Kamui Cosplay: An Interview with the Queen of Crafting
Kamui Cosplay is a beacon of creativity and education in the cosplay space. This week we’re diving into the world of Svetlana and Benni’s cosplay!
Kamui Cosplay is one of the most well-known titans in the crafter space. For over a decade Svetlana and her partner Benni (and their adorable army of corgis!) have been building some of the most gorgeous and detailed cosplays on the market.
Their time and expertise have been funneled into a series of accessible educational resources including books, instructional videos, and templates. This week we’re beginning a series of articles featuring this dynamic duo. Behold, the world of Kamui Cosplay!
Svetlana aka Kamui Cosplay is an internationally acclaimed content creator, teacherand costume designer from Germany. As a cosplay veteran, she creates costumes already since 2003 and even turned her hobby into a business. Over the years sheand her husband Benni published a long running series of popular instructional books, video tutorials and crafting patterns that influenced a whole generation ofcosplayers. Both love to share their knowledge and experience with the communityand always find new ways to inspire newcomers and cosplay veterans alike. Their positive and helpful attitude is one of the many reasons why they are already followed by 3.5 million fans from all over the world. Svetlana and Benni are hugely popular cosplay guests at conventions, enjoy to run highly entertaining workshops, Q&As and crafting panels. At the end of the day though, they just do what they always did, build stuff and help others.
-Kamui Cosplay Biography
“Build Stuff and Help Others” is such a wonderful motto for this cosplay team. I myself have been inspired by their work, and I have copies of their entire line of construction tutorial books on my cosplay shelf. It takes an amazing person to not only create high-level art, but to have the kindness and structural ability to share their work with others.
Cosplay is a genre of inclusivity, and this is witnessed in top-tier cosplayers whose work helps others grow and learn. We are so proud to feature the work of Kamui here on BoLS. Remember, folks- if you can dream it, you can do it. Take it from Kamui… With a little bit of time and creativity, ANYTHING is possible.
How did you get your start in cosplay?
I discovered cosplay in 2003 back then when I read a journal about anime and manga, which also featured international comic conventions. This was also the year when I attended my very first convention as well. As a “proper” attendee I also wanted to try out cosplay. While I didn’t instantly fell in love with this new hobby, I got absolutely hooked when I started playing WoW and decided to dress up as my own avatar, a Nightelf Druid called Kamui.
What is your strongest construction aspect?
I’m an artist with plenty of traits, but not a master in any of them- just like a Druid in World of Warcraft actually. Foam armor making and prop making are clearly two skills I’m very experienced and also quite confident with. Electronics are tricky, but I have enough time to learn and understand the necessary tech. Sewing is clearly my weak point, but only because I rarely construct any fabric-focused costumes.
What is your favorite type of cosplay work to do?
Oh, I absolutely love installing electronics with light and sound effects! This part is obviously very technical and is often incredibly frustrating. However, I really enjoy the challenge and always learn something new once I finish a new project. I think failing and crying are actually just as important parts of cosplay as fabric and hot glue is, but as long as you don’t give up and keep on fighting, you’ll only get better and grow as an artist.
What are your favorite completed cosplays, or your most popular?
As a huge fan of Monster Hunter, I’m very proud of all my Monster Hunter costumes. I’ve constructed three armors and one NPC so far and love all of them. These were the projects that also got me really hooked with foam armor. I think my most popular costume is my recent one though: Beidou from Genshin Impact. My husband Benni and I shared every single detail on how the costume was made and I think my community really enjoyed the variety of materials and techniques which were involved in this project.
What material is your favorite to work with?
Digital RGB LED strips and EVA foam. It’s in general a great combination to create really massive and impressive armor costumes or props!
Where Can We Find Your Work Online?
Learn Cosplay with our books & patterns: www.kamuicosplay.com
YouTube – youtube.com/kamuicosplayofficial
Facebook – facebook.com/kamuicos
Instagram – instagram.com/kamuicosplay
TikTok: – tiktok.com/@kamuicosplay
Twitter – twitter.com/kamuicosplay
Facebook Community Group – facebook.com/groups/kamuicosplaycommunity
~Join us next week for more Cosplay Coverage~
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