When that Ephemeral Azure Thunder heavy gear was carefully stuffed into the interlayer of my suitcase, I knew the next few days would be a schedule deeply bound to the character of Surtr. The stock photos from a while ago sitting in my phone are just right to be sorted out now, serving as a simple atmosphere warmup before the upcoming BW Anime Convention on July 11th.
To be honest, although the visual effect of this Ambience Synesthesia series skin is gorgeous, the difficulty in actual wearing and movement control is quite high. The layers of lining inside the white tulle skirt hem, along with those metallic gold armlets, collars, and leg rings, each need to be fixed seamlessly, otherwise they can easily deviate from the original design position when walking or posing. The setting in the studio that day was exceptionally exquisite; massive retro stained-glass windows let in soft yet full light, and deep red velvet curtains and a dark brown carved fireplace created a rich retro study atmosphere. To match this sense of retro, I sat in that dark green upholstered armchair, with bookshelves, red roses, candles, and a long sword scattered beside me, making the entire frame look like it leaped right out of a medieval fantasy novel, sharing a wondrous cross-time-and-space resonance with that calm operator in Arknights.
As for the makeup and detail preparation, the color luster of the red hair, the outline borders of the black horns, and the shadow blending of the eye makeup all did their best to stay close to the character's original setting. To balance the visual drag brought by the heavy skirt hem, I deliberately magnified the tension of my shoulders and neck in my body posture, attempting to reify Surtr's cold and detached temperament that commands respect without anger in front of the lens. The photographer's grasp of light positions that day was particularly good; especially when the side-backlighting hit, even the fine golden shimmer textures on my skirt hem were perfectly captured. Looking at the environmental light reflected on the sword blade, I felt that all the exquisite preparations for costume details found meaning at that very moment.
Regarding the upcoming BW Anime Convention plan, although that one update briefly mentioned it, I still want to share more about the arrangement for July 11th. I don't plan to stay glued to a specific booth, but rather hope to roam the entire venue in a way that feels closer to the character's real existence. This random appearance mode is actually more energy-consuming than staying at a single spot because you never know which corner you'll meet fellow fans at next, and you need to maintain character immersion at all times. But it is precisely this kind of unexpected encounter that makes it most highly anticipated. If everyone happens to pass by, recognizes me, and calls out Surtr's code name, or catches that red figure in the bustling crowd, I will be more than happy to stop.
The random shikishi (colored paper) I mentioned earlier is actually each hand-drawn with a simple sketch plus my personal signature, without mass industrial reproduction, just hoping that fellow fans who run into me by chance can have a non-replicable piece of memory belonging to the present moment. Of course, if you see me from afar, don't feel any pressure; waving and exchanging a greeting with each other is a very comfortable way to communicate. The flow of people at the BW venue is massive, meaning the physical demands will be higher, but walking on the road in this outfit is an immersive experience in itself.
Looking back at this set of photos, actually every time I do a cosplay, especially a series like Ambience Synesthesia which has an incredibly strong sense of design and carries many special elements, it is a process of self-challenge and secondary creation. From the color structure of the makeup, to the styling and care of the wig, to how to let the personality flow out through micro-expressions when facing the lens, everything requires repeated deliberation. Although movements under the heavy clothing are limited to a certain extent, as long as a single flash of demeanor can be caught, that sense of immersion will instantly overflow the screen. I hope what everyone sees is not just a nice-looking costume, but a living, touchable image that exists outside the game settings. See you on July 11th, looking forward to responding to every bit of love for the character and work with the most sincere posture in that lively venue.