The DIY Cosplayer - CMYK.cosplay

THE

DIY

C OSPLAYER

Created by: Tanapol Charucharoenchai

Mr. Songpon Hompana, known as Knock or CMYK cosplay, is one of the most passionate cosplayers in Thailand. Knock started cosplaying as a hobby many years ago. And today he is able to attract many friends, followers, and job offers through this hobby.

Every time Knock plans a cosplay, he will make the entire costume by himself. And on this occasion he is going to make a costume of a character named Iori from the game The King of Fighters.

“The reason I decided to make them by myself is because I wanted my costumes to be unique.�

Knock always goes to Phahurat Market and Wongwian Yai to buy materials for his costumes. These two places are mostly filled with fabrics and leathers. He goes there so often that some of the shop owners now recognise him as soon as he gets there.

“It’s wonderful being able to choose perfect materials to exactly match my vision.”

After Knock gets all the materials he needs, he goes back to his room and starts drawing patterns on the fabrics and leathers. He then cuts them out and starts sewing.

“I learn these skills mostly by getting out of my comfort zone.�

After finishing sewing his costume, Knock tries them on to see if there are any parts he should fix. He wants to look his best on the photoshoot day.

“I wanted my cosplay to exceed the expectations of my friends and followers.�

Moving on to the photoshoot day, Knock arrives early before anyone else does and starts applying makeup.

“Makeup takes time and requires precision. I don’t want my friends to wait for me too long, so I usually start early.”

After Knock finishes his makeup, he puts on his costume and wears a wig.

“Looking in the mirror after I’m fully transformed, I’m often proud of myself that I managed this all by myself.”

Not wasting any time, Knock proceeds to shoot himself first before any of his friends does. The moment he steps in front of the camera, he becomes the character he is cosplaying. His moves and poses fit his cosplay character perfectly.

“I have goals that someday I could travel abroad and attend many foreign cosplay events. So before that happens, I must do my best here in Thailand.�

Finally, when Knock’s friends are ready, they join him on the photoshoot and take many group photos together.

“I’m glad that what I’m doing can make both myself and people around me happy.”