![[Cosplay Q&A] “It took me 638 hours to craft”: How BlizzCon 2021’s cosplay winner brought Garrosh to life](https://project-phoenix.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/r1614814278688931.jpeg)
Jimmy Gilis is a sculpture professor by day and Hartigan Cosplay by night time. The Belgium native not too long ago took first place on the first-ever BlizzConline cosplay contest. His prize was two tickets to the following BlizzCon, that means Blizzard followers will get the possibility to see his cosplay in particular person when conventions return.
Hartigan Cosplay’s most up-to-date creation is mindblowing — a murals. It is much more surprising once you discover out he began cosplaying in 2016. Although he is new to the cosplay scene, Hartigan Cosplay is an professional sculpture. This got here by in his first prize cosplay and the cosplay group cannot get sufficient.
What obtained you interested by doing cosplay?
I began cosplaying in 2016 after my ending my sculpture research in 2014. Although, I’ve tried to craft armor from World of Warcraft after I was 17 years previous, across the launch of Wraith of the Lich King — the second extension of WoW. However I gave up on the time. I used to be making an attempt molding strategies that I did not know too properly on the time so my clay modeling obtained trapped in a foul plaster mildew. I bear in mind being fairly mad that day!
My first cosplay was Jack Morrison from Overwatch. I realized to make use of EVA foam for this costume. I used this in my BlizzCon costume as properly for the armor components and weapons.
I at all times beloved sculpting stuff and I’ve performed video video games since I’m younger. So the cosplay is the proper mash-up of my two largest passions!
How did your first conference go? What have been your ideas on the cosplay group?
I’m fairly shy and quiet — I am a little bit of a hermit! So I don’t do a whole lot of conventions. I feel I went to 4 conventions whereas carrying cosplay, two with my Jack Morrison and two with my Dying Knight. Although, I’ve met just a few very nice individuals who turn out to be associates.
What made you resolve to do a cosplay of Jack Morrison? Are you an Overwatch fan? What about this character spoke to you?
Overwatch was new at the moment and I used to be taking part in it rather a lot. The truth is, I wasn’t even taking part in WoW at the moment — I wanted a break!
Jack Morrison has a very cool aesthetic. I actually like his navy model and his Captain America spirit. The truth is, wanting again, I ponder why I began with this one. I used to be already obsessive about the Dying Knight armor at the moment (which ended up being my second cosplay). I feel that I used to be afraid to start out an even bigger venture and this one was doable.
I’ve to say that I had collaborated with a stylist pal of mine, who sewed the coat. I’m actually dangerous with materials!
What’s your favourite half about cosplaying?
Crafting! As a sculptor, I’m at all times unhappy after I’ve completed one thing. There’s at all times a style of nostalgia when it is completed. It pushes me ahead.
Do you’re feeling that males within the cosplay scene get sufficient consideration from the gaming group?
Sure, I’m a fairly good instance!
Your Dying Knight cosplay is a little more intense and extra detailed. What made you resolve to go after such a fancy cosplay?
I am virtually obsessive about the lore round Arthas the Lich King since Warcraft III. So the launch of the second extension of WoW was a good time for me! I beloved virtually all the things about this extension, particularly the gameplay and the aesthetic of the brand new heroic class: The Dying Knight. I discovered the blue set from Acherus tremendous duper cool. So I HAD to do it in actual life… 5 years later.
It was a very nice problem for me. It was the second time I’ve labored with EVA foam in a private creation (I had a number of commissions between my first and second cosplay) and I actually beloved engaged on this construct. I’m a sculptor however I by no means realized foam at college. Studying new supplies and strategies is actually the factor that pushed me ahead.
What was the toughest half about getting the look collectively? How lengthy did it take?
The toughest half about this costume was to learn the in-game mannequin and to interpret it in the appropriate manner. As a result of it’s a actually previous mannequin, the boots and thighs have been actually flat! So what you possibly can see in my cosplay is a creative interpretation of these components.
