The Heichou Sessions: Will Heichou
The next Lance Corporal also comes from the recent wave of Shingeki no Kyojin Ask-irl blogs on Tumblr. His ability to get in character has earned him his own Levi Squad, definitely larger than that of the actual Levi.
He might consider he's just fooling around at home, in front of the camera on an average day while he prepares to answer the questions constantly dropped in his Ask section. But truth is, his skills haven't charmed so many people just for nothing. His own way to bring Levi into reality, is so convincing it truly had me think twice before daring to approach.
Today's Lance Corporal is Will
leviheichou-he is his ask blog on Tumblr. As any other character ask blog, Will receives questions and even requests for him to answer and perform in character through the most dynamic way: gifs.
In these gifs he channels his version of Corporal Levi, which is in my opinion, a spicier version. Will plays with his perception of the character and perhaps... a little of his own interesting personality. You can only see him move, so he puts a lot into it to deliver the character: the costume is complement to his facial expressions, and not the other way around.
The results are always amusing and quite a tease. Transmitting the character's essence mainly through his particularly acid sense of humor most of the time, Will continues to charm what can be considered beyond a squad: an audience. Which communicates with him with the entertaining goal of getting closer to a living version of their favorite character from the series.
With the same dynamism he flaunts in his Ask blog, he's going to share with us his opinions, secrets and experiences of being a Levi cosplayer. Let's get to know him!
B: How did your passion for cosplay begin?
W: It started when I was a kid, actually… I always had a penchant for imaginary/pretend games and dressing up was a huge part of it. In fact, it led me to take acting classes at around six years old and my love affair for roleplaying/cosplaying has been rampant ever since. I see acting as an extension of that and vice versa, actually. When I saw the kinds of scenes people could bring to life with their cosplay photos and the ways in which they were getting creative with their homages to the series or other fan works, I felt that my enjoyment of directing, acting, costuming and makeup could come together in this hobby. It has!
B: Since when have you been cosplaying Levi?
W: I started cosplaying Levi maybe… three weeks ago.
B: What made you decide that he was the character you wanted to cosplay from Shingeki no Kyojin?
W: Honestly, I was going to cosplay Eren at first, but it was drawn to my attention by others that I shared a lot of similarities to Levi, particularly physically. I was hesitant to do it because so many people have taken him on and made such a good job of it, but I eventually gave it a try…and the first attempt was… dubious. But it was enough to make me want to try again.
B: Which is the most outstanding quality you have in common with Levi?
W: I'm not quite sure. Most people would say my physical qualities. My height, definitely. My build. I don't know if people would say my face or not. Character-wise, I guess I can come off a little reserved at times or like I'm apathetic, but deep down, I think I really do feel a sense of responsibility towards people, which is why I choose where to place my energy wisely.
Oh, also, my dazzling personality.
B: How did you get the idea to start an ask-irl blog?
W: I was looking through tumblr, trying to get ideas of how to get a cosplay started without enough money to go to conventions or get nice photographs… and then I realized that gifs were a lot of fun, as was interacting with followers.
B: Did you ever imagine it'd become popular? What was your reaction when your follower count boosted?
W: I didn't imagine it'd become popular. I'm not anywhere near as popular as some ask blogs, but I'm not really measuring success by that, I just really enjoy doing it. My reaction was… very surprised. I couldn't believe it when I started gaining a large amount of followers, I still can't really believe how many follow the blog.
B: To perform Levi for your followers on Tumblr you need to be as convincing as possible, due to his strong character. Do you do anything before taking pictures and shooting videos for your gifs that gets you in a Levi mood?
W:
I bother my partner as much as possible.
It's true.
I also just kind of make faces in the mirror. Putting on the jacket helps as well for some reason?
B: What has been the weirdest/funniest request you've gotten from a follower for you to perform as Levi?
W: Let's see… honestly, I've gotten a lot of great ones. I mean, some were really sexually explicit and I either choose to do somewhat sexy responses to that or maddeningly un-sexy ones. I enjoy it, I might be a bit sadistic like that, haha. The funny ones, well, maybe they've been the ones like "my cat flew through your window" or 'I'm sorry I spilled this Heichou, please forgive me." I can just imagine people legitimately apologizing to me for this and it's kind of hilarious.
B: How long does it take to transform into Levi? Including clothes and make up.
W: Clothes and make-up? If I work quickly, probably about 45 min. If I don't, an hour, because I procrastinate.
B: What are the main products that you use for this character's look?
W: Okay, well, when I did the eyebrow-blocking, I had a ton more that I used. I took a poll and most people preferred my natural eyebrows (which apparently were fine for Levi), so I got rid of the eyebrow blocking. So, that required a glue stick, with about five applications with a makeup spatula and fingertips, concealer, translucent rice powder, panstik foundation, cover that up with translucent rice powder, then use a matte foundation. Here's a quick tutorial on how to do that... NOTE: MY EYEBROWS ARE NOT BLOCKED IN THIS TUTORIAL, NOR DO I USE THIS METHOD ANYMORE. THIS METHOD IS BEST FOR PEOPLE WITH NATURALLY THICKER EYEBROWS THAT DO NOT WANT TO PLUCK THEM:
Let each coat dry, apply 5-6 coats in all. Careful to smooth in any cracks that form.
