Simply stunning
Square Enix character designs never looked better before Rainer Tachibana took up cosplay. This versatile cosplayer hails from Singapore, and has the uncanny ability to take the form of some of eastern gaming's most recognizable faces. Able to recreate gorgeous females and lithe males alike, she blends her good looks with great costumes to create some truly convincing cosplay. You'll do a double take at some of these shots, thinking that they're CG renders ripped straight from Final Fantasy games.
To find out more about her passion for cosplay, we asked Rainer about her hobby and the work that goes into creating such striking portrayals. You'll be happy to know that she's a bonafide gamer, too...
GamesRadar: Why did you start cosplaying? What was your first costume?
Rainer Tachibana: I grew up playing video games, and I started watching anime when I was in school. I came across some cosplayers for the first time at a local IT show. Initially I was a bit put off because I was afraid of looking foolish, but after more research, I decided to give it a try.
The first cosplay that I made and wore to an event was FFVII: Advent Childrens Tifa Lockhart. It was a total disaster, naturally. Ive since redone that costume, so Ive decided that Ive redeemed myself.
Pictured: Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy.Photo credit: swift-wing
GR: What does cosplaying mean to you?
RT: When I first started out it was all about the fun, and I attempted so many different characters and costumes in a year. Now its still about the fun, but I tend to want to spend more time and effort on each cosplay, making sure I finish each project properly, and I take my time in planning concepts for shoots. In a way, cosplay (and costuming) for me has become a form of artistic expression, if that makes sense. Of course, all things considered, its still just a hobby, and while it is a part of my life, it is not my [entire] life.
Pictured: Asuka Kazama from Tekken.Photo credit: Fantastiqueist
GR: How much of a time-investment is this? What do you like to do outside of cosplaying?
RT: Theres definitely this negative correlation between the amount of time and the amount of money you spend on cosplay. I used to engage the services of a tailor very often, so I spent very much less time on the crafting process. Now that Im doing the sewing and crafting myself, I spend anywhere from as little as a few hours, to as much as a few weeks on a single costume, depending on the complexity of the project. I do save a lot of money though, which is great since Im studying at the moment and dont have a steady income.
Most of my free time goes into gaming, and hanging out with friends, and shopping, and deciding what to eat for dinner. Normal people stuff. I also spend a lot of time with the dog, who is a very active little creature and depletes a lot of my daily energy.
Pictured: Diaochan from Dynasty Warriors.Photo credit: KissingGiraffe
GR: What's the strangest thing (material, prop, etc) you've used to complete a costume?
RT: Ive used sink strainers and an ashtray to construct a sword, and random clear plastic wrapping crumpled up and stuffed into an acrylic tube with a concert lightstick bulb at the bottom to make another component of aforementioned sword.
Also, I dont smoke--so to save money from buying a whole pack of cigs (which are super expensive in Singapore), I use rolled-up pieces of paper stuffed with paper shavings and red cellophane bits as a substitute [for my Nana Osaki costume]. I actually bought them from some knick-knack shop while on a holiday for a few cents a stick. Since no one has actually called me out on that yet, I assume they look the part, and will continue to use them.
Pictured: Itachi Uchiha from Naruto Shippuden.Photo credit: ahbu
GR: How much do you worry, if at all, about getting the look exactly right, down to the last detail?
RT: Truthfully, its not something that I try not to worry about too much. When you do cosplay its important to be as accurate as possible, but its often impossible for one or ones costume to look a hundred percent similar to a virtual character. I sometimes play around with the dimensions and proportions to suit my body type, and on occasion cheat by excluding any items or parts of the costume that will be hidden, perhaps by a skirt or train or by a long wig. But in general, my policy is that whatevers visible on the character must be included in my costume.
Pictured: Ayane from Dead or Alive.Photo credit: swift-wing
GR: Whats your favorite video game?
RT: I used to cite the Final Fantasy series as my favorite, but seeing as the newer installments are getting more and more diluted, Ive since moved on. FFVII is definitely very close to my heart though.
I play quite a wide variety of games, my favorite genres being FPS, RTS and RPGs-- but currently, youd find me most often on Guild Wars 2, the Sanctum of Rall server. Ive never been one for MMOs, but to me, Guild Wars is The One.
Pictured: Zhenji from Dynasty Warriors.Photo credit: swift-wing
GR: How you do choose which characters to cosplay?
