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Check out a magnificent Emperor cosplay by Ainaven and discover how this highly detailed outfit was crafted.
Hello Ainaven! Thank you for taking the time to share your amazing cosplay with the ESO community. To begin, could you tell us how you got your start cosplaying?
In 2010, I started doing elven-inspired photo shoots. At that time, I did not know that it was called original cosplay. In 2014, my friend who is also a cosplayer convinced me to make my first cosplay by myself, and I really enjoyed the process.
Ainaven's Emperor costume up close
When were you introduced to ESO? Do you have a favorite character?
I really love the Elder Scrolls universe and have known about ESO since the game was announced. I’ve been following all the news and updates and yes, I do have a favorite character: Queen Ayrenn. The desire to engage in ESO cosplay arose precisely because of her. I made a cosplay of her previously, and I am also planning to create a version of her from High Isle, too.
Queen Ayrenn & Emperor cosplays
The detail on the chest plate is incredible. What method did you use to create the patterns carved into the armor?
Thank you! I made the armor base out of EVA-foam, and for decorations I drew all the patterns in vector, then circled them with a laser machine on a thin material (1mm EVA foam). However, it turned out that a thin pattern cannot be glued together after being cut. Therefore, I first glued a sheet with a pattern and then cut out all the patterns along the outline with a scalpel. So, we can say that almost all the patterns are hand-carved.
The Emperor’s Regalia made real
Is there one specific aspect of this cosplay that you’re especially proud of?
I am very happy that I was able to recreate all the patterns exactly and not miss anything. It took a long time, and some details were hard to see, but I did not want to simplify the costume. I had to look at many different screenshots from various angles to ensure that I didn't miss anything.
Crafting the costume’s chest plate
Was there a particularly challenging aspect you encountered while creating this costume?
A funny fact is that the most difficult or tricky part of this costume was the helmet. In the game, the helmet goes through the textures of the shoulder pads, but in real life, it is impossible. Thus, I created a helmet pattern with the correct proportions, but it was certainly challenging to fit it between the shoulder pads.
Crafting the helmet
What sorts of materials do you typically use in your cosplay builds?
Most often I use EVA foam of different thicknesses, leather, different types of Worbla, molded plastic, and epoxy. For makeup details, such as elf ears, I use latex. For some elements I use 3D and photopolymer printing.
The Emperor’s Regailia features a LOT of detail
Becoming Emperor is one of ESO's toughest PvP challenges—were you able to manage it in game?
Ahaha, I keep wondering what is more difficult, getting the Emperor in the game or creating his costume in real life, but I haven't found the answer yet ...
The completed front and back of the costume
Care to share any advice for your fellow cosplayers who are looking to craft their own ESO cosplay?
ESO has incredible costume designs, making it a paradise for cosplayers. Everyone can find armor and clothes to their liking. The main thing is not to be afraid of complex details, as nothing is impossible.
All hail Emperor Ainaven!
Where can people find more of your work?
On my social media on Instagram (@ainaven_cosplay), deviantart and reddit channel. Soon I will share new ESO costumes that are currently in the works!
We bow to Emperor Ainaven, long be her reign, in humble thanks for taking the time to share their cosplay and story with us. If you’ve crafted or seen an ESO-themed cosplay that you think the rest of the #ESOFam would love, share it with us via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!
