to spend time outdoors, play sports or just take a walk. And eat ! … Can eating be called a hobby ?
Wynter (duo): And hellooo I’m Wynter! I also started in 2016 and I have been on stage since I started the craft, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. I am super active on social media as I love everything around cosplay, from making the costume up to building entire photosets at home just to create amazing photos. I have been able to do cosplay and content creation full time for about 5 years now, which is beyond incredible to me, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
How did you discover cosplay and what made you start in this hobby? How long ago?
Tikï (solo): I always love wearing costumes. My first costume was a hobbit outfit; I made for the Two Towers premieres in 2002. However, I really discovered cosplay in 2007 when I met the French Tomb Raider community on the internet. We shared many technics and tips. For the record, there were no cosplay stores in those days and tutorials were rare. Internet forums were the only way to discover new techniques.
Melo (duo): I discovered cosplay when I went to a convention for the first time. I was immediately fascinated by the cosplayers I met there, and from the next convention I was in cosplay myself! This goes back almost 10 years.
Wynter (duo): I got dragged to the same convention we now also got selected for the ICL finals, and I was fascinated by all the costumes I saw. So I took my hot glue and a dream (a whole lot of “I’m queer, I can do everything” audacity) and now I am here 😀
What does cosplay mean for you? And what is your favorite part of the hobby?
Tikï (solo): Cosplay is a hobby that develops creativity. I learnt a lot of skills and it helps me when I need to make prototypes for my job. Thanks to this, I have tested so many materials.
The best part is when you’re searching how to replicate something. I really love learning new technics. That’s more exciting than using always the same material. I also love the painting part. I can spend hours trying to reproduce the aspect of a material.
Melo (duo): Cosplay means a lot to me; over time it became more than just a hobby. I was really able to thrive through this practice, gain confidence, and surround myself with beautiful people that I would probably not have met without it.
Wynter (duo): It is more than just a passion for me. Thanks to cosplay I had the freedom to find myself, and that is also thanks to the incredibly supportive community and friends I met on the way. I also met my current partner through cosplay, so in a way, I owe it my current life.
What changes do you see in the cosplay community in your country compared to when you started?
Tikï (solo): The first Swiss convention was created 1 or 2 years before I started cosplay. So, there was no Swiss cosplay community at this time… Conventions were more developed in France and I was more used to going there. I met the Swiss cosplay community when I started cosplay contest in 2016. But I’m shy, so it takes time for me to talk to them…
Melo (duo): I would say that since the forced break in 2020-2021 the community has been renewed a lot; many cosplayers who were active have withdrawn, giving way to new ones. Newcomers who start in this universe often have an impressive level from the start.
Wynter (duo): I would say that due to the big break in 2020, a lot more young people have joined the community and it has become a lot more mainstream. This has both its pros and cons, but in the end we are all still nerds who love dressing up at heart.
Why did you choose that project for the ICL national selection? Have you already decided on your finals project for Madrid? Can you give us a hint?
Tikï (solo): I’m a Mass effect fan. I already made two Shepard cosplay, but this armor was one of my dream costumes. I made it for myself before thinking to show it on stage. However, I think that it’s a good contest project, because there are several techniques, materials and prop making. I will improve it for the ICL final.
Melo (duo): I proposed this universe to Wynter because I had wanted to make a Record of Ragnarok cosplay for a long time, but I was unable to start the project alone because I am not a big fan of solo projects. When I proposed to them Hades, they were immediately seduced (before regretting it after studying the design in more detail). Our final project remains broadly the same but with improvements.
Wynter (duo): I had no idea what the show was; I also did not watch it until we made our act. Meaning we planned the act first before we even started anything. I did this to make sure the act was easy to understand. As for the design, Melo sent it to me and I saw a hot white-haired man with the most fabulous shoes, so how could I say no to that!
Is this your first time competing in an international cosplay competition? What advice would you give to someone who wants to start cosplaying or join competitions?
