Latest news with #EliseLim
The Star
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Leaving ‘safe path': Junior College student who quit to study fashion now a cosplay influencer on TikTok
SINGAPORE: She was on a conventional path to success, having done well enough at the Primary School Leaving Examination to get into the six-year Integrated Programme (IP), and even gained entry into the Art Elective Programme to pursue her interest in art. But in her fifth year of the IP at National Junior College, Elise Lim decided to put it all aside – to go into fashion. She had taken an interest in cosplay in the fourth year, and tried her hand at making character wigs and props, and tailoring costumes. Also feeling demotivated from not doing as well as she had hoped in secondary school, she made a switch to pursue a course in fashion design and management at Temasek Polytechnic (TP), something she had dreamt of exploring since her younger days. Not everyone would have approved of her decision. 'It's not common for people to drop out of the IP, and a lot of parents could be worried that this is an unstable future, which is true, because the design and art field is unstable,' Elise said, adding that junior college (JC) is typically seen as the 'safe path' for students. Three years on, the 19-year-old, who is in her third year in polytechnic, has amassed more than 94,000 followers on TikTok, where she posts tutorials on how to make wigs, and other cosplay content. Her most viral video, where she cosplays the 2023 design of a virtual character named 'magical mirai miku' with a self-made wig, has more than 12.9 million views. On Instagram, she has a following of 12,200. She takes commission orders for wigs via her Instagram page on a first come, first served basis, and in between juggling schoolwork, she sends out blasts to her followers to say she is free to take up projects. The prices of her wigs range from US$100 (S$130) to US$700. She has made more than 30 character wigs and more than ten props, some of which are commissioned orders for international customers. 'I first started playing video games like Valorant and League Of Legends in secondary school, and afterwards I saw all these people online cosplaying these super-interesting-looking game characters,' she said. Realising how much commissioning good-quality cosplay wigs and props would cost, she decided to try making them on her own at the end of 2022. She did this by watching online tutorials, speaking to other cosplayers at conventions and looking for cheap supplies online. Her mother, who wanted to be known only as Mrs Lim, has been supportive of her decision to pursue an unconventional path. 'I'm proud of Elise and generally supportive of her love for crafting... My main concern is her frequent exposure to chemicals when making wigs, and I hope she takes care to protect herself,' said the 52-year-old, who did not want to reveal her occupation. Elise's father died when she was younger. She is an only child. When The Straits Times visited Elise's work studio in her attic in April, more than five bright blue wigs were displayed on her work table. Equipped with a sewing machine and other tools, the room was also filled with various props she has made over the years. These include a one-metre-long shark-inspired rocket launcher and machine gun based on the ones belonging to the Arcane character, Jinx. The Arcane series is a science-fantasy show based on the League Of Legends game. Some other works-in-progress include a crochet top for a small crafting online business she runs and a drill-curl hairstyle wig for a League Of Legends character, Gwen. Her costume accessories and props are made with materials including ethylene-vinyl acetate foam and recycled materials such as cardboard tubes from online shopping platforms like Taobao where supplies are cheaper. When she is in a rush, she buys her materials from Chinatown. Sitting on a stool, Elise showed ST how she makes a wig – starting with a pre-coloured base wig bought online and trimming the synthetic hair to the desired length, keeping any excess hair for future use. A base wig is an unstyled wig that can be easily cut, coloured and styled to match a character's specific hairstyle. Afterwards, she works on putting together an internal structure for the wig depending on the hairstyle needed. 'I first started styling my wigs on soft toys, and after that I realised I should invest in a mannequin head,' she recalled with a laugh. 'It's very time-consuming – you have to work slowly because the glue needs time to dry, but it's very easy to be impatient and want to move on to the next step,' she said, adding that the longest time she took to make a wig was 60 hours. 'This is skilled labour, so I had to practise and learn, and train. And the cost of living in Singapore is also high, so I think my price is quite justified,' she said. People often reach out to her asking if she can make specific props, but she has difficulty putting a reasonable price on some of them as she has spent up to 90 hours making some, she added. Her goal in the long term is to open an independent commissioning studio with one of her cosplay friends, Jade Tang, 21. 'We both get commission requests sometimes, so we think that if we continue to develop our skills, this is something we can do in the long run,' said Elise, who will graduate from polytechnic in a year. The polytechnic course curriculum aligns more with her interests, as she has more freedom to be creative and put her own personality into her works. 