[Shu cosplay] Rice Ears and Gentle Breezes in Arknights

Taking the opportunity at the Custard Bun Comic Convention, I finally managed to shoot this Shu cosplay look from Arknights. From deciding on the character to preparing the costume, makeup, and props, it took nearly a month of back-and-forth effort. Just adjusting the wearing angle of the antler headpiece and elf ears took several attempts, as I was always worried they would tilt while walking around the venue. The wig was custom-ordered with a platinum blonde base and blue-purple gradient highlights; the hair texture is very smooth, and although the hair volume is a bit heavy, the layered effect it creates in photos is definitely a huge plus.

In terms of costume, this white Japanese-style outer coat really puts the tailoring to the test, as it needs to look loose without feeling sloppy, leaving just the right negative space in the layering between the inner tube top and outer robe. The beaded necklace of wooden blocks on the chest was strung together piece by piece by hand; it is heavier than expected, but that rustic texture pairs perfectly with the golden knots on the outfit. The red, blue, and white geometric color blocks and stripes on the trousers are printed with great drape, and paired with chunky black Martin boots, they not only elongate the leg lines but also make moving across convention stairs easy. The purple tattoo stickers on the hands were also a crowning touch—requiring careful alignment with bone contours when applying, though their longevity was average, peeling slightly at the edges after half a day of shooting.

The shooting location was selected at the perimeter stairs of the exhibition hall, where the lighting was exceptional. The natural light filtering through the large glass curtain wall was soft enough to capture the white garments' details cleanly without needing extra fill lights. The photographer brought lenses of multiple focal lengths; when taking that front-facing seated photo, it happened to be noon, and the sunlight hitting diagonally cast dappled light and shadows across the steps, immediately bringing out the ambiance. Holding a bundle of golden rice ears felt wonderful, and posing with the folding fan half-covering my face took several attempts to strike that relaxed yet subtly ceremonial posture for this Convention photo.

To be honest, cosplaying such a clean and minimalist style requires more meticulous makeup than heavy makeup—the eye makeup needs to be translucent without losing vibrancy, and the lip color was chosen in a natural orange-brown hue to echo the color of the golden rice ears. The ears and hairpieces were double-reinforced with invisible cosmetic adhesive and bobby pins to ensure nothing gave away when turning my head.

The foot traffic at the convention was substantial; many fellow fans recognized the character as they passed by, and some praised the custom wig color, which was truly delightful to hear. Although the entire gear weighed around ten pounds in total and walking around the venue with bags for half a day made my legs ache, seeing the final Convention photos made every bit of effort feel worthwhile. Huge thanks to the original photographer for capturing these natural moments without stiff posing; every shot reflects our best synergy honed on site through Anime-style photography.

In fact, I always feel a bit nervous before cosplaying a character, worried about lacking fidelity or failing to convey the right aura. But the moment I put on the outfit and step into the scene, the character's innate tranquility and composure instill confidence in me. The poses with the rice ears and folding fan this time were mostly improvised without fixed templates; the photographer guided me expertly, allowing me to relax. I hope to have opportunities to shoot the same character in different scenes in the future, such as at twilight or in a post-rain atmosphere, which would bring a completely different flavor to Arknights Shu cosplay.

Lastly, a note on storing this outfit: the coat wrinkles easily and should be hung up immediately after the event, and the wig should be combed smooth. The convention experience overall was delightful, meeting many lovely fellow fans, putting a satisfying and successful conclusion to this period of preparation.