In this installment of TCN’s Artist Interview, TCN and Rerenga will discuss cosplay, Baldur’s Gate and other things.
Join us for the newest installment of TCN Artist Interview where we interview Rerenga, known for their attention to detail and passion for bringing characters to life with their cosplay. Rerenga shares insights into their creative process and journey in the realm of cosplay.
What inspired you to start doing cosplay?
I went to a small Anime Convention in 2018 and seeing all the cosplayers there inspired me to give the hobby a try myself.
Has Cosplaying had any sort of impact on your life?
Oh, only that it has basically shaped my entire life since then 😉 It helped me find a creative platform, it made me build incredible friendships, it kickstarted my social media community, it made me learn so many new skills and it eventually became my full time job! As a cosplayer, you’re most of the time also a crafter, seamstress, model, makeup artist, social media manager and photographer all in one! I love that it combines so many aspects. You’re never gonna be bored!
Which cosplay has been your favorite to do?
Karlach from Baldur’s Gate 3 for sure, my most recent cosplay as of date. This costume was a perfect balance between challenging and doable! And very rewarding in the sense of happiness to have managed to pull it off, as well as how much love it received online <3
Baldur’s Gate and D&D have a very big influence on your work, do you have any favorite memories or moments?
Haha that’s true, I’d say about 90% of what I do is somewhat D&D related (BG3, Critical Role, Original Characters etc.). One of my favorite moments was when I cosplayed an original character from one of the D&D games I play privately and my Game Master from that game flew over to visit me. They dressed up as a character from my own character’s backstory so that we could do a shoot together! So amazing. Little else gives me as much joy as to cossplay own characters with mutuals!
It’s been sometime since you started cosplaying, do you have any favorite experiences?
Omg so many! Can’t think of a single one that stands out, but among my favorites are: Cosplaying together with my SO. Getting talked to at conventions because people recognize me and are happy to meet, makes my heart so incredibly full. Or speaking of convention encounters: Meeting friends who I haven’t seen in a while due to living in different countries! Apart from conventions, my favorite moments about crafting are always the very first try on of a freshly finished costume! Can’t begin to describe the excitement!
On Instagram, you’ve mentioned that you have recently completed Baldur’s Gate 3. What were your thoughts on that? Did you enjoy the game?
I LOVED it! It’s honestly been a while since I was that invested in a game and story. It meets all the things that I love about a game and genre. Also, the love for detail, characters and things to explore? I adore it when you can just “disappear” in a game because there’s so much to find.
When you’re not working on your cosplay, what are some of your other hobbies?
Mainly sporty ones, since cosplay covers all the creative needs already 🙂 I go to the gym, practice HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) and run on a regular basis. I also love surfing and hiking! One non-sporty hobby of mine is – who would have thought – playing D&D!
You’ve been working on your Dame Aylin cosplay, how is the progress coming along? Are there any others you’re working on?
Dame Aylin is supposed to be a huge and hence long build without any set deadlines. She’s coming along slowly but surely! All those armor details need time, but it’s a lot of fun to get lost in detail work while watching a show in the background 🙂 I’m also currently working on Camp Shadowheart and making some improvements on Karlach.
You have a huge following on social media. Almost 50k across Instagram and X. Do you have a message you’d like to give to your followers?
For sure! 1) THANK YOU for being such a loving and amazing community. Without you, I would’t be where I am and that’s 100% true. 2) I hope you know that you’re enough and you are loved and that you’re amazing in your own uniqueness! You’re doing great. Sending much love!
Lastly, do you have any upcoming projects or announcements you’d like to share?
Oooh I have SO many upcoming projects! Planned for this year are: Alfira, Harrowhark from the Locked Tomb book series, Zelda and Ganondorf from Zelda: TotK as well as quick versions of white haired Shadowheart, Lae’zel and Mizora. Let’s see if I can pull all of these off!
Not a question, I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Keep up the amazing work!
