13 Years of Excellence: How Ludus Cosplay Redefined Fabrication and Artistry

Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the vibrant world of cosplay and fabrication as we introduce Luke Andalis, the creative force behind Ludus Cosplay. Hailing from Cape Town, Africa, Luke is a seasoned fabricator and cosplayer with over 13 years of experience in the costume industry. With a passion for gaming, anime, movies, and all things geek-related, Luke's talents extend far beyond crafting intricate costumes. Alongside his own costume creations, Luke shares his wealth of knowledge through digital tutorials and educational content, enriching the global artist community. His achievements speak volumes, with numerous cosplay competition victories under his belt, including the prestigious title of Comic Con Africa Crown Champion in 2022 and an impressive 2nd place finish at the Crown World Finals held in Chicago in 2023.

Q: Luke, it's a pleasure to have you with us! To kick things off, could you please introduce yourself to our readers and share with us how your journey into the world of cosplay and fabrication began? We'd love to hear more about what initially sparked your passion for cosplay and how you transitioned into pursuing it full-time.

A: Thank you so much for this opportunity, I am very honoured and grateful to be part of this amazing magazine! Initially when I started working in the costume industry in 2010, I was the designer for a mascot and costume manufacturing company based here in Cape Town. After 2 years, the company grew and we were producing costumes and mascots for some big brands locally and globally, which gave me a lot of insight on the business side of the industry in terms of marketing and defining a solid brand identity. I have always been creative and used art as an escape, even as a young child. I would sit in front of the television designing outfits for my action figures, sewing outfits for my sister’s dolls and sculpting my own little creatures. My mom taught me how to sew at the age of 11, so I always knew I wanted to be in this industry. After 8 years working for the Costume manufacturing company, I realized it was time to take the business knowledge I had acquired, along with the drive to truly discover who I am as an artist and start carving my own path as a Freelance costume maker and fabricator. If I did not take that risk, I would not have had the opportunities to work in the film industry, put myself out there on an international platform or focus on my own brand as a content creator. It has been a wonderful journey so far and although there have been tough times, I am glad I made that decision.

Q: With over 13 years of experience in the costume industry, you've undoubtedly honed your skills to a remarkable level. How does your background in fashion design, 3D animation, and film work influence your approach to cosplay and fabrication?

A: Part of my fashion design course involved subjects like clothing construction and pattern making, which have been skills that I have applied to almost every costume I have created. Studying fashion design is something that also sparked my interest in education because when I started the course, I did have some knowledge on sewing and garment construction which allowed me to help my fellow students who were sewing for the first time. I am very grateful I was able to receive this education because it's assisting me with not only my costumes, but for the tutorials I create too. Regarding 3D Animation, that's something that helps a lot with materializing shapes or structure and having a trained eye or mind in this makes it easier to pattern, visualize scale and plan out placement of parts or pieces. Animation also taught me a lot about being expressive with the characters I Cosplay on stage, in video or with posing for photography.

Q: Winning the title of Comic Con Africa Crown Champion in 2022 and placing 2nd at the Crown World Finals in Chicago in 2023 are incredible achievements. Can you tell us more about the journey leading up to these victories and what they mean to you as a cosplayer and fabricator?

A: Prior to competing in the Crown Championships at Comic Con Africa 2022, I entered local Cosplay competitions at other conventions, which I always enjoyed and loved being on stage. When Comic Con Africa had its first show here in South Africa in 2018, we were all incredibly excited and when the Crown Championship was announced, I was very interested in entering to try and get the opportunity to travel overseas for the first time. Unfortunately, I was offering commissions at the time and had my plate full, so I had to skip out on the competition as I took my commission work very seriously and just attended the convention for fun. In 2019, when the second Crown Champion competition was held, I was very keen to enter that year but unfortunately, I was busy with fabrication work and had to focus on my contracts. Sadly, the pandemic hit the next year and I was only able to enter in 2021 again at the Cape Town Crown Qualifier. This was the first qualifier in Cape Town, and it was held once lockdowns started becoming less strict. I was honoured to win that qualifier and become the first Cape Town Champion of Cosplay for The Championships. Part of the prize for winning that title was that you were sent up to Johannesburg the following year to duke it out against the rest of South Africa for the title, Crown Champion of Africa. I had to make a new costume to enter the African finals, so I decided to start in January 2022 on my costume for Aratak. I spent almost 9 months working on the costume and after I won the African Crown, I spent another 3 months on upgrades for the finals in Chicago, held in 2023. It was my first time overseas and would be the first time I would be on an international stage, so it was an incredible journey and I still think to myself how surreal the whole experience was.

Q: Beyond competitions, you've collaborated with various brands and worked on notable film and television projects, is that correct? What kinds of collaborations have you had the opportunity to work on and what are some of the most memorable experiences or lessons you've gained from these collaborations and projects?