RT: I would be lying if I said aesthetics dont play a part, because they do. The character design has to attract me visually first. If its a playable character from a game, the process is shortened, because gameplay gives you that instant perspective that you dont otherwise get. I also have to like the character and be able to identify somewhat with her/him--otherwise portrayal would be an absolute nightmare and Id end up with an unconvincing cosplay. I also wouldnt be able to commit to spending that much time and money on a cosplay of a character that I didnt like.
I avoid characters whose body types and facial features are entirely different from mine, like extremely petite young girls or very built men. Thatd be yet another route to an unconvincing cosplay.
Pictured: Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy.Photo credit: Fantastiqueist
GR: Whats your favorite costume among the ones youve worn and/or made?
RT: I like to think that I love all my costumes. If I had to pick one that I can see myself wearing over and over and over again and not get sick of, itd be the original FFXIII Lightning costume. I didnt actually make the costume base. That was done by my wonderful tailor, so the workmanship is top-notch, and extremely comfortable to wear. The entire costume is also fully functional; no awkward invisible zip closures, which I absolutely hate. Its easy to get in and out of, easy to pack, easy to wash and dry, and so on. Ive already worn it quite a number of times, I fear that people may have gotten sick of seeing me in it (LOL). I do want to wear it a few more times though. Its my go-to cosplay for no-fuss days.
The prop Im currently using, a fiberglass and resin replica of Lightnings Blaze Edge, is also not made by me. I purchased it as the very first birthday gift Id ever given to myself a few years ago after I moved house and the one I made was discarded, so it has a lot of sentimental value. Its easily my favorite prop, even though I didnt make it myself.
Pictured: Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII.Photo credit: ahbu
GR: What tips do you have for entry-level cosplayers?
RT: Even though cosplay is just a hobby, the feedback you get from online communities will seem very real, and very personal. You have to learn to filter out the constructive comments from the plain nasty ones, and improve yourself from there. Everyone has their own reasons for engaging in this hobby, but I find that its best to cosplay for your own enjoyment, and not for approval from others, and not for the attention. These could be pleasant bonuses, but not the source of your motivation. Remember that for every five people who like your work, therell probably be another five who dont, and while you should acknowledge that everyone has a right to their opinions, you shouldnt let that affect you.
Also, pick up some crafting skills. Learn basic stitching, and how to work a machine. Read tutorials online and watch videos. Even if you start out buying costumes or having them commissioned, try to do the little details and accessories and props yourself, and eventually, when youre skilled enough, work on simple costumes from scratch. These skills will save you a lot of money in the long run, and you might even come to enjoy the costume-making process.
Pictured: Oerba Dia Vanille from Final Fantasy.Photo credit: swift-wing
GR: What's the ultimate cosplay costume youve always wanted to make?
RT: FFVIIs Sephiroth is my absolute favorite character of all time, and I would usually cosplay a character I liked that much, but I know Ill never ever do it simply because I cant. (LOL) So until I find another ultimate cosplay to make, Ill just improve my crafting skills and get myself into shape and wait for that epic challenge to come along.
Pictured: Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy.Photo credit: Zeratul
GR: What's your favorite board game?
RT: I actually dont have a favorite board game. I play whatever my friends (who are VERY into board games) bring along to social gatherings, but usually I dont even take note of the name of the game, or I just forget after the session.
Sadly, I have never played Monopoly or Risk in my life. Its pathetic, I know.
Pictured: Serah Farron from Final Fantasy XIII.Photo credit: William Wong
GR: Thanks for your time! Anything else youd like to add?
RT: As with any other hobby, please remember to have fun and be creative. Most importantly, respect yourself, and the people you meet.
Pictured: Ashelia Dalmasca from Final Fantasy XII.Photo credit: swift-wing
Ethereal beauty
It's heartening to hear Rainer's earnest motivations for doing what she does--quite honestly, we think we're in love. To see more of her magnificent work, be sure to visit her Deviantart page and personal blog, where you can find plenty of additional cosplay pictures. In the meantime, we wanted to share the rest of our favorite Rainer Tachibana cosplays; we're still in awe that all these spot-on looks were done by the same one person.
For more amazingly convincing cosplays, check out the Monika Lee Cosplay Spotlight and the Crystal Graziano Cosplay Spotlight.
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