We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Akemi Hogan . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Akemi below.
Akemi , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
My creativity comes from my passion’s! Which usually boils down to whatever I am currently obsessed with at the moment. Pop culture has always been a huge part of my life, and a lot of my work is inspired by whatever holds my interested currently.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hello, my name is Akemi, also known as Akemikun Cosplay, and I have been cosplaying for 10+ years now!
I first started cosplaying as a hobby back in 2011, and now it has become my career full-time. What I do mainly is create cosplay characters for companies to bring along to events, conventions, and shows to help promote and bring their characters to life!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Confidence is key! You can be wearing the most incredible cosplay in the world, but if you don’t feel confident in it, it’s hard to sell that character. Learning how to be comfortable not just in your own skin, but being confident portraying someone else, is a valuable skill.
2. Time management! Knowing how long it takes to create certain pieces during costume creation is extremely valuable. If you are able to meet deadlines without having to crunch last minute, it looks more professional AND better for your health if you’re not losing sleep over a project.
3. Not being afraid to try new things! The creative landscape is always evolving and growing, there will always be new techniques and materials that arise that can improve your work or make your job easier. It’s easy to get stuck into a routine, but it’s so important to evolve along with technology rather than to be stagnant.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My little sister, Stumpy! She has been my biggest asset in this business, and for an unexpected reason. We have completely different ways of processing and giving information, and our skills do not alone whatsoever.
But instead of us not getting along or butting heads, she is able to make up for skills that I lack, or approach a problem from a different angle that I may not have seen or been willing to try. I am extremely grateful for her keen eye for detail and straightforward approach, I could not do what I do without her!
Contact Info:
- Website: akemikun.com
- Instagram: @akemikuncosplay
- Twitter: @akemikuncosplay
- Youtube: @akemikuncosplay
Image Credits
@stumpyshoots @martinwongphoto @benjamin_farren @_novafilm_
