Lightning Cosplay: From Passion to Profession

At COSiPLAY we are always looking to support and celebrate artists and creators. Lightning Cosplay has always been a team I have loved to follow.

Meet Laura Jansen and Ralf Zimmermann, of Lightning Cosplay, the powerhouse duo from Germany, has established themselves as one of the most talented cosplay teams in the industry. With a reputation for breathtaking craftsmanship, intricate detailing, and lifelike recreations, their work has captivated the cosplay and gaming communities alike.

image courtesy of lightningcosplay.com

Iconic Projects That Define Lightning Cosplay

Lightning Cosplay has worked on some of the most ambitious cosplay projects, bringing to life characters from legendary franchises. Their stunning recreations have earned them recognition from fans and industry professionals alike.

• The Witcher Series – This is one of their most notable creations where they crafted incredibly detailed clothes and headdress inspired by The Witcher 3. While the build is from 2012, I don't think you can put a timeframe on inspiration. Their cosplays showcase not only their technical skills but also their ability to bring fictional characters to life with unparalleled realism. You can explore their Witcher 3 builds in more detail through their official showcases: Olgierd von Everec and Triss Merigold. Here's the video of their photoshoot for Triss and Yennefer

  
  

  Lightning Cosplay Youtube

• Horizon Zero Dawn – Lightning Cosplay impressed fans with their rendition of Aloy’s armor and accessories from Horizon Zero Dawn. They meticulously recreated the intricate tribal designs, showcasing their expertise in 3D printing and leather work. You can explore their Horizon Zero Dawn builds in more detail here: Aloy Build.

  
  

• World of Warcraft – Their high-fantasy armor sets, inspired by World of Warcraft, have been among their most impressive projects. Their craftsmanship in making detailed, battle-worn armor has been widely praised at conventions and online. You can explore their World of Warcraft builds here: WoW Builds.

  
  

The Art of Crafting and Their Published Works

Beyond cosplay builds, Lightning Cosplay has contributed to the community through their educational books and resources. They have published several books , making them invaluable for aspiring cosplayers. Their books include:

• Horns and Headdresses!

  This book is aimed at costume enthusiasts, craftsmen, hobby elves, Cosplayers and everyone who wanted to be a mythical creature at some point. Over the last two years, I have done a lot of fiddling and experimenting with new methods, mostly concerning new ways on how to make horns and antlers. Two of them are shown in this book, with over 200 new pictures, step-by-step tutorials and a lot of helpful tips.

  
  

• New Lights | Animated LEDs for Beginner

  This book is for cosplayers and people who are interested in making some new experiences with LEDs and who want to let their cosplays, props or whatever, shine in an amazing new light! We will accompany you from the first thoughts to a finished LED circuit. In several examples we give you a step-by-step explanation how to build your own LED circuit, what you have to consider, when you want to have a good and evenly shining result and we will tell you a trick how you can save a lot of money, by using your one time build main parts of your circuit for all your future projects again and again and again.

  
  

• Mold Making and Casting

  In the second volume more methods on how to make your own horns, headpieces and various other things will be introduced. How to sculpt horns and how to create a silicone form will be explained in detail, followed by instructions on how you can then reproduce your masterpiece with casting resin any number of times. In addition of that, the materials and tools needed will be discussed, as well as the most important things you need to know when using these techniques.

  
  

Awards and Industry Recognition

Thanks to their impeccable craftsmanship and dedication to the art of cosplay, Lightning Cosplay has received several accolades and industry recognition. Their works have been showcased at major gaming conventions, and they have won multiple awards for costume design and craftsmanship. Their collaborations with gaming companies like Bethesda and CD Projekt Red have cemented their status as one of the most respected cosplay teams in the world.

Pushing the Boundaries of Cosplay Art

Lightning Cosplay continues to inspire cosplayers around the world with their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative techniques, and passion for the craft. Their detailed recreations, published works, and industry contributions make them a driving force in the world of professional cosplay. Stay tuned for the next installment in this series, where we will take an in-depth look at the techniques and materials that make Lightning Cosplay’s creations truly extraordinary!

Creativity and Inspiration

Lightning Cosplay’s journey is proof that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to push creative boundaries, anything is possible. They’ve not only turned their dream into a successful business but have also left a lasting impact on the cosplay world—empowering others to take their first steps into this incredible art form.

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the materials, techniques, and behind-the-scenes magic that make Lightning Cosplay such and incredible team!