A: I have had the opportunity to work on some exciting productions and some of the bigger ones include Monster Hunter, Netflix’s Resident Evil, The Woman King and Warrior. The Woman King was one that was more exciting because I got to design props, weapons, belts and other accessories for the main characters. I was able to meet some of the actors and go onto the sets of scenes that were filmed here in Cape Town. These fabrication jobs have created some wonderful bonds with other artists in the industry and taught me to stand firm on my worth as an artist.

Q: With your diverse skill set and experience, you've worked on a wide range of costumes and props. Is there a particular project or build that stands out as the most challenging or rewarding for you, and why?

A: I would have to say Aratak & Grandmaster Link! Both were for big competitions, and I spent a considerable amount of time bringing them to life. When I started working on Aratak, I wanted to create the costume to resemble it as closely as possible to the in-game reference so I could feel like I walked off screen into reality. I experimented with various techniques, made everything from scratch apart from the base shoes and added a lot of weathering, aging and effects to tell a story. Once I had finished the costume and was fully dressed, I stepped back and looked in the mirror and felt incredibly proud of all the months of work I put into it. With Grandmaster Link, it was the second time I entered a competition with an original design and was proud to receive the title of Cape Town Champion of Cosplay, my second overall win with an original design – I often look back at those cosplays and feel very humbled with how they were received by the public.

Q: Collaboration plays a significant role in your work, whether it's with brands or fellow creators. What do you enjoy most about collaborating with others, and how do these collaborations influence your creative process?

A: I love collaborating with other artists and brands, especially when we work together to build up hype for exciting games or movies! Besides the financial aspects of collaborating with brands, it has helped open other doors and built-up business relationships with conventions and marketing companies etc. It has also pushed me to further my skills and abilities to create an even higher standard of work, not only because it’s paid work, but because it will be seen publicly, often to a large group of people or audience.

Q: Your commitment to sharing knowledge and empowering other artists through digital tutorials and educational content is commendable. What inspired you to start creating this content, and what do you hope artists will gain from your tutorials and resources?

A. In 2006, I left high school and started my course in Fashion Design in 2007/2008. I loved helping my fellow students as I had some experience prior to starting the course, this was when I realized how much I enjoyed teaching. Although I only dived deeper into this field later in my career, I enjoy sharing the knowledge and skills I have acquired throughout the years. There are a lot of Cosplayers who are self-taught, but to be honest there isn’t necessarily a college to learn a lot of the skills we use besides sewing. Most of the skills are passed onto others via social media, workshops, panels etc. I am glad I can contribute knowledge to the global community and will always share that when I can to help other artists looking to get more into hobbies like Cosplay.

Q: South Africa's success in the Crown Champions Of Cosplay at C2E2 is remarkable, and you've been a key part of that success. Can you share more about the cosplay community in South Africa and how it has evolved over the years?

A: South Africa has some incredible artists! I am so glad that we have been able to show the world what we can offer via the Crown Championship. We have won or placed 4 years in a row at the World Finals, which is an amazing accomplishment. In the first year South Africa participated in 2019, we received 2nd place in the finals. In 2020, South Africa won the Crown and whole competition, which was hugely celebrated here back home. In 2022, my year, I was very honoured to receive 2nd place and keep the torch glowing for South Africa. This year, South Africa placed 3rd and we are all so proud! The South African community has grown so much over the years and because of these international competitions, like Crown Championships and The World Cosplay Summit, its given us the opportunity to show the world what we have to offer! It’s always nice hearing that international artists or Cosplayers that have attended conventions here in South Africa have enjoyed their time here with the community!

Q: Hosting panels and workshops at conventions is another way you contribute to the cosplay community. What topics do you typically cover in your panels, and what do you enjoy most about engaging with fellow cosplayers and enthusiasts during these events?

A: I love engaging with people, other artists, and the audience, I have always been very comfortable being on stage and its great to connect with others on something we all love. I started hosting panels on crafting materials, prop making and Cosplay 101 for beginners. Later on I started offering panels on entering competitions and the importance of mental health has artists who are trying to earn a living or putting themselves out there globally. If we can help even a handful of people, we have already made a big difference!

Q: Looking ahead, Can you share any insights or teasers about this exciting project that you have planned for the future or projects/collabs you are currently working on, and what fans can expect from your involvement?

A. I have some exciting projects lined up for the year. I have some exciting projects lined up for the year, and I will be creating more original designs and of course sharing the build process online. I have also teamed up with Cosplay World, in Richmond, Virginia to create their convention mascot, Ringo Coswell! I am incredibly excited and honoured to wear him at the convention and revealing the full Costume to the audience on stage!

Q: Beyond cosplay and fabrication, what are some of your other interests and hobbies? How do these passions influence your creative work, if at all?

