It seems like a long time ago since the cosplay competitions took place! Upcoming weeks we will post interviews with the previous winners of the Cosplay Contest so you can get inspired. Who knows, maybe you will be the one we see on stage next time.
This week we had an interview with Astrid Domertschikow. She was the lucky winner of the cosplay contest in November 2019 with her Fairy Godmother cosplay. Earlier she also won the cosplay contest in 2007 with her Winifred Sanderson cosplay. We’ll start with a very nice and inspiring quote of her from the interview.
‘’ Or the one who spent months working on a costume, developing new skills and using blood sweat and tears to make the best product he has ever made. Or the cosplayers who help other cosplayers to repair a part of the costume, knowing that they have less chance to win but care about other cosplayers as well. “Those are the heroes of HDCC! – Astrid.
Astrid, what is your best memory of HDCC outside cosplay?
My best memory, besides cosplay itself of course, is visiting HDCC with our whole family. The winter edition has really become our annual family trip, including staying in a hotel and have weekend tickets. Besides that, Mark Ryan is on my list of favourite moments. I knew he was coming and had brought the DVD of Robin of Sherwood with me. My husband, a fan since the series came on TV, shouted out loud that he didn’t necessarily have to meet an actor who was so much older already. But when he saw Mark Ryan, he was like a shy child again. He went there with the DVD and had a chat with him. Mark took all the time, I think we talked to him for 20 minutes, and we made a selfie. Such a lucky moment!
What did winning the Cosplay Contest get you outside HDCC?
The first time I won the Cosplay Contest (as Winifred Sanderson) it gave me a lot of fun. On social media some followers were added and I got a lot of compliments. I also received a gift voucher from Attitude Holland, a foam package and a workshop. Super fun!
The second time I did a duo cosplay (as Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming). We won a trip to another Heroes Comic Con, got a gift voucher from Attitude Holland and again a nice workshop. Unfortunately the trip and the workshop couldn’t proceed yet. But that is still a nice thing coming up. And what I also really liked this time is that a trophy was awarded. That is a nice lasting memory.
What would you give as a tip to new Cosplay Contest participants?
The most important thing is to have a lot of fun. Enjoy every moment: the preparation, the pre-judging, your moment on stage and especially the fun backstage. Everyone helps each other and it is a great moment to get to know other cosplayers. Above all, take the time to take photos and make videos, because the day goes so fast that it’s really nice to look at some nice memories afterwards.
Oh, and something goes wrong? That can always happen. Don’t let it knock you out and get on with your act. With me, the music dropped out for a while and then I won. So… no worries!
To what extent does the slogan “Where Heroes Meet” fit the Cosplay Contest?
During our act with the song “I need a hero” it was perfect! But also beyond that. At the Cosplay Contest, but also on the catwalk, all the best comes together. Not only cosplayers who can make great costumes, but also the real heroes: the one who overcomes his fear and for the first time walks onto the stage all by himself with legs nodding, eye-in-eye with hundreds of spectators, but comes off the stage all happy again. Or the one who spent months working on a costume, developing new skills and using blood sweat and tears to make the best product he’s ever made. Or the cosplayers who help other cosplayers to repair a part of the costume, knowing that they have less chance to win but support the other cosplayers as well. Those are the heroes of HDCC!
We thank Astrid for her time! She wishes everyone lots of fun and success with the preparation and she hopes to meet you in November!
