Happy Sunday heroes! We have a new cosplay cafe for you guys, this time Tenderbroembrace was able to take some time out to chat with us. It was a blast sitting down and talking to her so sit back and get to know Tenderbroembrace.
1. What were you like growing up? What were some of the things you were into as a child/teenager?
Oh my god, I was honestly a pretty neurotic kid, lol. Mix anime and art into that and you get a high strung nerdy child, who also had ADHD. Even as a kid I loved to create art and express myself in strange, unorthodox ways. I got into anime when I was around 11, and from then my life as a total weeb took off.
2. Did those things influence who you’re today?
Oh yes they did! Because of my love for anime, I learned how to draw. I have an art account as well as my cosplay account, although it’s much less known and lately I haven’t had time to update it. But yeah, from there I discovered the amazing world of cosplay. I took on sewing and crafting all by myself. I remember the first day I tried to use my sewing machine. It took me 4 hours to understand that thing. Anyways, I think my interest in the arts really did make me the fun-loving, eccentric person I am today.
3. Who or what got you into cosplaying?
Oops, I think I already answered the question earlier but I’ll elaborate more. It was definitely my love of anime and games that truly got me into cosplay. I discovered cosplay and was blown away by how awesome it was to see characters come to life. I was like, yeah that’s gonna be me. Now here I am, really living my dream!
4. What went into making your Viktor Nikiforov cosplay? The photos you took of it were stunning.
Thank you so much, I really really love that cosplay. Viktor is an important character to me, in fact, he is one of my favorite characters! So I knew I wanted to make the cosplay super extra and as perfect as I could possibly get it to be. It took me a long time to figure out what fabric I wanted for it. I had been thinking about it for months, but finally found this sparkly crepon sheer fabric. I knew I wanted something like organza, but more stiff and elegant looking. I patterned and cut out the pieces, and dyed each one separately with a mix of Rit dye colors. It was hard getting the gradient, but it worked out with patience! For the sleeve cuffs, I used really short velvet, the kind used for velvet flocking. The gloves were a dark purple stretch suede. Like I said, I wanted everything to be super extra and elegant, haha. I hand-glued Swavorski crystals in sort of sunburst pattern along the top of the coat, and on one sleeve using some good ol Gem-tac glue. I used silver chains strewn across the coat, and a silver upholstery cord for the epaulets, hand-sewed on. For the pants and shirt, black stretch sateen. I love sateen because it has a nice shine to it, but it’s nice and thick and not tacky looking at all. WHEW that was a long explanation!
5. Do you have a favorite cosplay you’ve made?
I think my favorite cosplay TO make was my alpha Chun Li. Never knew how much I liked making bodysuits. But my favorite cosplay aesthetically would have to be my Twilight Princess Zelda. I absolutely hated the experience of making it, but I think it turned out really elegant.
6. Off topic question, favorite food?
I’m such a foody you wouldn’t even believe how much I love food. Food is the essence of life my dude. Some of my favorite foods include tsukemen, nigiri, pumpkin bars/muffins, the macaroni and cheese specifically from Woodranch, Korean BBQ, onion rings, veggie tempura, crab, etc.
7. Congrats on finally streaming, will you be looking into other platforms like YouTube or Twitch for future streams?
Yes, for sure! I’m currently preparing a YouTube so I can do more streams, as well as post videos! I also now have a Patreon, which I will be using to do streams exclusively for my patrons.
8. What is one thing you feel the cosplay community could improve on?
Probably body-shaming, and hate comments. I see a lot of it around and hope anyone who sees it happen around them will step in and try stop it. I think the cosplay community should be fun and accepting, not a source of anxiety for anyone.
9. Second off topic question, what is one thing you’re looking forward too?
I’m looking forward to making more cosplays! As usual!
10. Can you hint at any cosplays you’re working on?
It starts with ‘more’, and rhymes with ‘four fun bee’.
11. What conventions can people find you at this year or next year?
I’ll be at Palm Springs Comic Con, Anime Impulse, Anime LA, and Anime Expo for sure! I’ll announce more as they come up.
12. Final question, do you have anything you want to say to your fans?
Thank you so much for your support everyone!! Y’all are so amazing, and I honestly couldn’t have gotten this far without you all. I can’t wait to show you guys what I have in store! (Hint: it’s memes)
Social Media Links
Facebook
Instagram
Patreon
Twitter
Links as to where you can find Tenderbroembrace Cosplay are above. Be sure to give her a follow as she’s doing some fantastic stuff. If I can get out to Anime Expo next year, I will do my best to meet her in person. Until the next Cosplay Cafe, I’m still XBen3000 and I’m out!
