Cosplayer of the Week: theholysix
Recently I have become obsessed with Fire Emblem: Three Houses. It has consumed all of my free time and I have 0 regrets. That is why I flipped out with excitement when I found out about theholysix and her Edelgard cosplay! Both her and her cosplay were without flaw and I knew I had to interview her!
Be sure to follow her for more incredible content and please enjoy our interview!
What is your cosplay origin story?
I first arrived on the scene in the summer of 2013, just before I turned 16. I had dabbled in costuming with my very nerdy big brother, who helped me dress up for midnight premiers of the Harry Potter movies, and on Halloween, which I took as the most serious night of the year, however, I stumbled into the cosplay community through Tumblr and internet culture. When I saw people replicating such intricate costumes and putting so much time and love into this hobby, I knew I had found my place. My first ever cosplay was Vriska Serket from Homestuck, which I debuted at Sabo 2013. I spent 2 months on something that would take me 12 hours max today! This was when Homestuck was at height popularity and my work was very well received. People asking for photos made me so excited (still does). Although I’ve moved on to cosplaying different things I will always love to cosplay her and hold the time I spent as her very dear to me.
Out of all the years you have done cosplay, what has been one of your more favorite/proudest memories?
I have so many wonderful memories in this community and with the incredible people I have met here, so it’s kind of hard to choose! The thing that stands out to me the most happened at Anime Expo 2016, while I was in Genji cosplay. Now I had decided to /start/ this cosplay 2 weeks prior, I had not finished it, and I had to be hot glued in on the day of wearing. My friends and I were hanging out in an outside courtyard where lots of photographers were doing shoots and other Overwatch cosplayers had congregated. Out of nowhere, this guy came over to talk to us, and right as he was walking up I took off my mask. He was like “I came over here to ask you a kind of weird question but since you took your mask off and I realized you were a lady I don’t want it to be inappropriate” and I said well now I’m interested, you’re nice and upfront, what did you have in mind? And he said “I really wanted to take a picture with me and my girlfriend praising the Genji booty” and I busted up laughing because it was a meme at the time! I said of course, he actually wasn’t the first one to ask me that, and so his girlfriend came over and they took the picture, were super nice, said thanks and left! As they started to walk away people were starting to like gather around them and I turned to my friend and asked what was going on and she was like “dude that was Jessica Nigri and her bf Ryan, Jessica Nigiri just took a pic with your butt”. The back of my cosplay was /so/ unfinished but they were so cool to meet and it’s a funny story!
Many people online will simply see one of your images, appreciate it for the moment and move on. However, I know that a lot of care and time goes into photoshoots. Could you describe your process for a cosplay photoshoot from the concept to when it hits your fans?
I am actually the worst cosplayer ever to ask this question to since I frequently forget to take photos while I am in cosplay at all! For me, I go to cons and don’t want to be tied up on a schedule so I let photoshoots be spontaneous. If I run into a photographer that I know or someone who approaches me about doing some quick pics, I always take the opportunity, but my photography vision is /terrible/ and I let the photog take the lead! Cosplay is such a multi-talented niche and I leave the pictures to the pros!
Out of all the cosplays you have ever done which one was your personal favorite even if it was not super well received by fans?
My personal favorite at the moment is my Emperor Edelgard cosplay. I don’t really have a ton of time to work on cosplay since I am a full-time engineering student, but I gave my blood, sweat, and tears to this cruel mistress of a costume. She is such a complex and strong character whose authority is never questioned, and her red dress is so gorgeous yet intimidating at the same time… and the horns! Wearing her is like stepping into a pair of magic slippers that make you feel like you could kick anyone’s ass! I am also incredibly proud of the work I did in hand patterning the gown and all of the incredible details that came together into something that feels really special to wear and looks stunning! (all gold plastic pieces 3D printed from The Dangerous Ladies Edelgard kit)
You feature a lot of awesome geeky content, what is your absolute favorite geeky medium? (Video games, anime, comics, film, etc.)
I definitely like to keep a toe in every medium. But as cosplay goes, my work I feel most proud of and enjoy wearing the most tends to come from video games. There is so much more opportunity to interact with the characters in a personal and unique way, and for the game to take on a meaning of its own in our hearts. I also think the work we put into beating games makes us more attached to their stories and more connected with the characters.
Subbed or Dubbed Anime?
Dubbed! I am too lazy and easily distracted to truly enjoy a show I must read every second of.
It is apparent that you hustle to provide content for fans but when you actually have a day off, how do you spend it?
I am a relax and lose yourself under couch cushions and blankets type of girl. I will binge a tv show, eat snacks, and let my mind relax. A day off is all about de-stressing for me and I do that best from the comfort of my own home!
You just radiate such confidence and the swagger of a champion. However, a lot of geeks often struggle with overwhelming self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. When you have those bad days and get down on yourself, what do you do to remind yourself that you are wonderful?
These days cosplay is such a competitive space where so many talented people put incredible work into really becoming a character and there is so much pressure to look and act perfect. It’s really hard not to get on social media and compare yourself to others, or to give every second to this persona we have all have as cosplayers. When I am feeling doubtful and really negatively about myself I make sure to put distance from even the thought of comparing myself to others and create a space where I can acknowledge my insecurities while still reminding myself of my own worth. Self-healing and mental progress is internal. Even though we try and present ourselves as flawless on the internet it’s good to take a step back from the expectation of perfection and not owe anything to anyone other than yourself. Most importantly treat yourself with the same kindness you give to everyone else, and remember that one negative feeling does not negate all positive ones.
What is one piece of advice you wish you received when you first got into modeling/cosplay?
Please, PLEASE, 2013 me, do more research into wig cutting and invest in a pair of thinning shears! Use these on every wig you style! You can have the best costume work on the face of the planet but if your wig isn’t cut right or cut to fit your face shape something will look off. It’s nowhere near as intimidating as it sounds, and such an important building block in your cosplay skill set.
Where can we find you online?
You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @theholysix , and on twitter @patiruby !
Photographer Credits:
Edelgard by Catherine, @zeldachann on instagram
Levi by Anthony Pedroza
Vriska by @cosplaycloseup
Yuri by @the_doc_shop on instagram
Chicano | Fighting/Writing for Diversity | DM since 08 | Anime Lover | Site: https://www.thegeeklyfe.com | info@thegeeklyfe.com | http://twitch.tv/that_deangelo | https://linktr.ee/deangelomurillo
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Nikki_boagreis
Excellent read very informative post very excited for new upcoming articles always a pleasure reading!