With contributions from cosplayers and photographers who love their hobby, their art, their craft, Cosplay Anthology, a photobook for everyone, by everyone, became a reality, and by the end of the endeavor the books were handed out at an event last year to the 24 pioneers who believed in this modest but meaningful project. With this initial success, Cosplay Anthology now invites everyone to take part in the second one, with everyone welcome to share and contribute to something lasting and memorable.
Their simple proposition: Would you be willing to pay 900php for a photobook with 1 page of it dedicated to you? Think of it as giving out 600 for the photobook and another half of it to ensure that you have your most awesome cosplay pic in it. No judging, no discrimination, all professional.
We had this plan to crowdsource the fundings for making a photobook for everyone by everyone. We got a big printer by our side that prints magazines, books, posters, and have clients such as Ayala, La Salle, Ateneo, Megaworld, Active, etc to back up their reputation. So what do you say? We need at LEAST 50 pledgers (we would like to have 100+ though) though to make this happen and right now we have 35 pledgers. But there is not limit to how many pledgers there will be. the more the merrier! The group has decided to go for an A4-sized Magazine format.
The release date will be around April-May, it really depends on the number of pledgers and other factors that will affect this project.
Also, if you don’t have a photo you we will have an operation rescue shoot that will be held all all weekends from January-March (Please message us one week earlier if you want to schedule a photoshoot.), as per your requested schedule. At ninoy aquino wildlife park, and the studio of our photographer just behind SM north.
If you have any more questions please feel free to contact Den Takahara (Ken Ricafort) or add yourself to the group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/421338134666346
photos of their past work can be found at :
www.facebook.com/cosplayanthology
The Personal Experience
I was skeptical when I first heard about Cosplay Anthology from Ken. I am … practical … about how I spend my money. Very practical. But then again I had a soft spot for efforts that involve and aim to help the cosplay community, the same reason why I cover small, faraway school or community events, and support startup maid cafes, and promote new local online cosplay magazines. I was told it would be a photobook where everyone can take part in and that would involve people who are really passionate in what they do and want to share their love of cosplay through print.
I took the chance and gave my payment and sent my photo. I was added to the CA Facebook group and Den and Ayu gave periodic updates on the progress of the book. I was asked if I could provide an article and photos. I wrote a piece about how cosplayers are a part of a bigger community and how cosplayers use their time and talents making a difference by doing charity work and making children smile. After a time, Den and Ayu said they were close to completion and I was excited of course.
The time of delivery came and we met up along with most of the cosplayer contributors at a large cosplay event. I got my copy of the photobook in a personalized sealed envelope, along with a really glossy poster with my blown-up photo, some thank you cards and two coscards. I could hide my satisfaction of course. I showed it to the cosplayers around me and they were at awe as well. Also, all the cosplayer/contributors were glad to get theirs, and also could not hide their joy.
I have my photos all over the net and have my own cosplay website, but there really was something about print that was gratifying and amazing, and for days and weeks after I took delight in showing it to everyone I knew. It also made me feel proud to be a part in a project that the cosplay community can take part in, enjoy, and take pride in. It’s probably why I signed up to help out with the next installment as Cosplay Anthology Volume Two is underway and waiting for a few more intrepid souls to be part of the experience.
The Stories Behind and More
We met up with Ken, the overall organizer, and Ayu, the layout director, a while back after an event. We just had to have a small celebration since the Cosplay Anthology project went rather well. We were with Kaloy, arkadymac.com’s public relations officer, over at a small but cozy tea place. We of course talked about how other people liked how smooth and glossy the photobook looked and how they loved the layout and, more importantly, why they weren’t part of it. Ken and Ayu then shared stories of the long stretches of sleepless nights and the endless challenges they faced trying to finish production, from tracking down submissions, to endless editing, to making sure the printing was nothing short of perfect. But it was all a labor of love they said, and the journey from an abstract idea to a solid glossy book you can hold in your hands was an experience like no other.
Here’s to a new project with an earnest and hardworking team for a new photobook we can all be proud of.
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