This year the AniMatsuri cosplay competition will be judged by a panel of professional international judges. Let’s meet them!

Asgardian Fraud

I am a costume designer and a cosplayer from Poland. I started cosplaying around 2010 and from then on it has not only become my passion but also my future – where now I work on commission creating costumes for theatre and film productions. I’ve been the Polish representative for EuroCosplay Championships twice, although for the past few years I’ve been present in the community more as judge for the competitions, which allowed me to meet many amazing artists and travel to various countries – it’s amazing how different each community is!

My passion and my career revolve around sewing but cosplay-wise I specialize in creature costumes and masks – I love to try out new techniques and materials every chance I get and with the creature costumes I don’t think I will ever run out of new ideas to try out! I strongly believe that cosplay is an amazing creative outlet that revolutionizes the costume industry with the new inventions of techniques, pattern making and creative solutions to problems such difficult models bring so I’m very excited to see all the amazing costumes at AniMatsuri!

https://www.facebook.com/AsgardianFraud/
https://www.instagram.com/asgardianfraud/

Loki photographed by MLC Foto


Merry All-Nighter

I’m Merry All-Nighter, a Finnish cosplayer of over ten years and a passionate crafter. I specialize in crafting techniques, both in sewing, like embroidery and lacemaking, and in prop work from foams to 3D printing. This all sounds fancy but I think it’s also important to remember that the hobby is all about having fun and enjoying what you’re doing. My favourite things are learning about new materials and techniques, seeing people’s costumes and how they made them. I also love theatre and inspiring performances, especially musicals are close to my heart.

I’ve represented my country in Eurocosplay where I placed first, and at World Cosplay Summit where we received the Brother costume award. Both were amazing opportunities to meet other cosplayers from around the world. I’ve also been judging different cosplay competitions for several years now, but still every time I too learn something new from the participants. In my everyday life, I’m a graphic designer for a international design brand.

I’m very excited to visit AniMatsuri again, as my last visit was a great experience with a warm and welcoming atmosphere and impressive cosplayers.

Listen to Merry’s presentation about preparing for international competitions on Saturday!

https://www.facebook.com/merryallnighter/
https://www.instagram.com/merryallnighter/

Lightning photographed by Alexandriel Photography


Zel COShorse

Zel is a cosplayer from Poland with over 15 years of experience in that wonderfully bizarre field. Made a ton of costumes, competed in a couple of international competitions and has judging and hosting events under his belt as well. Since his favourite part of cosplay is performing, his last couple of years have been dedicated to being a part of the crew that brings cosplay musicals to life. And he can’t wait to see you again!

https://www.facebook.com/ZelCoShorse
https://www.instagram.com/zelcoshorse/

Roy Mustang photographed by @fotabanana, edited by @kairigraphy