Detailed costumes and German punctuality: An Interview with December Wynn
The Cosplay community operates internationally – at conventions or contests as well as on Social Media. At Connichi 2019, we had the pleasure to discuss this topic with cosplayers from different parts of the world. First, we would like to share what December Wynn told us about their experience.
December Wynn is from Colorado, USA. They have been cosplaying for over eleven years now and are part of Team USA for the World Cosplay Summit (WCS) 2020. They craft all their costumes themself – their favorite techniques are coloring and painting. When they’re not working on a new cosplay, December does technical drawing for a living.
The Interview
Teilzeithelden: Hi and thank you for partaking in this interview. First of all – this is your first time at a convention in Germany, is that right?
December Wynn: Yes.
Teilzeithelden: Did you notice something in particular about our community when you first came here? What was your first impression?
December Wynn: The very first impression I had was that everything is on time in Germany. It’s not the same in the United States, so it’s a very nice change to have everything running smoothly and on time. Also, about the cosplay community – I’ve seen so many beautiful and complex costumes here. I was just down at the park and was blown away by the amount of work on all the beautiful costumes that I saw.
Teilzeithelden: Did you have any presumptions about what it would be like?
December Wynn: I was told that the German cosplay community was always on time! And I was not disappointed. But I did not have any presumptions about the cosplays themselves. I have seen some photos of German cosplayers and their beautiful costumes, so I was really happy to come here and see them in person.
Teilzeithelden: In contrast, how would you describe the American cosplay community? Would you be able to find some sort of “benchmark”? What makes it stand out?
December Wynn: Yes, I think so! The American community is very diverse, and the strength of that community is that it pulls from so many types of people with different backgrounds who come into the cosplay community. And they bring their life experience, and their crafting experience.
Teilzeithelden: You said you’ve been cosplaying for eleven years – did you notice any changes in in the community during that time?
December Wynn: Very much so. When I started cosplaying, it was at a time when it was difficult to purchase costumes. There were fewer wig options and most of the wigs you could purchase were coming from very far away – as opposed to now, where it is much easier to purchase costumes, materials and wigs. The community has grown as the hobby is so much more accessible to people, especially people who aren’t necessarily interested in crafting. They can still participate in the cosplay community, which is wonderful.
Teilzeithelden: But you are making all your costumes yourself, right?
December Wynn: Yes.
Teilzeithelden: We read that you prepared a lecture [for this convention] about detail work in cosplay. What fascinates you about that? What makes you want to talk about this topic?
December Wynn: I just have a great passion for doing the work itself. My favorite part of cosplay is the actual creation of the costume: I love being able to focus on something and make it come together. And I love to be able to help other people find that passion – and I especially love working with beginner cosplayers, beginner sewers and crafters. There is just something so wonderful about the energy and the optimism they bring to their craft, and I love being able to foster that.
Teilzeithelden: And what do you like about wearing your costumes? Are you participating in contests, or do you like to hang out with friends – what’s your favorite part after the actual crafting?
December Wynn: I’m not participating in too many contests anymore – I just feel a little too old; they’re very stressful (laughs). But I love to wear that costume and then meet other fans of that series and to be able to make friends that way. So yeah, it’s making friends.
Teilzeithelden: But you were also chosen for Team USA 2020 [for World Cosplay Summit] and you are going to help choose our contestants tomorrow. What excites you most about this upcoming event? What are you looking for in the participants?
December Wynn: I am very excited to see the level of the costumes in the WCS room. And I would say we’re looking for a mix between high levels of craftsmanship and clean finishing work – not necessarily very detailed, but clean in all aspects –combined with an explosive stage performance.
Teilzeithelden: Do you think it will be easy? Do you know how to spot the mistakes?
December Wynn: (Laughs) No! I think there are mistakes in craftsmanship that are easy to spot, but you never know who has that stage presence you’re looking for until after you’ve seen them do their performance.
Teilzeithelden: You will be traveling to Japan with tomorrow’s winners as well. But if you could choose your next destination, anywhere on the world, where would you go?
December Wynn: I would choose China. I am a silk painter, and there are many wonderful silk painters in China, so I’d love to go and learn more about my craft there. And eat food (laughs).
Teilzeithelden: And when you choose your cosplay partners, what inspires you to work with them? We sometimes notice some kind of a synergy in cosplay groups, helping each other out with different aspects. Do you look for that as well?
December Wynn: Yes, especially with my WCS partner. I am rather focused on the crafting, while she’s much more adept at the stage performances. She has a lot more confidence in that area, and she brings that confidence to the table.
Teilzeithelden: Talking about skits, what’s your favorite? Do you prefer drama, super-drama, or comedy?
December Wynn: (Laughs) The super-drama! I love the comedy skits as well, but if a skit can make me feel like I’m going to cry, I feel like it did a very good job. Comedy is so hard, but when it’s done well, it’s wonderful. I hope to see some comedy skits as well [tomorrow].
Teilzeithelden: What’s your cosplay choosing process? If you say you really like detail work, what makes you see an artwork and know you want to make that one?
December Wynn: I have to really fall in love with an illustration because I’m not very fast at making costumes, and sometimes I’ll be working on it for six months. So, I need to make sure I’m going to like what I’m looking at for the next six months. I tend to be drawn towards specific color schemes. I love a blue and green costume, or red and gold. And then I look for things I love to do, like silk painting or hand embroidery.
Teilzeithelden: Do you also like to “upgrade” the designs? Will you add details to a costume to make it more interesting?
December Wynn: Yes, I do that quite a bit. And I’m at a time in my life when if I don’t like a part of the design, I just change it. I don’t want to disrespect the artists or anything, but if I know it won’t look good on me, I’ll just alter the design to make it work better in real life.
Teilzeithelden: Do you have any cosplay idols? People who inspire you?
December Wynn: Yeah! In America, we have Miss Yaya Han. She’s a wonderful businesswoman and a beautiful crafter. And another cosplayer whom I actually just met down in the park is Sailor Sarah, she does amazing Blizzard costumes and armor crafting. I was really excited to meet her!
Teilzeithelden: Are there any last words you want to share with us and our readers?
December Wynn: Thank you so much [to the German community] for your hospitality, for sharing your work and craftsmanship with me, and for letting me experience your friendly and punctual culture! (laughs)
Further information
If you want to convince yourself of December Wynn’s detailed works, you can visit them on Twitter or Instagram.
We want to thank the Connichi for the opportunity to talk to their guests. You can find further information about the convention here.
Fotos and Pictures: © Connichi, © December Wynn on Instagram