'It's more fruitful because the skills that I've learnt are more tangible. At the end of each module, you would have a very clear idea of what you gained from it,' Elise said. After graduating, she plans to take a gap year to enrol in short courses related to making clothes. She is also exploring studying costume design at an arts university in China, Belgium or Italy. 'I want to go to an art university, so if I stayed in JC, my focus would be split between academics and the arts, and I would have come out the other end with nothing good. I would have no good academics or a good portfolio, and also wasted two years, so I switched to TP.' Speak to teachers, parents and others in the field before making decisions – this is Elise's advice to young people wondering whether they should follow their dreams, including those out of the ordinary. 'If they are confident they can earn (money) and have done research in their field, then there's nothing wrong with doing something a bit more unconventional,' she said. - The Straits Times/ANN
Economic Times
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
From IP to cosplay influencer: Singapore student builds career in fashion and wig design
Singapore cosplay influencer Elise Lim styles custom wigs and props in her home studio, where she builds a career after leaving the Integrated Programme to pursue fashion design Student transitions from Integrated Programme to cosplay design Elise Lim, a 19-year-old student in Singapore, transitioned from the prestigious Integrated Programme (IP) at National Junior College to pursue a diploma in fashion design and management at Temasek Polytechnic. Initially part of the Art Elective Programme, Lim developed an interest in cosplay during her fourth year of the IP and began experimenting with costume and wig her fifth year, she decided to leave junior college to focus on fashion full-time. Lim said, 'It's not common for people to drop out of the IP, and a lot of parents could be worried that this is an unstable future, which is true, because the design and art field is unstable', to The Strait Times. Also read: Who is Khaby Lame and why the world's most popular TikTok star left the US? TikTok following grows as cosplay content gains traction Now in her third year at polytechnic, Lim has grown a substantial online following. Her TikTok account has more than 94,000 followers, and her most viewed video, featuring a self-made wig of the character Magical Mirai Miku, has garnered over 12.9 million views. On Instagram, she has 12,200 followers and manages commission requests for wigs on a rolling basis. Her wigs are priced between US$100 (S$130) and US$700, and she has created more than 30 character wigs and over 10 props. Many of her clients are international, and she frequently sends availability updates to her followers. 'I first started playing video games like Valorant and League Of Legends in secondary school, and afterwards I saw all these people online cosplaying these super-interesting-looking game characters,' Lim explained. Finding the cost of high-quality props too high, she began making her own at the end of cosplay props and wigs for global clientsLim works from a studio set up in her attic, equipped with a sewing machine and materials sourced both online and locally. Her costume accessories are made using ethylene-vinyl acetate foam and repurposed cardboard from platforms like Taobao. When pressed for time, she sources materials from stores in Chinatown. Also read: Viral icon Khaby Lame detained by ICE and forced to leave the U.S. — fans worldwide rally behind the TikTok starThe workspace includes cosplay props such as a shark-themed rocket launcher based on the character Jinx from the Arcane series and wigs styled for characters like Gwen from League of Legends. Demonstrating her process, Lim showed how she begins with a pre-colored base wig, styles the synthetic hair, and constructs an internal structure to match the character's design to The Strait stated, 'This is skilled labor, so I had to practise and learn, and train. And the cost of living in Singapore is also high, so I think my price is quite justified.' Future plans include studio launch and overseas study Despite concerns from some about the stability of an arts-based career, Lim's mother has remained supportive. 'I'm proud of Elise and generally supportive of her love for crafting... My main concern is her frequent exposure to chemicals when making wigs,' said Mrs. Lim, who is an only child and lost her father at a young age, hopes to open a commissioning studio with fellow cosplayer Jade Tang, 21. She noted that both frequently receive commission requests and see the potential for a long-term venture if they continue improving their skills. Also read: New TikTok diet trend sparks backlash as experts warn it's fueling a dangerous new wave of harmful eating habits After completing her diploma next year, Lim plans to take a gap year to attend short courses in garment construction. She is also considering applying to art universities in China, Belgium, or Italy to study costume design.'It's more fruitful because the skills that I've learnt are more tangible,' she said of her polytechnic education. 'At the end of each module, you would have a very clear idea of what you gained from it.'Reflecting on her decision, Lim said, 'If I stayed in JC, my focus would be split between academics and the arts… so I switched to TP.'She advises others to research and consult mentors before making non-traditional choices. 'If they are confident they can earn (money) and have done research in their field, then there's nothing wrong with doing something a bit more unconventional.'
