Cosplayer Of The Week: Imtiaz Ali
10SHARESLeo Nocedo : How did you discover cosplaying?
Imtiaz Ali : I made my first costume at home for fun. Did not know about cosplaying as a hobby. A few years later I discover this group of cosplayers in Trinidad and decided to bring my first batsuit to the public.
Leo Nocedo : What was your first cosplay?
Imtiaz Ali : My first cosplay and got branded in my country as the trini Batman.
Leo Nocedo : What are your next 3 cosplay plans?
Imtiaz Ali : I have alway envision future costumes, variations of Batman and Stormtrooper that I am known to portray. Nothing in the works right now. Focusing on developments of this Covid 19 pandemic and how it affects events.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
Imtiaz Ali : I have entered cosplay events over the years as both Batman and Stormtrooper.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer sewing, armor making, or wig working?
Imtiaz Ali : I started off as hand sewing my first costume. I am self thought in hand stitching leather on cloth.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to do photoshoots at cons or at specific locations?
Imtiaz Ali : I like the con scene where various cosplayers from different genres come together for photos , team up and vs battles that you would not see on the tv screen. I also like photoshoots at locations where the environment can add value to the costume. example a night shoot on a building with Batman.
Leo Nocedo : Is there a type of character you cosplay frequently?
Imtiaz Ali : As stated before since i cosplay batman most. I am know as the Trinidad Batman.
Leo Nocedo : Do you have any favorite cosplayers?
Imtiaz Ali : I respect many cosplayers for the effort in crafting and role playing. At the moment I dont want to name a few.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most detailed cosplay you’ve ever done?
Imtiaz Ali : My batsuits are detailed , hand stitch leather on jumpsuits.
Leo Nocedo : What are your top 3 craftsmanship tips?
Imtiaz Ali : Tips on crafting – 1. use reference photos of characters in various poses 2. Plan on using materials that you can be mobile in and comfortable to wear. 3. model at home with the costume, look for flaws and add extra stitch or glue to avoid any pieces ripping apart . Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay you’ve done?
Imtiaz Ali : The Michael Keaton Batsuit style is my favourite. I grew up on his version of Batman.
Leo Nocedo : What is your worst cosplay “horror” story?
Imtiaz Ali : Well I was on the way to an event and forget a piece for my stormtrooper. So i think hard and went to a store close to the event and purchase some cloth and use safety pins as alternative to the forgotten piece at home.
Leo Nocedo : What’s your funniest cosplay story?
Imtiaz Ali : Hmm, well as stormtrooper and I am covered fully. I sometimes go into mannequin mode. when ppl approach i make a little movement. giving them a surprise and make them screem too.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the best in-character interaction you’ve ever had?
Imtiaz Ali : As batman I once met a Joker and he did pull off the role well.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever cosplayed with a family member?
Imtiaz Ali : No never, I am the only cosplayer at home
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay photo of yourself?
Imtiaz Ali : I submit some of my best cosplay photos here.
Leo Nocedo : What are your go-to stores for cosplay materials/full cosplays?
Imtiaz Ali : Most of my suits and pieces are from rubies costuming. I did my own touch ups and additions to their suits.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy pre-styled wigs or style your own?
Imtiaz Ali : I dont wear wigs
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever had someone mistake you for a different character?
Imtiaz Ali : Nope my characters are well known , Batman and Stormtrooper from their respective franchises.
Leo Nocedo : List all the cosplays you’ve done.
Imtiaz Ali : Batman ( Christian Bale ) , ( Michael Keaton ). First Order Stormtrooper and a Race Stormtrooper ( for 5 k races )
Leo Nocedo : What’s the biggest con you’ve cosplayed at?
Imtiaz Ali : Alias brand cons in my country is the biggest for the year.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer cosplaying characters with props, or characters that you don’t need to carry a prop around all day?
Imtiaz Ali : My cosplays use props. batarang and blaster riffle.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever lost a cosplay piece at a con?
Imtiaz Ali : Thus far no.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever bought a cosplay piece at a con?
Imtiaz Ali : No
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to cosplay solo or in a group?
Imtiaz Ali : I like to be a part of a group. but comfortable being the only character from my genre.
Leo Nocedo :I f you had a chance to meet your all-time favorite cosplayer, what would you say to them?
Imtiaz Ali : How do I look.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever done a cosplay panel?
Imtiaz Ali : Never
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy or make cosplays?
Imtiaz Ali : I buy some parts that I cannot make, then customize the rest.
Leo Nocedo : If you could tell your past self anything about cosplay, what would you say?
Imtiaz Ali : I Your life is in for a rollercoaster ride into the limelight.
Imtiaz Ali :To make the most realistic batsuit with functioning gears.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult cosplay you’ve ever done? (Craftsmanship, wearing of, ect)
Imtiaz Ali :The Christian Bale batsuit, the leather is heavy and since we live in the tropics. it get sweaty.
Leo Nocedo :What’s the most difficult character makeup you’ve done?
Imtiaz Ali : Not much make up here
Leo Nocedo : What, in your opinion, makes a cosplayer a “pro” cosplayer?
Imtiaz Ali : Choose a character that you can relate to. Believe that you can be that, role playing have a equal part in wearing a costume.
Leo Nocedo :What is your favorite part of cosplaying?
Imtiaz Ali : Meeting like minded ppl.