The Netherlands 🇳🇱
Your nickname and age:
Sophie: Sophie from Team Paraluna, 26 years old.
Sednobis: Hi, I’m Sednobis and I’m 31 years old.
Iloon: I’m Iloon and I’m 28 years old.
How did you discover cosplay and what made you start this hobby? How long ago?
So: I started cosplaying in 2008, because I wanted to learn how to sew. I decided to simply join a sewing class. The class became a close group of friends and as a group we made our first costumes and went to our first convention together. After that, I met Liza, and found out that cosplaying as a duo is super fun! So we always stuck together and became Team Paraluna in 2010.
S: I started cosplay 10 years ago. I’ve always loved costumes, stage plays and anime/manga so when I found out there is something that combines all my passions, I just had to try it out. First cosplay/convention and i was hooked XD.
I: I’ve always been very crafty since I’ve been a little child. Sculpting was what I did the most. Beside that I loved stage play and was even part of a theatre group. Much later some voice acting friends kidnapped me to a convention and so I got addicted.
What was the reason behind your costume choice for the ICL preselection? Is this your first time joining an international cosplay competition?
So: I chose Witch Mercy because I love her character, she is a really fun hero to play in Overwatch. She is normally a very sweet character, but with her Halloween skin, she is a little more sassy! I loved that they let her be a little bit meaner this time. Next to that, I wanted to challenge myself with the different parts of the costume, and see if I could replicate her cartoony proportions. I’ve been to international cosplay competitions before but never to Spain, so I’m very excited!
S: Well we had originally planned for an other project but due to too much crap in our real lives and the time that takes from us, we decided to not rush our main project and chose something else we always liked but never got around to making yet.
I: Sednobis is trying to talk me into this for years already. As she likes to see me dressed up as a guy, wearing a dress on top, ultimate combo.
What does cosplay mean for you? And what is your favourite part of the hobby?
So: Cosplay for me means a way to let my creativity run free and teach myself new skills. I love experimenting with materials and finding new exciting ways to make fantasy a reality.
S: Cosplay for me is a way of expressing my creativity in combination with the things I love most.Also meeting people from around the world and share ideas and learn from them is one thing I will always cherish.
I: I like to work with my hands. With cosplay, a lot of creative disciplines is needed in which I’ll never get bored to explore. My favourite part is to see the final result after months of hard work and to travel with your work to share your knowledge with other cosplayers from around the globe.
What do you expect from your visit to Spain? Is your first time visiting the country?
So: I’ve been to Barcelona once but that was on holiday, I’ve never been to a Spanish convention. The people I’ve met so far are super friendly so I’m hoping it will be fun.
S: I expect heat and to have fun with all other participants. It will be the first time visiting spain so I’m looking forward to all the things we’ll see <3
I: New friends, costume porn, jaw-dropping performances, plenty of food! And yes, first time that I’ll visit Spain.
Have you decided your project for the finals in Madrid? Can you give us a clue?
So: “My servants never die!” Unfortunately, I moved abroad right after the preselections, so I did not have time to make a new costume. However I upgraded my costume as much as I could and I hope the audience and judges will like it either way.
S & I: We are planning on bringing the same outfits as our preliminaries but with a few changes.
Describe the cosplay community in your country using five words.
So: Small, cozy, welcoming, ambitious, overdramatic.
S & I: Karlijn, cosmama, hard working, craftsmanship, sarcasmbro’s and sisters.
Where can we find your works?