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From IP to cosplay influencer: Singapore student builds career in fashion and wig design
Singapore polytechnic student Elise Lim left the Integrated Programme to pursue fashion and cosplay, gaining nearly 100,000 TikTok followers. Now a wig and prop designer, she balances school and commissions while building a career in the creative arts. Her work highlights the rise of cosplay influencers and alternative career paths Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Elise Lim, a 19-year-old student in Singapore, transitioned from the prestigious Integrated Programme (IP) at National Junior College to pursue a diploma in fashion design and management at Temasek Polytechnic. Initially part of the Art Elective Programme, Lim developed an interest in cosplay during her fourth year of the IP and began experimenting with costume and wig her fifth year, she decided to leave junior college to focus on fashion full-time. Lim said, 'It's not common for people to drop out of the IP, and a lot of parents could be worried that this is an unstable future, which is true, because the design and art field is unstable', to The Strait read: Who is Khaby Lame and why the world's most popular TikTok star left the US? Now in her third year at polytechnic, Lim has grown a substantial online following. Her TikTok account has more than 94,000 followers, and her most viewed video, featuring a self-made wig of the character Magical Mirai Miku, has garnered over 12.9 million views. On Instagram, she has 12,200 followers and manages commission requests for wigs on a rolling wigs are priced between US$100 (S$130) and US$700, and she has created more than 30 character wigs and over 10 props. Many of her clients are international, and she frequently sends availability updates to her followers.'I first started playing video games like Valorant and League Of Legends in secondary school, and afterwards I saw all these people online cosplaying these super-interesting-looking game characters,' Lim explained. Finding the cost of high-quality props too high, she began making her own at the end of works from a studio set up in her attic, equipped with a sewing machine and materials sourced both online and locally. Her costume accessories are made using ethylene-vinyl acetate foam and repurposed cardboard from platforms like Taobao. When pressed for time, she sources materials from stores in read: Viral icon Khaby Lame detained by ICE and forced to leave the U.S. — fans worldwide rally behind the TikTok star The workspace includes cosplay props such as a shark-themed rocket launcher based on the character Jinx from the Arcane series and wigs styled for characters like Gwen from League of Legends. Demonstrating her process, Lim showed how she begins with a pre-colored base wig, styles the synthetic hair, and constructs an internal structure to match the character's design to The Strait stated, 'This is skilled labor, so I had to practise and learn, and train. And the cost of living in Singapore is also high, so I think my price is quite justified.'Despite concerns from some about the stability of an arts-based career, Lim's mother has remained supportive. 'I'm proud of Elise and generally supportive of her love for crafting... My main concern is her frequent exposure to chemicals when making wigs,' said Mrs. Lim, who is an only child and lost her father at a young age, hopes to open a commissioning studio with fellow cosplayer Jade Tang, 21. She noted that both frequently receive commission requests and see the potential for a long-term venture if they continue improving their read: New TikTok diet trend sparks backlash as experts warn it's fueling a dangerous new wave of harmful eating habits After completing her diploma next year, Lim plans to take a gap year to attend short courses in garment construction. She is also considering applying to art universities in China, Belgium, or Italy to study costume design.'It's more fruitful because the skills that I've learnt are more tangible,' she said of her polytechnic education. 'At the end of each module, you would have a very clear idea of what you gained from it.'Reflecting on her decision, Lim said, 'If I stayed in JC, my focus would be split between academics and the arts… so I switched to TP.'She advises others to research and consult mentors before making non-traditional choices. 'If they are confident they can earn (money) and have done research in their field, then there's nothing wrong with doing something a bit more unconventional.'
Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Leaving ‘safe path': IP student who quit JC to study fashion now a cosplay influencer on TikTok
Elise Lim with a shark-inspired rocket launcher, which is based on the one from the show Arcane, that she made. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Leaving 'safe path': IP student who quit JC to study fashion now a cosplay influencer on TikTok Behind every academic result is a young person quietly chasing their dreams, beating the odds, and hoping to make something of themselves. In More than Grades, a monthly series by The Straits Times, we tell the stories of youth who are making waves in school and beyond. SINGAPORE – She was on a conventional path to success, having done well enough at the Primary School Leaving Examination to get into the six-year Integrated Programme (IP), and even gained entry into the Art Elective Programme to pursue her interest in art. But in her fifth year of the IP at National Junior College, Elise Lim decided to put it all aside – to go into fashion. She had taken an interest in cosplay in the fourth year, and tried her hand at making character wigs and props, and tailoring costumes. Also feeling demotivated from not doing as well as she had hoped in secondary school, she made a switch to pursue a course in fashion design and management at Temasek Polytechnic (TP), something she had dreamt of exploring since her younger days. Not everyone would have approved of her decision. 'It's not common for people to drop out of the IP, and a lot of parents could be worried that this is an unstable future, which is true, because the design and art field is unstable,' Elise said, adding that junior college (JC) is typically seen as the 'safe path' for students. Three years on, the 19-year-old, who is in her third year in polytechnic, has amassed more than 94,000 followers on TikTok, where she posts tutorials on how to make wigs, and other cosplay content. Her most viral video, where she cosplays the 2023 design of a virtual character named 'magical mirai miku' with a self-made wig, has more than 12.9 million views. On Instagram, she has a following of 12,200. Elise Lim working on a cosplay wig for League Of Legends character Gwen. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR She takes commission orders for wigs via her Instagram page on a first come, first served basis, and in between juggling schoolwork, she sends out blasts to her followers to say she is free to take up projects. The prices of her wigs range from US$100 (S$130) to US$700. She has made more than 30 character wigs and more than 10 props, some of which are commissioned orders for international customers. 'I first started playing video games like Valorant and League Of Legends in secondary school, and afterwards I saw all these people online cosplaying these super-interesting-looking game characters,' she said. Realising how much commissioning good-quality cosplay wigs and props would cost, she decided to try making them on her own at the end of 2022. She did this by watching online tutorials, speaking to other cosplayers at conventions and looking for cheap supplies online. Her mother, who wanted to be known only as Mrs Lim, has been supportive of her decision to pursue an unconventional path. Elise Lim has made more than 30 character wigs and more than 10 props, some of which are commissioned orders for international customers. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR 'I'm proud of Elise and generally supportive of her love for crafting... My main concern is her frequent exposure to chemicals when making wigs, and I hope she takes care to protect herself,' said the 52-year-old, who did not want to reveal her occupation. Elise's father died when she was younger. She is an only child. When The Straits Times visited Elise's work studio in her attic in April, more than five bright blue wigs were displayed on her work table. Equipped with a sewing machine and other tools, the room was also filled with various props she has made over the years. These include a 1m-long shark-inspired rocket launcher and machine gun based on the ones belonging to the Arcane character, Jinx. The Arcane series is a science-fantasy show based on the League Of Legends game. Some other works-in-progress include a crochet top for a small crafting online business she runs and a drill-curl hairstyle wig for a League Of Legends character, Gwen. Her costume accessories and props are made with materials including ethylene-vinyl acetate foam and recycled materials such as cardboard tubes from online shopping platforms like Taobao where supplies are cheaper. When she is in a rush, she buys her materials from Chinatown. Sitting on a stool, Elise showed ST how she makes a wig – starting with a pre-coloured base wig bought online and trimming the synthetic hair to the desired length, keeping any excess hair for future use. A base wig is an unstyled wig that can be easily cut, coloured and styled to match a character's specific hairstyle. Afterwards, she works on putting together an internal structure for the wig depending on the hairstyle needed. Elise Lim starts with a pre-coloured base wig bought online and trims the synthetic hair to the desired length, keeping any excess hair for future use. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR 'I first started styling my wigs on soft toys, and after that I realised I should invest in a mannequin head,' she recalled with a laugh. 'It's very time-consuming – you have to work slowly because the glue needs time to dry, but it's very easy to be impatient and want to move on to the next step,' she said, adding that the longest time she took to make a wig was 60 hours. 'This is skilled labour, so I had to practise and learn, and train. And the cost of living in Singapore is also high, so I think my price is quite justified,' she said. People often reach out to her asking if she can make specific props, but she has difficulty putting a reasonable price on some of them as she has spent up to 90 hours making some, she added. Her goal in the long term is to open an independent commissioning studio with one of her cosplay friends, Jade Tang, 21. 'We both get commission requests sometimes, so we think that if we continue to develop our skills, this is something we can do in the long run,' said Elise, who will graduate from polytechnic in a year. Some of the cosplay wigs Elise Lim has made, displayed at her home studio in April. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR The polytechnic course curriculum aligns more with her interests, as she has more freedom to be creative and put her own personality into her works. 'It's more fruitful because the skills that I've learnt are more tangible. At the end of each module, you would have a very clear idea of what you gained from it,' Elise said. After graduating, she plans to take a gap year to enrol in short courses related to making clothes. She is also exploring studying costume design at an arts university in China, Belgium or Italy. 'I want to go to an art university, so if I stayed in JC, my focus would be split between academics and the arts, and I would have come out the other end with nothing good. I would have no good academics or a good portfolio, and also wasted two years, so I switched to TP.' Speak to teachers, parents and others in the field before making decisions – this is Elise's advice to young people wondering whether they should follow their dreams, including those out of the ordinary. 'If they are confident they can earn (money) and have done research in their field, then there's nothing wrong with doing something a bit more unconventional,' she said. Know of a young person who would be a good fit for this series? Email us at stnewsdesk@ Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