I no longer block my eyebrows, as I was informed that my eyebrows were Levi enough and looked much better natural. Once I took the poll and got rid of that method, I only used eyeliner to elongate and highlight my eyes as well as create a dramatic crease in the eyelid for that sleepy look, and some clever shading for the shadows/subtle contouring. I use concealer and foundation for my face. I style my hair with mousse and that's about it.
B: Among these products, if you could choose only three to bring with you for a quick transformation, say, at a convention, which would they be?
W: Black Suede Trucco black eyeliner, Made for Mocha Maybelline eyeshadow and the lightest Rimmel matte foundation, no contest!
B: How was the process of recreating the character's features on yourself for the first time? Did it take many attempts to achieve the final look?
W: It was difficult because I'd never blocked my eyebrows before. It was really, really embarrassing and the brows were uneven, too thin, too dark and I was definitely reconsidering my life choices. It took a lot of attempts to get to this point. I went more natural because people were telling me that was the best option for me, though this may not be the case for everyone.
B: According to you, what are the signature features of this character that everyone must take into consideration to bring him to life?
W: Eyes, definitely. I'd say eyes, hair and shadows. Face shape isn't really within anyone's control, but it does help to do what you can with contouring.
Eyes and eyebrows are a big concern for those who wish to achieve that intense expression Levi has. Even for Will it was quite a struggle at first! Having tried both options: eyebrow blocking and natural brow, he chose the one that suits him the most. See? Even his followers voted for the natural brow. So don't feel bad if you don't wish to do the eyebrow blocking.
However, if a literal translation of the character is what you want, don't hesitate to try Will's tutorial for eyebrow blocking and draw a whole new shape.
TIP: With an image of the character close to you to use as reference, trace his eyebrow shape following your brow bone as a guide. This will help you get a lenght that matches your face but still stay loyal to the character's eyebrows.
Now, let's try Will's current make up routine for the Levi look:
Step 1: Apply concealer to entire face. Cover over with matte foundation powder afterwards.
Step 2: Apply shadows in correct places to contour and add depth to eyes.
Step 3: Apply eyeliner to contour eyes and make them stand out (best not to make it LOOK like eyeliner, which the shadows will help).
Step 4: Fix hair/wig (if you use one), bangs are important!
And you're done!!! The reasons I like Will's look is because it's a human translation of the character. It makes you think, if Levi weren't an animated character but a real person this is how he'd be... right? That's a great approach to cosplay as well.
☆ Strong points of Will's version ☆
Contouring: Do you notice how Will starts contouring his nose from the inner end of his eyebrow and creates a curve to go down his nose? That's the spot to start shading and reshaping! Also, the shades at both sides at the tip of his nose create a pointy tip, very much like Levi's. Use this trick if your nose's tip isn't as sharp.
Eyes: Will uses eyeliner to create deeper set eyes by tracing his crease. He advices not to make it look harsh. The best way to achieve this is blending! Grab a clean fluffy brush and blend the line you created. But not too much! You want it to remain dark enough to create a shadow.
B: What does it take to flash Levi's trademark expressions? Could you show us your favorite?
W: It takes a judgmental/concerned look. Not concerned for anyone else, really, but more concerned for his own sanity. I'll try:
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?
W: I would say that cosplay isn't a competition. If it really stresses a person out that they don't share the features with the character, don't do anything that's going to make them too insecure. If the cosplay makes you happy and you really want to do it, there's no reason you shouldn't. There's a lot that can be done with makeup and costume and of course, having a good time is the point.
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?
W: I would likely be terrified to join the Military and might not, if we're being honest. However, after the titans broke the wall, I might feel as if I really, really had to. I can't really say what branch I'd join, definitely not the Stationary Guard because I'd feel like a sitting duck. The Military Police, ehhh, I'm not sure about that. It would seem nice while they were kept out of the titan business, but you know, I'd feel really ill-equipped to deal with an actual titan attack. The Scouting Legion would be a difficult one. It'd be exciting and I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie, but I know the survival rate and ehhh, it's a bit grim.
B: Finally, some words for SnK fans and any person who's passionate about cosplay:
W: An interest in fiction is never silly, nor is cosplaying. No matter what age you are, you need something to turn to when things get rough and if fiction gives you strength and fandom gives you a sense of community, there is nothing to be ashamed of.
Will has showed us that beyond getting in the character's attires, it's all about loving what you do.
Don't forget to check his Ask blog: leviheichou-he, and feel free to drop him questions to see them answered! Just... don't expect him to be as nice as he was during this interview. He is Lance Corporal Levi, after all, and he'll teach you life lessons in his own way.
Thanks a lot, Will!
PREVIOUS SESSIONS: andie, Ali.
1 comments
"I would say that cosplay isn't a competition. If it really stresses a person out that they don't share the features with the character, don't do anything that's going to make them too insecure. If the cosplay makes you happy and you really want to do it, there's no reason you shouldn't. There's a lot that can be done with makeup and costume and of course, having a good time is the point."
ResponderEliminarCan't agree more with this, seriously. It doesnt matter if you're not the perfect rendition of character, each person has their own way to approach looks and what matters is to have fun!
Will... i can totally see he has a very nice personality and acting skills, but it comes out natural or looks like it. I really like it, he definitely looks like i'd imagine a human levi to be like (i mean, taking the fact that he IS a real male, because although girls make wonderful males sometimes, you know, featues are always girlier).
Loving all the gifs he used for the interview. Once again, little makeup and wonderful result.
Also, once again, he's making use of his natural features and enhancing them. Wonderful.
Loving all the cosplayers so far! All seem like lovely people!
Keep it up!