Interview with Critical Role cosplayer Minomotu
Interview conducted by Aesthel
We spoke with cosplayer Minomotu about their Critical Role cosplays, what the characters in Critical Role mean to them, and their love for the fantasy genre!
Photography by @riyuski
CRM: Hello Mino! Could you please introduce yourself to the Cosplay Realm readers?
Minomotu: Hello I am Mino or Courtney. I have been cosplaying since 2008. I learned to sew from my mother when I was young but didn’t really start making my own cosplays until the end of 2009.
CRM: We are huge fans of your Vax’ildan cosplay from Critical Role Campaign 1! Those huge wings are so impressive! Could you tell us a bit about the making of this cosplay?
Minomotu: Vax really was a character and cosplay that I feel really attached to. Watching the show I really wanted to put my own personality into the cosplay. The outfit is a pretty simple pattern I altered but added some trims and hand painted details to make it stand out. The cloak was cut up and torn to make it look more traveled. The biggest part was the wings which I had not planned on making but now I’ve made two sets. The most recent is much more comfortable but still made on a budget. A square piece of wood with padding and door hinges used to attach to each wing. A wing is two yard sticks connected with a bolt at the joint and cardboard is glued used for the shape. I then used fabric to cover up the joints and cardboard, finally I hot glued each feather by hand. I’ve lost count of how many feathers I used but it’s at least 300+.
Photography by @riyuski
CRM: In addition to Vax, you also cosplay as Caleb Widogast from Critical Role Campaign 2. What do you think it is that draws you to Liam O’Brien’s characters?
Minomotu: It’s really easy to say that you like a character but when you really feel the emotions and understand some of the struggles a character goes through it makes that connection even stronger. I think it’s the fact that Liam’s characters are flawed and have their own issues that draw me to them. It might seem silly but seeing these characters deal with anxiety, depression and other real things I have felt about myself made me feel so connected to the Critrole characters.
CRM: You really bring the extra step to your Vax’ildan cosplay by cosplaying with your twin @Riyuski as Vex’ahlia! What are some of your favorite parts about cosplaying together as a family?
Minomotu: The best part are the people who are surprised to find out we are actually twins. It’s also great having someone there to always be able to cosplay with. And we often do our own photo shoots for each other.
CRM: Critical Role is a show where a bunch of nerdy ass voice actors get together and play Dungeons & Dragons. Have you gotten the chance to play in your own D&D campaign? If so, tell us about it!
Minomotu: I have played a few games over the years, though my most recent one shot was a bit of a fiasco. Three of our four members had -1 int, so we had a lot of fun trying to solve puzzles and most of the time just rushed in. We also played this game pretty late at night which always makes things funnier. Somehow our ragtag team survived an undead beholder, a doll with a knife and a couple of very large spiders. 10 out of 10 would play again!
Photography by @sorairo_days
CRM: Some other fandoms that you cosplay from besides Critical Role include Final Fantasy, Demon Slayer, and The Dragon Prince, to name just a few. A lot of these series have ties to the fantasy genre. What do you think interests you so much about these kinds of stories?
Minomotu: All these shows and games have built such amazing and imaginative worlds. When a show or game can draw you in and get you invested in the story they are doing something right. Fantasy offers a look about things out of the normal, anything you can imagine could happen. People have such vivid and amazing imaginations and seeing these things come to life in shows and games is so inspiring to me. I want to be able to create my own story like that someday.
CRM: Besides cosplay, you also do a lot of artwork! Your art can be found on your Art Instagram and Art Twitter pages. Can you tell us about some of your favorite art pieces that you’ve worked on recently?
Minomotu: One of my recent pieces was actually a Critrole piece of all of the characters in their newest outfits. It took me much longer to finish but I spent so much time on the little details of each character. I’m still really proud of that piece. I have also started drawing more food art lately. It’s not my normal subject but I’ve found it’s really relaxing.
CRM: You are one of the many creators in our community that has felt the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. What are some ways that others in the community can help support you and other creators like you through these times? Where can Cosplay Realm readers learn more about commissioning art from you?
Photography by @riyuski
Minomotu: I am very lucky to currently be staying with family and even though I am out of work I am in a good living situation. I have started taking commissions and I also have a Patreon which has helped me out so much. And so many amazingly kind and supportive people have donated to my Ko-fi. I know a number of my friends have used Ko-fi to donate to other artists and creators in tough situations. I currently have commissions open primarily on my Instagram and Twitter as well as extra commissions, art and art videos for my patrons.
CRM: Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or cosplay plans that you’ll be working on in the future?
Minomotu: My next cosplay I have started is Alucard from Castlevania. As well as more outfits for my FFXIV character.
CRM: Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions! Is there anything else that you would like to say?
Minomotu: Thank you so much for this opportunity and thank you so much to everyone who is supporting me in both my cosplay and my art! Stay safe, stay happy and don’t forget to love each other!
Check out more of Minomotu’s work on their social media!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minomotu
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Minomotu
Art Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minomotuart/
Art Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/minomotuart
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/minomotu
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/minomotu