The Heichou Sessions: Ali Heichou
Photography: Alex R.
Since decribing it wouldn't do justice to it and I don't want to spoil 1994 details for those who don't know what it is. Here's what I'm talking about:
Photography: Michele W.
I suppose I do have your attention now. Let's continue then!
Ali is from Vancouver, and not only we have in common our SnK obsession, but also for Tiger & Bunny. Basically, I could leave it there and conclude she's awesome. But there's much more I want to share.
I was quite nervous to start approaching a bunch of strangers all "hey can I ask you a few questions?" so out of the blue, even if it's the internet. And this case in particular is quite special, we're talking about Levi cosplayers, who are meant to look intimidating.
But Ali was the first to clear my nerves. She told me a bit of her story, how she got to like anime and manga from an early age, and how inevitably fell into the Shingeki no Kyojin trap all because of Tumblr (isn't Tumblr always the first to blame?)
I liked it how she describes herself as a masochist, for most of the shows she enjoys have quite a heavy emotional load, so it was only natural that someone who likes to connect on a deeper level with the things they enjoy, would end up liking SnK. I don't know, she just gives you that impression, that none of the things she likes, she likes them just because, but there's always something behind it. In other words, an intriguing person, which perfectly suits a Levi cosplayer.
Something else that got my attention is that she mentioned she'll study Arts with a major in Archeology. I am so sorry, this is just my imagination flying, but after she said that all I could think of was an adventure seeker Levi, conquering back all the territory taken by the Titans in the past, rediscovering the vestiges of the many civilizations destroyed.
No? Ok, sorry. On to the interview, let's actually talk to Ali... I mean, our second Lance Corporal Levi.
B: How did your passion for cosplay begin?
A: I was always really into Anime and Manga as a kid and I first found out about cosplaying while I was looking up some AMVs on Youtube. I found this group called FightingDreamersPro, who did a lot of cosplay skits on their channel and I discovered what cosplay was through them. I also discovered that they were also from Vancouver, Canada, like me and that they were attending one of the local conventions in August back in 2007. So I made the decision to buy a cosplay online and attend the convention and I've been cosplaying and going to cons ever since!
B: What do you like about cosplaying?
A: I absolutely LOVE the creative aspect of it as well as the community. I've met a lot of cool people and I've made some absolutely wonderful and amazing friends through cosplay. In some ways I'm grateful for this hobby, because without it, I never would have met any of them.
As for the creative side of it, I've always been keen to learn new things. I'm currently learning how to sew and I'm in the process of making my own 3D manuever gear. It's slow-going, but I'm getting there! I also really enjoy just being that character for a day. (And let me tell you, walking around in the Survey Corps uniform definitely makes you feel like a badass and it is such a huge confidence-booster.)
B: For how long have you been cosplaying Levi?
A: I've been cosplaying Levi since late July of this year, so this is a relatively new cosplay for me. I was initially going to cosplay Eren, which I still might do, but Levi totally won me over.
B: What do you like about this character that made you decide it was him you wanted to cosplay?
A: I thought he was a badass and I don't usually cosplay the badass characters, so I decided to try him out. Eventually he grew on me, though and I started getting more and more attached to him. I think he's one of the more human characters in SNK. He seems so indifferent and uncaring, but he does care and I think he's just misunderstood by a lot of the fanbase. When it boils down to it, however, Levi and I have a few similarities in our personalities as well as a few differences that challenge my mediocre acting skills.
I don't know, she looks quite convincing to me...
Photography: Alex R.
B: Have you cosplayed other characters before? What does it take for you to decide what characters you want to cosplay?
A: I've been cosplaying since 2007, so I have a number of different characters under my belt now. A lot of them are typical shounen heros and main chararacters; I only have a few female cosplays, 90% of my cosplays male characters. It usually doesn't take a lot for me to decide. Usually I will pick a character that I like the design of, or whose character has struck a chord with me. Characters like Romano from Hetalia and Jack Frost, for example, where two characters that I found that I resonated with, so I cosplayed them.
B: How long does it take you for you to transform into Levi?
A: Uh, about an hour or so? Levi is my first cosplay where makeup plays a huge role in bringing the character to life, so it takes me longer than usual. (I can actually get the harness on in less than five minutes now, though!)
B: What habits and qualities do you have in common with this character?
A: ... I'm a bit of a clean-freak. Especially when I'm at work. Things have to be clean at all times! My neutral face is also very serious and angry-looking in general and I'm also only an inch taller than Levi is. We also share some similarities in our personalities, in that I can be sassy and blunt when I want to be and I try to look at things from a logical perspective.
B: What make up products do you use to create the Levi look?
A: Mostly the basics; eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner, a brow pencil and a very light amount of foundation. As I'm not that skilled with makeup yet, because I'm still learning, I try to keep the overall look simple and not too overbearing. Though for 1994!Levi, I put more emphasis on the eyeliner than I would for canon!Levi.
B: Between those products, if you had to choose only three for a quick transformation at a convention for example, which would they be?
A: Eyeshadow, eyeliner and my brow pencil. I have a very fair complexion and a relatively even skintone, so I can do without the foundation if needed. Most of Levi's expression is in his eyes, though, so it would definitely have to be those three.
B: What features of this character did you pay attention the most to recreate them on your on face?
A: My eyes and my eyebrows! Levi has a very harsh expression and the majority of that in his eyes, so I try to emulate that as much as possible. My eyebrows are also curved and very light, so I always have to darken them and straighten them out using a pencil.
B: Tell us what you consider it takes to flash Levi's trademark expression. Show us your best Levi expression.
