#FeatureFriday with Yanniplum

Today's interview is with the lovely Yanniplum. Both her talent and cuteness knows no bounds. Read her full interview below.

My nickname is Yanniplum, I'm an artist (Illustrator & Cosplayer). I live in Barcelona, and I have an adorable doge called Midna! You can see a lot of cool pictures of her in all my Social Media! I love rabbits!

How and when did you get into cosplay?
I started cosplaying with the age of 16 as a good freak that I am. Back in the days there was not social media, and it was seen really bad. My first cosplay was Hinata / Naruto Shippuden. And, my "cosplay name" is my artist name! I came up with the name when I was little, so I kept it as my nickname forever. It is quite funny, because at the beginning it was "llany" and then I decided it needed more "style" so I played with it until I got Yanni, but apparently there is a Pianist called Yanni, so added the plum, coz plums are cool. 

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
Play videogames, lelelel. Well, I wish I could do that, but I work in the marketing department for an international company and I do English babysitting as a second job. Yep, I have two jobs, so that doesn't give a lot of room to play videogames TnT... But I try. 

What is your proudest cosplay accomplishment?
As for today, my Princess Mononoke. It was a cosplay I wanted to do for ages, and never found the time. A friend of mine gave me a very beautiful fur that made it stand out, a the whole costume is my props and her fur. She is also a great cosplayer! (@YuneValentine). I did put a lot of effor in the prop making (I love making props), and it came out pretty amazing!

What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?
Right now I'm working on Redeemed Riven (League of Legends) that I want to contest with in the Games World Barcelona 18.

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
There is a lot of beautiful cosplayers out there. (You included :P), but if I had to pickpoint one would be SeeU, she is so adorable!

With all the negativity in the cosplay community these days, what's a positive message you would like to enforce and encourage others with?
Do something you are proud of. Pick your line and follow it and avoid being greedy. I have seen a lot of skilled cosplayers lose their fanbase (or even hate themselves) for doing stuff for others and not themselves. Remember that this is something you do because you like it. It is okay to take a professional step, but avoid selling what you shouldn't.

What is your dream cosplay?
I always had a "MUST DO" cosplays in my list. Mononoke, Chun Li, Riven and Midna (human form) is my main list for now. After accomplishing Princess Mononoke I felt such a boom, that I wanted to get as soon as possible with Riven.

I'm already slowly working on Chun Li at the same time (she is the ultimate wifu, and I have "strong" legs, so I always thought it would look good on me). It doesn't have a lot of details, so it is not really "a dream". The real dream, as I mentioned before as today date, is Redeemed Riven. It's not one of her best skins. It's not even the coolest, you have Arcade Riven, even Rabbit!! (Did I mention I love rabbits?) but, it has to be Redeemed... Years and Years ago... I used to play a lot more of League of Legends, and I met a great guy who always played Riven (with that skin, the others were not out yet), and he became my boyfriend! I have an special love-emotion connection with that skin, so I told myself I wanted to do it! and I WILL DO IT!

What is your favorite convention to attend and why?
I have been hating cons lately. People are rude, is quite annoying to go to the big events here. The level as gone down. There is a lot of young generations (not really good ones... sorry if I offend anyone, but really, stop going around with the "free hugs" around... As a cosplayer, it is hot in there! and make up! and delicate props! Stop it, really), and fake merchandising lately, but I love meeting with my friends. The one I enjoyed most was the Japan Weekend. It was smaller than other events and people was more mature and familiar.

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
I can't bring my Doge to conventiooons TnT. Oh, you mean human pets? I have some!! We usually do group "meetings" there, and go together. Sometimes as grupals and sometimes we go with our own individual cosplays.

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
Yes, never, and I mean NEVER wear a bodysuit with loose wires inside. I made this D.Va cosplay on 2016, with leds and cool stuff... But, the wires were not so well placed, and I was so scared to destroy it (and no girl helper), that I couldn't pee during the whole convention! If you see the pictures you see my belly growing out slowly...

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
Just do it! and do it with friends! My favourite thing is meet with my friends before an event, get ready together, pose together, go to photshoots together... It is really fun!

Where can we find you on all things social?
You can find me in all social media under the name "Yanniplum".
I normally update my instagram and facebook. And for my art, on deviantArt.

Photos for this interview by: AOJ Foto, and ASolanaPhotography.

What an awesome read. She's amazing! If you want a shot in the spotlight, simply send me an email! Cosplay is for all and I aim to capture that in these blogs.