Madman National Cosplay Championship Grand Finalist Interview - Robyn

Occuring on the 14th of November, the Madman National Cosplay Championship is showcasing the best of best in the world of cosplay from around Australia. Going from state to state, five very awesome cosplayers are out to proclaim that they have what it takes to be crowned champion. To that end, ANN|AU has taken a moment of the cosplayer's time so we can all get to know them a bit better. Now we have the Queensland winner, Robyn ANN|AU: Tell us a bit about yourself and your cosplay history, how long have you been cosplaying? What was your first cosplay? Where was your first debut? Robyn: Well my first cosplay was in the year 2004 at Brisbane Supanova where I cosplayed a Psychic Rikku from Final Fantasy X-2. It was not a very well recognised costume nor was it really a costume, more of just clothes that looked like the character's outfit. But when I saw all the amazing costumes at the event I thought that I would try to make my own costume. ANN|AU: Ah, so you just wanted to join in with whatever you could get your hands on? Robyn: Well not so much what I could get my hands on, more so just wanted to be more like the experienced cosplayer's at the convention. My first breakthrough costume was princess Zelda from Zelda: Twilight princess in the year 2007 which is where I won first place for the first time.

ANN|AU: Cool! Anyway, I guess we can move on to the next question; What's the craziest/wildest cosplay you've ever done and why?

Robyn: Haha. Hmm, I don't think I've done anything too crazy but for my most fun outfit I would say Bumblebee from Transformers: Animated. I've had crazy amounts of fun in that outfit. It's also one of my favourite outfits.

ANN|AU: Wow, when did you do that? And how long did it take you to make?

Robyn: I made Bumblebee last year for Gencon 2008 and he was made in 1 very full on month. He's even travelled with me to San Diego Comic Con this year.

ANN|AU: That's so cool. I guess that brings me to my next question, do you often travel to other conventions?

Robyn: Well this year I didn't travel to any interstate conventions because I was saving up for my San Diego trip though next year I will probably go to one or two interstate conventions. I attend nearly all the Brisbane conventions.

ANN|AU: I was in Anime Weekend Atlanta a couple of years ago and the atmosphere is just way different to how it is down here... how was Comic Con for you?

Robyn: Comic Con was intense! There were endless amounts of people and when I was wearing Bumblebee I couldn't get anywhere because I was constantly stopped for photos. But I loved the event, there was always something to look at or do. I met some very nice people who I still keep in touch with and I was able to meet some celebrities who I always wanted to meet, (Brandon Routh and the Mythbusters)

ANN|AU: Awesome!

Robyn: I would go every year if I could

ANN|AU: I know what you mean. Ok, next, what is your most memorable cosplay moment?

Robyn: Hmm there are quite a few. My most recent would be at SDCC and having a gathering of fellow Transformers: Animated cosplayers, we then went to the Hasbro booth to stand in front of the big Bumblebee statue. It was funny because we wanted people to concentrate more on TFA then the movie merchandise.

ANN|AU: Haha, oh well, I guess it's just not as publicized. I haven't even seen it myself, even though my friend has cosplayed a character from there too.

Robyn: From where?

ANN|AU: Transformers: Animated

Robyn: Oooh really? Which character has she done?

ANN|AU: Now you're asking the tough questions, haha. (It was Black Arachnia - TFA fan Ed!)

Robyn: Haha sorry. Trying to rally more TFA troops.

ANN|AU: Anyway, I guess we'll move on to the final question. Do you believe there was one thing that set you above the other cosplayers in the Brisbane round of the Madman National Cosplay Championship, or do you think it's all a combination of perseverance, a good eye for detail and lots of creativity?

Robyn: I would have to say that it would be the latter. I don't like to see myself 'above' other cosplayers as I know many people who are just as talented as I am.

ANN|AU: Fair enough, I guess to elaborate... what was more important, talent or luck?

Robyn: Well I would say talent is better then luck because with talent a person can feel confident in their work. While with luck a person goes in just hoping that they created something that can be pulled off. But in the end it is a combination of both =P

ANN|AU: Good answer, anyway thank you so much for your time

Robyn: You're welcome.

ANN|AU: I wish you all the best of luck and we'll see you in Melbourne in November

Robyn: Thank you.

ANN|AU wishes to thank Robyn for her time and to the team at Madman Entertainment for being so cooperative. Follow us on our next interview as we bring you the rest in the coming weeks before the competition! Photos courtesy of Bryan Jones