Cosplay gives youth a canvas for courage and creativity
GEORGE TOWN: From flashy wigs to ostentatious costumes, they come dressed in bold colours and quirky accessories.
But beneath the out of the ordinary make-up, theirs is a story of resilience and a tightly-knit cosplay community.
The supportive group of cosplayers has spurred an aspiring makeup artist to keep chasing her dreams.
Luna Law, 23, had to quit her makeup artistry course due to financial constraints.
To hone her skills and her love for anime, she now works as a barista while offering freelance makeup services at cosplay events.
At CosWorld Festival's third anniversary at 1st Avenue Mall, Law ran a small booth for on-the-spot cosplay make-up.
She charged only a nominal fee, knowing that many anime enthusiasts were usually on a tight budget.
'I come from a single parent household. My mother and I work to support each other.
'I want to be a full-time makeup artist for cosplayers and brides,' said Law, who was dressed as Kurumi Tokisaki, a character from the anime Date A Live.
It was one of her go-to characters to showcase her makeup skills.
She took one-and-a-half-month to make her costume – a black dress with white and red accents.
Working on a tight budget, she sourced cheaper cloth and pieced it together using a portable sewing machine and hand-stitching.
Although store-bought costumes are available, Law prefers making her own.
'It feels more personal. But I make them a bit conservative to respect my mother,' she said.
She acknowledged that she has much to learn. 'I had no sewing skills before this.'
Loh Teck Wah, 27, said studying Chinese history helps him portray Zhongli, a character from the video game Genshin Impact, with more depth.
'I take the character seriously. Zhongli is composed and dignified, and I try to reflect that when I'm in costume,' he said.
Loh, who goes by the name TeckWah, runs a supplements business but he manages his time to fit in regular cosplay practice.
'I spend three to four days a week working on makeup, posing and styling wigs,' he said.
Most of his outfits are custom-made and ordered online due to their complexity.
He said the cosplay community has helped him improve as they shared shared tips and gave him encouragement.
'In real life, I'm quite jovial. But when I wear the costume, I stay in character,' he said.
Also at the event were Jessie Ng and Yeam Kah Yeen, both 20, who came from Sungai Petani.
They dressed up as characters from the video game Honkai: Star Rail.
'We're excited to meet the professional cosplayers here,' said Yeam, who is studying art.
She said events like this give fans the space to be themselves.
Ng said wearing costumes gives her a confidence boost.
'I'm a shy person, but once I'm in costume, I feel less nervous,' she said.
The three-day event will end tomorrow.
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