Introduction
Federica Di Paolo, better known as Icon Stitch in the cosplay community, is a professional cosplayer who has been crafting stunning transformations since 2007. What started as a hobby born out of a love for anime, video games, and pop culture has since evolved into a full-time career. Federica's journey is a blend of creativity, skill, and passion for character creation, and she's here to share her insights into the cosplay world.
From DIY to Professional Cosplayer
For the first decade of her cosplay career, Federica crafted all her costumes by herself. “Materials years ago weren’t as good as now,” she says, but she made it work, focusing on learning new skills with every project. In 2018, cosplay became her profession, and she began collaborating with other creators, particularly for complex elements like wigs. “My style has evolved to be more professional and detailed, and I now work with various brands,” she explains.
“My style has evolved to be more professional and detailed, and I now work with various brands.
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The Art of Transformation
Federica's favorite part of the cosplay experience is the transformation. “Seeing all the elements come together to create a character is so satisfying,” she says. From crafting costumes to adding wigs, makeup, and colored contacts, every step is a crucial part of the creative process. Colored contacts, in particular, play a significant role in making the final look feel more authentic and immersive.
Challenges of Cosplay as a Profession
While Federica loves the creative side of cosplay, she admits that balancing the artistic and business aspects can be a challenge. Managing time and resources is critical, especially when working on intricate cosplays that demand attention to detail.
“Balancing the creative side with the business side of cosplay can also be challenging, as there’s always a need to stay relevant and innovate.
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Tips for New Cosplayers
For those just starting out, Federica advises focusing on characters you love and enjoying the process. “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” she says. Cosplay is about learning and having fun, so it’s important not to get bogged down by the need for perfection early on. Federica also recommends connecting with the cosplay community for support and advice, which she herself fosters through her role as an administrator for a large League of Legends cosplay community.
Bringing Characters to Life
When it comes to choosing her cosplays, Federica is drawn to characters with interesting designs that challenge her creatively. “I choose characters I connect with,” she explains. At the beginning of her career, she focused on blonde characters to avoid wearing wigs, but now she embraces every aspect of the process. Accuracy and creativity are key elements in her work, but comfort is also a priority, especially during long events. “Comfort is essential—especially the shoes,” she laughs.
The Role of Colored Contacts
Colored contacts are an integral part of Federica’s cosplay process.
“They help match the character’s eye color and add an extra layer of realism to the cosplay.
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For her, contacts bring the transformation full circle, especially during photoshoots. Federica looks for lenses that are highly pigmented, comfortable, and safe to wear, particularly for extended periods during cosplay sessions.
Federica’s Experience with EyeCandys Colored Contacts
This year, Federica tried EyeCandys colored contacts for the first time, and the results have been impressive.
“Their lenses are very effective and offer great coverage without irritating my eyes, which is crucial during long cosplay sessions!
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Whether she’s working on an intricate photoshoot or attending a cosplay event, comfort and authenticity are her top priorities, and EyeCandys lenses have delivered on both fronts.
Advice for Using Colored Contacts in Cosplay
For cosplayers new to colored contacts, Federica advises starting with a reputable brand known for comfort and safety, like EyeCandys. “Make sure to get the right prescription if needed, and always follow proper hygiene practices,” she emphasizes. She also suggests trying the lenses before your event to ensure they’re comfortable and achieve the desired effect.
Looking Ahead
As Federica continues to grow her professional cosplay career, she remains dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and collaborating with other talented creators. Currently, she’s working with three cosmakers on her latest project for Arcane 2, and she’s excited to see where her cosplay journey will take her next. One thing is certain: Federica Di Paolo’s passion for transformation and creativity is stronger than ever, and with EyeCandys by her side, her cosplays will continue to captivate fans around the world.
Federica’s journey from hobbyist to professional cosplayer is a testament to her dedication and love for bringing characters to life. With her eye for detail and the perfect finishing touch from EyeCandys colored contacts, she transforms cosplay into an art form, captivating fans and brands alike.
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