[Venti cosplay] Bard of Wind and Pastoral Hymns

Revisiting my Venti cosplay from 2023 while organizing photos this year, I spent time savoring the shooting experience and final results again. Looking back at all the preparations made for this photoset, it really brings back many heartfelt memories.

First, let's talk about the costume. The core of this white-based look with gold and cyan elements lies in a lightweight feel without sacrificing rich visual details. The most challenging part was actually the chest device—it had to maintain character fidelity while staying securely in place as I walked around. The lower half features a short skirt layered with high-slit styling, paired with white over-the-knee socks for a classic white stockings cosplay look, along with white floral hair accessories on the head, creating an overall ethereal and sacred aura. To execute this look well, I specifically adjusted the lighting across my abdominal area and refined my makeup before shooting, striving to express the character's uninhibited nature.

In terms of props, the harp accented with gold and teal was the soul of the ensemble. The metal texture and cyan inlay tested the prop maker's craft; holding it gave a solid weight in hand, so during studio shoots and posing, I needed to find natural support points to extend my movements. Meanwhile, the pair of white wings on my back and the halo with a sun crest were key to building an impressive presence in the frame. The wing frame pressed against the inside of my shoulders and pinched a bit when worn for long periods, but for the final visual presentation—whether capturing a lively breeze by the water or looking back over my shoulder from a high stool in the studio—every bit of effort felt totally worth it.

In the photos everyone sees, there are actually several distinctly different styles. The ones I'm most satisfied with were shot on the rocks by the water; the light from the water and sky beautifully set off the character's lively aura, and the natural, relaxed feel of stepping on the water with one foot perfectly fit the casual nature of the character in my mind. On the other hand, the composite photo featuring flying doves and classical architecture backgrounds evoked a grand yet ethereal sense of epic scale, as if the wind were truly blowing past my ears.

The convention photos offer a different flavor altogether. In busy plazas or shopping malls (like the photo where I sat holding the harp), the introduction of natural light softened the white and gold hues of the outfit. Sitting directly on the floor brought a grounded, everyday feel, breaking the distance of cosplay belonging solely to the stage. Outside the booths, photographers I randomly encountered were also great at capturing these candid moments, allowing me to preserve some of my own genuine demeanor alongside faithful character recreation.

Beyond the core angel styling, I also experimented with a different interpretation in a green-and-white color-blocked short outfit from that year. Braided dark hair with blue tips, accented with headpieces, made it even more eye-catching among convention crowds, carrying a touch of mysterious exotic charm. That style leaned more towards a refreshing traveling vibe. Moreover, as a cosplayer who frequently does outdoor shoots and conventions, twin-tail hairstyles are actually very easy to manage unlike heavy wigs—requiring only light combing and styling for the braids and bangs on both sides.

Speaking of the wig, the essence of the hairstyle this time lies in combining the dark blue-black base hair with gradient blue ends. The wig strands around the bangs and sideburns needed fine trimming to fit my face shape and highlight facial features; the green contact lenses were the finishing touch, adding soulful nuance under the lens in Anime-style photography. For a cosplayer, finding the gaze and state that best fits the character is sometimes even more crucial than the costume itself.

Although some time has passed since 2023, browsing through these photos always touches me with the passion felt during the shoot. As one of my favorite characters, my goal this year remains constantly improving my makeup skills and camera performance. I believe every recreation is a journey of re-discovery and dialogue with the character and myself as someone who loves this character. I hope to bring more works that satisfy fellow enthusiasts in future shoots.