Russian Cosplayer Astrid Hawke

Hello! I’m Astrid, I’m a 24 year old cosplayer from Russia. At the moment, I’m finishing my studies at the university. I try to make my costumes myself, especially when it comes to sewing. I really love this process and want to continue developing in this direction.

What inspired you to cosplay?

That was in 2010. I was a member of an anime club and our leader suggested going to a cosplay festival in another city. I really wanted to feel like part of this event, so with the help of my grandmother, I made a cosplay of Amane Misa from Death Note. The atmosphere of the festival did not leave me indifferent, and I just could not help but continue to cosplay.

Which cosplayer character costume has been most challenging or difficult for you to create and pull off?

I can confidently say that it was Merrill from Dragon Age 2. Creating chain mail requires a lot of money and time. This costume was truly a challenge. To put on this costume, I need about three hours. In addition, I cannot do this without help. Some details have to be sewn to chain mail right on me.

Also, I lose all mobility in this costume and I can’t even bend over and bend my legs and arms. And after an hour, the back is already starting to hurt due to the weight of the chain mail. Putting this costume off is much faster and easier.

What should someone never or not say to a cosplayer?

I consider it’s a little tactless when unfamiliar people write to a cosplayer and begin to advise what they need to redo in a costume and say what is wrong, if they were not asked about it. Even worse, when they begin to compare you with another cosplayer.

For me, cosplay is not a race or competition. This is my hobby, and it’s important first of all to enjoy it. If I’m unsure of something and I need help, I will ask people about it.

Do you have any other hobbies or interests?

Of course! I adore reading books. I literally read every day. My favorite genre is science fiction and horror. I also love comics and video games. I can play them all day long. And I’m a big fan of Korean dramas.

If you could change one thing about the world, what will it be?

I’m really concerned about the lives of animals. I would like circuses and zoos, in which animals are cruelly treated, poaching and everything that causes them harm, to disappear from our world forever.

And so that there are no more homeless animals.

Is there any superstition you believe in?

No, I’m one of those people who absolutely do not believe in superstition, but who believe in aliens and all that, ahah.

What is the funniest or lamest attempt a guy has tried to know you while you were cosplaying?

They never tried to know me while I was cosplaying. There were only inadequate guys who tried to grope me when I was in an open costume.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions Astrid. One question before we end, how do you define “sexy”? 

This is first of all confidence. It is not necessary to comply with any model standards. No need to be shy of any “shortcomings”. We are all unique. If we love ourselves and our body, others will consider us attractive. People feel it.

It was hard for me to accept myself for a long time, but then I realized that I was worried about trifles and now everything is wonderful in my personal life.

Follow the talented Astrid Hawke on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrid_hawke/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astrid03hawke

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AstridHawke

Images by Astrid Hawke

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