Tikï (solo): It’s my first international cosplay competition. So, I’m a little bit nervous. I hope that nothing will break during the trip…
For people who want to start cosplaying: we all start small. Who cares if your costume is not perfect or if you bought it. Just have fun. And if you want to get on stage, my advice is as follows. Don’t compare yourself to cosplayers who have been doing this for years or register for newbie contests. Talk to other contestants to learn new skills, accept constructive critics and do not hesitate to ask judges for a review. And again, have fun. 😊
Melo (duo): This is my first international competition, and for that I am very happy to be accompanied by Wynter, who has more experience at this level.
Wynter (duo): I was able to represent Switzerland twice before on international grounds, but it is my first time at ICL. My advice would be to keep trying; even if you don’t place at a competition, get feedback from the judges, improve, and try again. I have lost as many competitions as I have won, and that is completely normal. Also, yes, you still get nervous even after 10 years — if you find out how to stop that, please let me know!
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience so far?
Tikï (solo): A few years ago, I participated in a cosplay contest and one of the judges was Maul cosplay. I was not in the top 3, but I received a special prize. After the award ceremony, Maul came to talk to me, because he liked my prestation and my costume. For me, he is one of the best cosplayers. I was really touched by his compliment.
Melo (duo): I would say the first time I was able to watch the Global Easter Cosplay (2018), the level was so impressive that I came out of the room with eyes full of stars, dreaming about one day having the same presence as those cosplayers I had just seen on stage.
Wynter (duo): How you can connect with people over shared interests. I thankfully get to travel a lot and see many different communities all over the world. However, it never feels far from home because if there is a love for a game or an anime, everyone in the end geeks out the same, and it makes me so happy.
What inspires your work the most—series, characters, craftsmanship, other artists…?
Tikï (solo): I’m following a lot of professional cosplayers, and some of them for years. The way they have evolved is very inspiring. The first one I discovered was Kamui. I learnt a lot about armor making reading her tutorials and books. I still really enjoy watching her work in progress videos. The second cosplayer I started to follow is Yaya Han. She is a great cosplayer and an inspiring businesswoman. I had the chance to meet her, and she is also a very kind person.
Melo (duo): I would say it’s mostly anime, even though I tend to let myself be embarked on universes I never thought of when friends propose them. Like many, I take inspiration from what I see happening on networks or from cosplayers I meet at conventions, while trying to bring my personal touch to the characters I embody. I think it’s great how everyone manages to appropriate the character in their own way.
Wynter (duo): Curiosity and being bad at things! There are always new things to learn, new materials being developed, and more. I love learning these things and failing. What I mean is that of course you get frustrated if something doesn’t go as planned, but I always remember that I learn so much more if I fail first. And I am incredibly stubborn. That fuels my energy to try things over and over until I master them, because the feeling of finally being able to say you mastered a skill is incredible.
What are your expectations for your visit to Spain? Is it your first time in the country?
Tikï (solo): I’m excited to discover Madrid. I have been to Barcelona and in the Alicante area. Spain is a beautiful country, with a lot of history, art, friendly peoples and good food.
Melo (duo): It will not be my first time in Spain, or even at Japan Weekend. I already attended this con in 2022 to cheer on the Swiss team. I really enjoyed the convention and I am looking forward to discovering it as an ICL participant.
Wynter (duo): I had the chance to visit Madrid with my art school a few years back, and I am so ready for the food and all the amazing sweets! But I have never cosplayed here, so I am excited!
Describe the cosplay community in your country using five words.
Tikï (solo): Strong, diversified, supportive, creative, friendly.
Melo & Wynter (duo): Talented / Multilingual / Persevering / Versatile / Passionate
Link to your Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter (add other social media if relevant):
Tikï (solo): https://www.instagram.com/tiki.nan/
Melo (duo): https://www.instagram.com/melo_cosplay/
Wynter (duo): https://www.instagram.com/wynter_phoenix/
Tikï, Melo and Wynter were selected at Polymanga.
