It’s time once more for another cosplayer interview! This next one, shared from Cosplay Blog with a Brain, is an interview with Sharkman! He’s an amazing cosplayer from Wsahington, who has an awesome set of costumes!

Sharkman as Kisame Hoshigaki from Naruto

What’s your cosplay alias and why did you choose it?
My cosplay alias is Sharkman (Samedansei) which I greatly approve of because sharks are my favorite animals. The name was given to me by a group of friends after I debuted my first cosplay, which was Hoshigake Kisame from Naruto. I have adopted my title as Sharkman similarly to how Tony Stark adopted the title Iron Man. People called me it and I liked it.

How many years have you been cosplaying and what got you started?
I have been cosplaying since 2008, so about five years now. My friends and I cosplayed Akatsuki members just for fun and I fell in love with cosplaying and have been doing it ever since.

Sharkman as Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas, photo by David Ngo

What has been some of your favorite things to work with when constructing costumes and why?
I enjoy working on armor and my favorite method for making armor is the foam method. It is cheap, easy to use, and when painted properly can look like authentic, real armor.

What are you excited to be working with in the future and why?
I am excited to work with armor building techniques such as fiberglass, resin, bondo, clay, foam, etc.

What are some of the traits you like to see in other costumes and who do you think does well in them?
I don’t as much as look into the traits of the costumes as I do the people wearing them. An awesome detailed costume is cool and all, but if the wearer isn’t having fun with it, the costume loses its shine.

What is your view of the “cosplay scene”?
The cosplay scene is like nothing else. It is very stressful, expensive, and difficult. However it is also full of possibilities. Possibilities to meet new friends, find new interests, possibilities to obtain new experiences and live life to the absolute fullest. The cosplay scene feels like a huge party and everyone is invited. In the end, the cosplay scene is worth the stress and money, because cosplay is infinite.

Sharkman as Beast from Beauty and the Beast, photo by Red Envelope Photography

What are some of the things you want to see change in the scene?
In the cosplay community, there are some people that see it fit to speak condescendingly and look down upon other cosplayers. Sometimes they insult their costumes and sometimes they insult the wearer, thus spreading unnecessary drama. I feel that if everyone put just a glimmer of effort into being nice and complimenting each other, the cosplay community would greatly improve.

What is some advice you could give people starting to get into cosplay?
Have fun and make friends. They can help you with cosplays and with life.

What are some of your favorite conventions you’ve attended and why?
My favorite conventions are Sakuracon and Penny Arcade Expo a.k.a PAX. Sakuracon, for the people and all the amazing cosplays and PAX for the video game previews and the free stuff.

Give a random fact about one of your costumes that you’re proud of!
My Iron Man costume makes kids flip out. They love it. It brings me joy to know that kids think I am the real Iron Man.

Sharkman as Iron Man from Marvel Comics, photo by Mirajane

Thanks for the interview, Sharkman! You can see more of his work on his Facebook page and his Deviantart page!

Koi

A cosplayer for over a decade now, Yunie is a giant nerd who still pretends she’s cool. She runs several sites on her own, including Engi no Shouzoku! Cosplay, Cosplay Blog with a Brain, and her store, Yunie’s Designs. An avid fan of fellow nerds, Yunie loves attending conventions and dorking around in costumes with all types. Oh, and if there’s shenanigans, even better!

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