The excitement all around Atomic Heart has not bypassed the world of cosplay. On the Internet you can find a lot of works in the images of ballerinas, women Zina, Tereshkova and even Eleanor. But the real popularity was received by the photo set of Nastya Volkova, better known as Svizee. We contacted the girl and interviewed her.
Who is Svizee
Nastya began actively publishing cosplay photo sets last year. Her best shots were Lady Dimitrescu in a black dress, Bayonetta from the first and third parts of the series and Tae Takemi from Persona 5. But it was after Atomic Heart’s Ballerina that many people heard about the girl.
The secret is simple: Nastya was the first to create a full-fledged, high-quality cosplay for the Twins. And this is not about erotic fan service, but about one hundred percent canon. Such cases are not uncommon. For example, in 2021, Alisa Arefieva was the first to show the full image of Alsina Dimitrescu, which became the catalyst for her popularity. We have dedicated a separate article to this topic.
For Nastya herself, the success of her Ballerina cosplay turned out to be a pleasant surprise. To understand all the details, we personally spoke with the girl.
Interview with a girl
VGTtimes: How long have you been cosplaying? What was your very first image?
swizee: I’ve been doing cosplay for many years, but I started doing it professionally about two years ago. My first job was Wonder Woman from DC Comics. She was more like the original based on the motifs. Today I am a little embarrassed to remember him because of the quality of the costume, but I treat it with love as the very first cosplay.
VGTtimes: What was the hardest and longest look to create?
swizee: Probably Bayonetta from the third part. Lots of patterns, fine details and incredibly intricate guns. Making the costume and accessories took a lot of effort, time and resources. But it was worth it! Bayonetta is my favorite character.
VGTtimes: What is the reason for choosing an image for cosplay: with the popularity of the character on the Internet or personal sympathy?
swizee: I must like the heroine. Sometimes it happens that the popularity of a character crosses my interest in him, but this is already a nice bonus, and not the main goal.
VGTtimes: Did you take Atomic Heart? Why did you decide to cosplay the Twin?
swizee: Yes, I played Atomic Heart, I liked it. I was particularly impressed with the setting, which inspired me to do a cosplay on one of the characters. And I chose the twins because they are beautiful and colorful. Now I don’t even remember other heroines lately that would be so smart. That’s why I got the idea to cosplay on them and convey their images as canonically as possible.
Did you like Nastya’s Twin Ballerina?
VGTtimes: Your Ballerina has spread all over the internet. Why do you think it happened?
swizee: Well, as far as I’m concerned, these are too big words. But I was surprised myself how successful my cosplay turned out to be. I think there are two reasons: the popularity of the twins at the moment and the fact that we managed to capture the atmosphere of the game. A nice suit isn’t everything, it’s important to convey the spirit of the original source in the photo itself. Thank you for these retouches. And Ilya and I tried to recreate the fight scenes and other moments from the game.
VGTtimes: Twin is completely canon. Is there a fan service follow-up planned for this photo set?
swizee: No, there is no such desire. The costume is too elaborate to wear for fan service shots.
Cosplay compilations
VGTtimes: Have you received any unusual offers since the publication of the Twins cosplay?
swizee: The guys asked for hotter shots and even begged to step on them with their feet, like in a photo set. I usually don’t respond to these kinds of requests. I have also been invited to festivals a few times. Unfortunately, this costume was designed for a studio photo set only. You have no idea how hot it is! That’s why I refused.
VGTtimes: What other visuals in your performance can be noticed?
swizee: Both Bayonettas. I want to make cosplay based on the second part in the future. I also want to mention Lady Dimitrescu and Tae Takemi. These are my most successful images, which are ideal for my character.
VGTtimes: Have you had time to face the negative side of popularity?
swizee: There were no major scandals. Like many cosplayers, I am sometimes accused of using photoshop. But without him it would not have been possible to convey the atmosphere of the game and show the ballerina as she was in Atomic Heart. Some girls are offended by such reproaches. But I try not to pay attention to the negative, but I strive to make my work better.
VGTtimes: You have an account on the Boosty site, where erotic content is often posted. What can cosplay lovers find there? Do you have photos and videos that are intended for an adult audience only?
swizee: I usually place high-resolution photo sets and additional frames there. In my opinion, some photo sets are just not suitable for sharing. As a rule, these are popular images of the 16+ category. But I have no nudity. And I don’t intend to do such a thing.
VGTtimes: What do your family and friends think of cosplay?
swizee: My mother is interested and supports me in this. And the rest of the family don’t even know I do cosplay. I think it will be difficult for me to explain what it is and why I spend so much money on it.
VGTtimes: Where can your fans see you live?
swizee: Recently I stopped going to festivals and focused on photocosplay. But this summer I plan to go to a few events again as Samara from Mass Effect. Unfortunately, the Gemini costume is not suitable for this, it is too uncomfortable. And it bothers me that the face is hidden by the mask. I love connecting with people and energizing them. So I will be happy for anyone who recognizes me!
VGTtimes: Thanks for the interview.
In the role of Sergei Nechaev and Dante – Zektornis. Photographers – Miva and Sasha Mefetis.
The twins in the game wear deaf masks – is it cool or would it be better if they had open faces?
Source: VG Times