[Cosplayer: Mat’OS (Matos)] For the Perfect Shot It’s Okay To Step Aside

 

And A Stunning Graphic Cosplayer Appears…

A capable man can be seen in the way he carries himself… not needing any words at all. It’s often said, but this person in front of me speaks with his eyes; two burning orbs behind a cool fringe… I wonder if I can complete this interview without bursting into flames. 

 

But there’s no way that we can do this interview through telepathy, right!? Just this time, please forgo your cool, quiet character, Squall!!

 

 

How Makeup Became Part of the Everyday Routine

I was a bit intimidated at the beginning of this interview with you, Mat’OS. I mean, you look shockingly like a FINAL FANTASY VIII graphic on a release promo… More than just handsome, you’re surreal. Your skin is almost too beautiful, don’t you think?

 

“I regularly put on light makeup. I draw on my eyebrows and wear colour contacts. There might only be a few friends I have that have seen me bare-faced without makeup.”

 

Ah, I see. When people put on cosplay makeup it’s usually pretty apparent, but you wear makeup as part of your everyday routine, so it makes sense that it would appear a lot more natural. 

 

 “I still have a long way to go. To me makeup artistry is very complex.”

 

Vincent from FINAL FANTASY VII/Photography: Yusuke Tanaka (@YUSUKE_SQEX)

 

On that topic, how did you become so fascinated with makeup?

 

“Being a man, I didn’t know much about makeup until I actually started cosplaying. The first cosplay I ever did was the same one I am wearing now; Squall Lionheart. At that time, I thought because I am a man cosplaying a man I didn’t really have to fuss with makeup, but that was not the case at all… At first I was just going to do it once, but then I thought, “You know what? I can wear makeup to my heart’s content if I want!” and so I continued doing makeup even to today.”

 

Usually, if you think of a man’s makeup routine you would naturally think that it would be a light one. However, as a result of him pursuing his ideals, Mat’OS has an extensive routine that focuses heavily on skincare.

 

 

Cosplay Begins With Skincare

“I am always very conscious of my skincare routine; using things like face toners and serums. Because men’s skin can be pretty oily, I sometimes cleanse to balance my skin out even when not wearing makeup. I try to take supplements and protein when I can, and also drink water. Recently I have also been using a water purifier for my bath.”

 

 Like Rome, beauty wasn’t built in a day…

 

Espeon in human form from Pokemon / Photography: NAO (@LayersBook）

 

“Moreover, I practice lightening my skin in order to cosplay characters who are fairer.. I use parasols and have a perfect routine for UV protection.” 

 

The Best Pieces Transform 2D into 3D

Is it safe to say that your mindset of quality over quantity is why you’re so particular about your cosplay?

 

“Well, the first thing I think about is bringing that anime, game, manga, etc. character into the 3D realm. Under the makeup, of course cosplay is about bringing the actual person into the work… However, for me it’s not just that. I try to simulate that character stepping out of the 2D world and into reality. And for instance, if I am not the best person to portray a character in their 3D form and if I’m not the person for the job, then I am fine with that.”

 

Wow… Even though you’re a cosplayer you don’t mind if it’s not you cosplaying…?

 

“Well in order to get the perfect shot, if there is someone better than I am for the character I think that person should be asked to do it. Even if I can’t be in the photo, as long as I can still support them it doesn’t bother me at all.”

 

Maybe more so than a “cosplayer”, we should call you a “cosplay director”…

 

“I might have adopted more of an all-business attitude when it comes to photoshoots (laughs). For self-financed photoshoots I do things like frequent events in the doujin community to scout cosplayers. I also search on Twitter for cosplayers that are from the works I want to shoot and when I think “They’re the one!!” I try to go to the events I think they will be at in order to talk with them.”

 

It sounds like you’re a recruiter. In addition to this, you say that you try not only to scout cosplayers for the shoots you want to do, but on the flipside photographers as well.

 

“I will sometimes draw out a rough sketch (of the shoot) and give it to the photographer. Using 3D imaging, I have them create a composite image, then decide on things like using smoke and other logistics in advance, and think about how it will come together…” 

Whoa… That’s more than just something you do for fun; that is serious directing. However, it really seems like amateur cosplayers like us would surely trip over all those hurdles if you consider all of the components and commitment we’ve discussed so far.  

   

Wow! A rough sketch drawn by Mat’OS… 

 

The 3D composite image with a detailed plan of action for the shoot…

 

It’s complete! Squall from DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY NT / Photography / Retouching: nasu (@nasucalu）

 

 

The Characters Are Trapped in Time, But For Us Time Marches On…

“You know, everyone has their own version of having fun, I just take more of a business-like approach to it (laughs). In any case, I think that if you like it you should start by giving it a try. I feel like people who want to try cosplay, most likely have a character that they resonate with. Especially from their past… like a character that they liked in their childhood. That character is trapped in time and will never age, however for us time marches on. So if you think of it that way, all we have is now. This may be the best time to do it, and it’s such a waste to let the moment pass you by.”

 

It’s true. If old folks like us (here at DoujinWorld) wanted to cosplay a highschool character it would be really hard to imagine that we could  pull it off. If you think of your body as the “raw ingredients” to create that perfect lasting photo, the cosplay might have an expiry date.

 

Rokuro from Tales of Berseria: Mat’OS x Aizen: Yulii (@yuli_nkym) Photography: Gliff (@gliff_weit)

 

 

• Mat’OS

Twitter：@SquasTume

 

Instagram：trmtskswrt

 

 

 

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