Cosplay: Interview w/ French cosplayer, Shoko

Shoko and Jérome are French cosplayers with a wealth of talent. Shoko started cosplaying in May 2004 and she teamed up with Jérome recently. Their first collaboration being in July 2012 for the European Cosplay Gathering selection.

I recently spoke with Shoko about her work.

Q: What draws you to make armored cosplay? You have many of them in your history.

Shoko: I usually prefer armors because sewing is not really easy for me, armor is a good opportunity for me to use my model-making skills like sculpting and painting. I really have a passion for my model-making hobby especially garage kits.
I don’t really know how many armors I possess… I usually don’t count my costumes ^^’

Q: What material or medium you cannot live without in your workshop?

Shoko: Foam and neoprene glue. The main material I use but actually, it is really hard to buy foam in my country (France)… :/ A lot of dealers have closed their shop.

Q: What is the first item or piece you make on a costume and why?

Shoko: I begin with a drawing at 1/1 size of each piece of the weapon. It is important to estimate the scale for avoid bad surprises. I always begin with armors or props, as I mentioned, sewing is not a love story for me.

Q: Name one cosplay mistake you have made that you will never make again.

Shoko: In the past, I remade my Cocona sword 3 times because I don’t put a pvc pipe base inside the foam, so the sword was heavy and huge, and it broke 3 times xD
I was completely bored making that sword.
Now, I am careful with long props.

Q: What is the most enjoyable part of cosplaying?

Shoko: Usually the convention is the occasion to see and meet my friends. I can’t see them often because I live far from Paris. I enjoy the result of pictures because during the realization of a costume, I am unable to estimate the overall impact or the result on me. So, pictures always are the reward of hard work.
I enjoy the stage too, because it is a way to play your character and share passion with audience.

Thank you for the interview and I hope you will like our second duo for this July!