A: I don’t always have much time for other hobbies or interests, but there are parts of the year that things slow down a bit and I can spend some time gaming, drawing and sorting out my Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards. I also enjoy collecting figures and statues and love spending time with my dog, Jimi! I also enjoy photo editing and doing fun photoshoots with my friends.

Q: What are your goals and aspirations for the future, both personally and professionally? Is there a dream project or cosplay you're itching to tackle next?

A: I have many goals I am working towards now; some may seem unrealistic or too far out there but it’s a great way to keep moving forward. I have been very lucky, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have received, which has allowed me to travel outside of South Africa and attend conventions overseas. I would love to keep traveling and attend more conventions, offering my services and experience as a judge, panel host and content creator. I also have some ideas on books I would like to write and some passion projects or costumes I would like to create on day. I am taking each day as it comes, reaching high but still keeping my feet on the ground and continuing to work hard while remaining humble.

Q: Luke, when you're not crafting intricate costumes or delving into the world of fabrication, what's your favorite way to unwind and relax?

A: I love gaming, whether its laying in bed and playing Nintendo or sitting up with snacks while playing PlayStation. I also love watching anime and just shut off for a bit. I tend to be a workaholic, but I am trying to also make sure I allocate some time to unwinding and relax. I love singing karaoke with friends and also enjoy eating out, especially Asian food!

Q: We've heard about your incredible cosplay achievements, but we're curious: do you have any memorable cosplay mishaps or funny behind-the-scenes stories you'd be willing to share with us?

A: I don’t have too many mishaps…yet! I am quite paranoid about something breaking on the day that I wear it, so I spend some extra time making sure things are glued correctly, reinforced, and stitched well to avoid any potential malfunctions. Even though we take extra precautions, mishaps still happen and generally others are quick to help as it happens to most or all of us at some point! The worst mishap I’ve experienced was when I was walking to the pre-judging room as Aratak at C2E2 in Chicago at the global finals. Someone was filming a cosplayer with a camera and walking backwards pretty fast, they walked back into me and stood onto the tip of my boot with quite a force with their heel, breaking of 2 of my armoured spike pieces. Unfortunately, the guy did not even apologise and just walked off but my best friend who was my handler at the competition helped me fix the pieces that broke off. I felt so bad because she was laying on her stomach, in Cosplay, in the middle of the convention floor supergluing the pieces back on for me. All was better after that and luckily it was the only issue I had that day! If you are entering a competition, it’s a good idea to ask a friend to help you on the day in case of any mishaps!

Q: With your diverse interests in gaming, anime, movies, and trading card games, we have to ask: what's your all-time favorite game, anime series, or movie, and why does it hold a special place in your heart?

A: Favorite anime would definitely be Naruto! I love the character development, humour and story. It was also the very first long subbed anime I watched. I also love Iron Blooded Orphans, Samurai 7 and Dr. Stone! Movies would be between Queen of The Damned & the Lord Of The Rings trilogy! Games…oh boy, so many! I am obsessed with the Dynasty Warriors franchise, Legend Of Zelda, Horizon Zero Dawn, The Witcher, Devil May Cry franchise and Pokemon! My favorite game of all time would probably be Zone of The Enders: 2nd Runner.

Q: As someone deeply entrenched in geek culture, do you have a guilty pleasure when it comes to gaming or entertainment? Any obscure or quirky interests that might surprise our readers?

A: Hmm this is a good question…when I used to play Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards with my friends, I really enjoyed beating them…with my Fairy Deck! It always annoyed them so much because back then fairy type cards weren’t that strong or impressive necessarily, but I spent a long time building that deck, collecting cards, and refining it to create the perfect combinations. I loved seeing the look on my opponents face when they realized my fairies obliterated their life points!

Q: Lastly, if you could cosplay any character, regardless of complexity or practicality, who would it be and why? We'd love to hear about your dream cosplay project!

A: My ULTIMATE goal Cosplay would be Masterflare Hyperion from Yu-Gi-Oh! I will only work on this costume once I figure out how I would want to make the flame wings and when I know I will have the proper space to store him!

Q: Luke, it's been truly inspiring to hear about your journey, achievements, and passion for cosplay and fabrication. Before we conclude, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers? Whether it's a message of gratitude, words of wisdom, or insights into your future projects, the floor is yours. And for those who are eager to follow your captivating cosplay creations and discover more of your work, where can they find you online?

A: Thank you to those who have supported me through my creative journey so far! Being a full time artist can be stressful, a lot of work and often there are times where I felt like I wouldn’t get any further than where I was but through the continuous kindness, support and friendships – it’s made it so much easier, so THANK YOU! If you would like to follow or support my work, you can find me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. I hope to connect with even more artists around the world, to celebrate the wonderful world of Cosplay!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE SUMMER 2024 ISSUE IN WHICH LUDUS IS INCLUDED IN, ALONG WITH A COMMUNITY OF TALENTED COSPLAYERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, AND MORE.