Finland 🇫🇮

Siiricosplay (solo): Hello! I’m Siiricosplay, but you can just call me Siiri. Outside of cosplay, I go to the theatre, read, watch movies, and I’m a hobbyist musician. I’m also a vintage fashion enthusiast, and I enjoy watching old films.

Veera (duo): Hello! My name is Veera but you can also call me Moemoefever! I’m a seasoned cosplayer from Finland with over 10 years of experience! I’ve competed twice in WCS and once in ECG and as well in CCCC if someone remembers that competition. While I’ve competed a lot I feel like I’ve got still lot to learn.

Pinja (duo): Hi hi! My name in Pinja, also known as Pinyamiu. I am a professional seamstress and also a long time cosplayer.

Fun fact, i used to admire Veera on cosplay stages and dreamed to one day have the courage to go on stage! We happened to move to Japan and study in the same University and class… and now i have been going on stage in and out of Finland with Veera!

How did you discover cosplay and what made you start in this hobby? How long ago?

Siiricosplay (solo): I discovered cosplay in the autumn of 2011. I stumbled upon the Rozen Maiden anime online and watched it. I really liked Shinku and thought about how cool it would be to dress up as her. (I adore my confidence — I hated crafts and hadn’t sewn in years!) I already knew about the concept of cosplay and checked if there were any conventions near me — and there was one in January 2012. I went to that convention as Shinku, in my first cosplay, and I never looked back.

Veera (duo):  I discovered cosplay when I was in elementary school and we had japanese teacher for a week and was influenced through that!

Pinja (duo): When i was studying to become a seamstress 10 years ago, I met a cosplayer who introduced me to cosplay.

What does cosplay mean for you? And what is your favorite part of the hobby?

Siiricosplay (solo): Cosplay has become a lifestyle for me. I think I would be a very different person without it. Nerding out over costumes, meeting like-minded people, and — mainly as a crafter — I especially enjoy the crafting part!

Veera (duo): I guess it’s a bit of a cliche but cosplay is a way of life. All the schools I’ve gone to I’ve gone specifically to do cosplay, which is a little wild thinking back. My favorite part is performing and making things out of discarded items.

Pinja (duo): To me it is a way to challenge myself. My favorite part of the process is trying to figure out how everything can be made and making tiny little details!

What changes do you see in the cosplay community in your country compared to when you started?

Siiricosplay (solo): The biggest change I see is the variety of materials and techniques available. Cosplay has become more accessible. Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to start cosplaying — the internet is full of tutorials. Social media also wasn’t a thing back then.

Veera & Pinja (duo): Finnish people are generally quite introverted so I wouldn’t say it has changed that much except everything is better organized!

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?

Siiricosplay (solo): I chose Sarah because Labyrinth is my favourite movie. I saw it as a teenager, and both the film and the costume made a lasting impression on me. The creativity of the movie never stops amazing me. I’ll be bringing Sarah to Madrid — it’s no secret!

Veera & Pinja (duo): We decided these costumes with Pinja since Zelda franchise is her favorite one and based the performance of 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?

Siiricosplay (solo): I’ve represented Finland in a few international competitions before, so it’s not my first rodeo! My advice for both beginners and those who wish to compete is to choose a source you truly love. You’ll spend so much time making your competition cosplay, and for me, my love for the source is the thing that keeps me going.

Veera & Pinja (duo): This is not our first time competing internationally but the first time in Spain! A hint for new cosplayers I’d give is look through your local second hand shops, cosplay doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. You can find a lot of things for very cheap and make them look unreal!

What has been your most memorable cosplay experience so far?

Siiricosplay (solo): I’ve met my closest friends because of cosplay, and I can’t pinpoint a single moment — there have been many.

Veera (duo): My most memorable moment in cosplay has been when me and Pinja placed second in Clara Cows Cosplay cup! It is my first ever international cosplay placement.

Pinja (duo): Same for me! We did not think we could win and were so shocked on stage that my face looked super funny on stage.

What inspires your work the most—series, characters, craftsmanship, other artists…?

Siiricosplay (solo): I’m inspired by many things, including other costume makers and the fact that there’s always more to learn.

Veera (duo): My inspiration for cosplay comes a lot from the performance and what you can do with the characters. Not only making the choreography but also making the video and recording soundtrack.

Pinja (duo): I tend to choose characters that fill 2 categories: I like the personality of the character and they have A LOT of tiny details in the costume I can make. I especially love making hand made embroidery.

What are your expectations for your visit to Spain? Is it your first time in the country?

Siiricosplay (solo): I’m looking forward to having an amazing weekend and meeting some online friends I’ve never met in real life! I’ve been to Spain twice before, but never for anything cosplay-related.

Veera (duo): I’m excited to come to Spain! I’m hoping that the competition will be amazing and I’ve heard good things about Spanish food!

Pinja (duo): My first time in Spain and i really want to see some art, eat good food, meet new(and old) friends and have fun! If you have never met a Finnish people before, be prepared, this :I is our happy face.

Describe the cosplay community in your country using five words.

Siiricosplay (solo): Supportive, friendly, skilled, passionate and small!

Veera & Pinja (duo): Tightly together but individually separate

Link to your Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter (add other social media if relevant):

Siiricosplay (solo): https://www.instagram.com/siiricosplay/

Veera (duo): https://www.instagram.com/moemoefever/

Pinja (duo): https://www.instagram.com/pinyamiu/

Siiricosplay, Veera and Pinja were selected at Comic Con Finland.