How lengthy have you ever been taking part in World of Warcraft? What do you want in regards to the sport?
I have been taking part in WoW since round 2007, the center of Burning Campaign. I just like the lore and the epicness of the sport.
How has the WoW group been about your cosplays?
The reactions have been fairly good with the Dying Knight, however Bolvar Fordragon completely nailed it. I’ve learn a ton of constructive feedback throughout the web, from individuals who simply can’t consider that it is a cosplay and never CGI. I’m surrounded by positivity!
I didn’t anticipate a lot suggestions and attain (my Gown Up video has 120,000 views on Youtube at the moment. At the moment, I don’t suppose I spotted that I had received BizzConline but.
Have you ever attended previous BlizzCon occasions?
No, by no means! I’m from Belgium, and I by no means had sufficient cash to fly to California for the occasion. However I might like to. With the primary place on the BlizzConline, I’ve received two tickets for the following BlizzCon. So If I will pay the worth of the aircraft ticket subsequent 12 months, I’ll certainly attend with my girlfriend and daughter.
How did you’re feeling about BlizzCon being on-line this 12 months?
I really feel that the “online-ness” of BlizzCon allowed me to be a part of it. Due to this, I used to be capable of be one of many contestants and even win this. So I might say I’m fairly blissful about this.
How was the net cosplay contest format? What was the method like?
We needed to ship Blizzard two footage and a video of the costume. Blizzard wanted to see the costume accurately with good lighting and a impartial background earlier than January 4th. Earlier than February twentieth, I had not heard any information from Blizzard. However then I noticed myself on-screen through the Group Showcase. I used to be actually careworn till then!
Had been there every other cosplays at BlizzConline that you just favored?
Wozniak’s Chen Stormstout was a tremendous construct. Woman Icellina did an excellent job with Cydea.
How did you select what you’ll costume up as for his or her cosplay contest?
My Bolvar cosplay was completed for the reason that begin of October. I needed to rush it as a result of Warcraft France had requested me to take part in a photoshoot with my Bolvar costume, which I had solely began — and I ended up doing that.
Osangine Cosplay and Cindery Cosplay pushed me to attempt the BlizzConline cosplay contest. It was a very good concept!
Inform me in regards to the development of this superb cosplay. What went into creating this look? What are the supplies?
I’ve primarily labored with foam. The physique is made with upholstery foam with brushed latex.
The top is made with latex and foam too, however otherwise: First, I modeled the top with Monsterclay (an oil-based clay), then forged it with plaster (ultracal) after which forged latex contained in the mildew and flexfoam in a manner that will permit the masks would completely match my face.
The armor components and the weapon are made with EVA foam and foamclay. I created the platform footwear with foam and worbla, making me 15 centimeters taller.
The costume is filled with LEDS (1000+ of them) and with three smoke machines.
It took me 638 hours — roughly — to craft your entire costume.
Can you transfer contained in the cosplay?
I can transfer, after all! I simply can’t do some vast actions. Like I can not scratch my chin (though when I’m on this swimsuit I don’t even really feel my chin anyway)!
How did you’re feeling about successful BlizzCon’s costume contest?
Superb! I shouted in victory and my cat went loopy (poor beast)! I might by no means have anticipated that I might win just a few months in the past, earlier than realizing the BlizzCon can be on-line. It was out of my attain till then. I received it in my front room in the identical pajamas I’m carrying proper now.
How has the response from the cosplay group been?
My social media accounts have been on hearth. I’ve obtained a ton of congratulations, compliments, and love.
What are your future cosplay concepts?
That’s a secret. [laughs]
Do you have got any recommendation for individuals trying to get into cosplay?
Simply do it! There are not any errors, solely studying. Begin small. Not particularly with a small costume, however a small piece of an even bigger costume in order for you. In case you are in love with a personality, simply go.
The web is filled with superb crafters who share what they know. Take a look at Kamui Cosplay, Punished Props, or Evil Ted on YouTube!