A: Just look bored and unimpressed at all times. My neutral expression generally looks like that, so I don't necessarily have to try hard to pull it off, especially with the eye makeup. Also, when you need to look EXTRA unimpressed, just very slightly narrow your eyes and make eye contact with whoever you're staring at. Guaranteed to intimidate any poor, unwitting squad member you come across.
Photography: Sasha (LifeAsAnArtist)
Makeover time!!! Here's Ali completely out of character, washed from everything that brings her closer to Levi at least outside.
So this is another version of a natural approach to this look, except more intense. Ali's features are sharp in an elegant way, and being aware of what she has, she made the best out of each of them to put together a look that would be both natural but convincing.
Strong points of Ali's version:
Eyebrows:
- Ali's eyebrows are very light, thin and curved, but she makes a delicate difference with her brow pencil. The shape is not aiming to look cartoon like, but natural, resembling her original brow shape but more straight and full. In my opinion, this gives a better illusion of "human version" of the character.
Contouring:
- If you have a sharp, straight nose bridge like Ali's, it's not necessary to use such a dark brown or at least not many layers. Make the best out of your natural nose shape and only drag the color delicately, just like Ali shows in the picture. Dragging the contouring only halfway down your nose will prevent it from looking way too sharp.
Eyes:
- Ali creates deeper set eyes with different tones of eyeshadow. If you're aiming for the same natural re-shaping effect, follow your natural brow bone and crease. The darker shades should go at the beginning of your nose's bridge the inner corners of your eyes and under your lower lash line. This is all meant to create deep set eyes and that dark shadowy expression of this character.
- Because Ali has almond shaped eyes, with eyeliner she creates a very thin, straight line that gives the look more intensity and reshapes the upper lid to a more straight one. It still remains a basic process of lining, which again, creates a look more believable for the human version of the character. As you can see in the pictures, she plays with the intensity of shadows in each opportunity, the thickness of the eyeliner and darkness of contouring areas. So modify your routine according to your needs! And even your mood.
Now you're ready to go! I like this look so much because Ali made the best out of each of her features, adapting them to the character in a natural way. I'd dare to say I'd even use this look for an everyday... grumpy face? I don't know, but I liked it.
Photography: Sasha (LifeAsAnArtist)
B: One of the main insecurities that stops many from doing a certain cosplay, are the lack of physical similarities between them and the character. What do you think of that? Could you share any words to these people?
A: DON'T EVER let that stop you! If you really love a character and you want to cosplay them, JUST DO IT. Don't worry about whether or not you look like the character. Cosplay isn't about that! Cosplay is about fun and showing off your love for that character as well as the fandom.
Of course, everyone has a personal preference. I, myself, like to try and look as much like the character as I can, but that is my OWN personal preference at it doesn't actually impact my decision to cosplay a certain character. Cosplay whoever you want and don't let anyone tell you who you should cosplay!
B: You wake up and find yourself literally in the SnK universe. Would you be in the Military? Which Division would you choose and why?
A: As much as I would love to be part of the Survey Corps, I'm afraid that I wouldn't last long and I certainly wouldn't be brave or gutsy enough for it. I'd go with the Garrison, as I'd be behind the wall and safe (for the most part) and I wouldn't have to be a part of the corrupt Military Police. I definitely would not want to be just a normal citizen, though. I'd much rather be able to protect myself.
B: Finally, some words for SnK fans and any person who's passionate about cosplay:
A: For the cosplayers: Keep doing what you do! You're all amazing and again, don't let anyone tell you who or what you should be cosplaying!
For the SNK fans: This fandom is absolutely amazing and hilarious and I love you all!
With this, Ali says good bye to us. I actually enjoyed talking to her. Maybe she was born with an actual Levi glare but don't let that fool you, besides that being something intriguing and appealing, she's also a great person to talk to! So relaxed and easy going, willing to share her passions.
If you want to know more about her, here's her personal Tumblr. There are more pictures of her wonderful cosplay, even in 1994!Levi, along with an Eren that is incredibly adorable. So go find out more by yourself!!!
And of course! Thank you, Ali ♡
Ah! Taking the chance to say I created a Tumblr: Follow follow
Previous Sessions: andie
* 1994!Levi: this refers to a Levi from an Alternative Universe of a fic called 1994, by Vee, which is developed in the 90's. It's still ongoing and it portrays a Goth version of Levi. Its popularity has driven many people from the fandom to actually cosplay the fic's version of the characters.
2 comments
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ResponderEliminarAlright, to start... In my opinion, Ali has more of an intimidating presence, it's easy to see she doesn't need to "act" that feature of levi's personality that much.
ResponderEliminarOnce again, I also liked how she makes the most out of her own features, but adapts them to the character. As you mentioned, her approach seems more like a "humanized" levi, instead of the cartoonish look stritcly. I'm digging that.
There's a lot of difference between Andie and Ali, and I believe they both portray the character really well. This shows how it doesn't matter if your features are not perfect to play a character, you just have to play with makeup, shapes, the clothes and you will give life to the character on your own way! Who will say these two girls are not amazing levis? THEY ARE! and they both rock it greatly on their own way. Lovely!
About that one fic version, it also looks very cool. I like when people cosplay characters with different clothes and settings than the ones they are supposed to have. I like to think that characters, even in their fictional world, must have "normal" times, if you know what i mean, so why not dress up differently or have them in situations different than the ones they are supposed to be in? It's imagination, so to see people cosplay characters from a fic, is really fun, too.
Ali seems like a great girl, and i loved her pictorial! very simple and easy to understand!
All of you keep up with the great work!