Beverly

Nan Desu Kan in Denver is my home convention, but I travel annually to Anime Central as well, close to where I grew up. To date, I have completed over 40 costumes, not including historical reenactment clothing, wedding and bridesmaid dresses (which I have sworn off), and commissions (including that stuff would make the list over 120, probably. It's really hard to tell at this point).

My style in cosplay and costuming tends to reflect more of the "simple and clean" (pun intended ^.~) lines of anime and manga (like my Sophie), although I have been branching out into more detailed and accessorized costumes as well (like my Rosa). I favor natural fabrics above all and consider myself an extremely frugal cosplayer (hey, you can buy dye-your-own silk for about $6 a yard, as opposed to twice that). It is not unusual for me to spend more on notions and accessories than fabric. ^^

I live minutes from all the exciting, creative, artsy places in Denver, and I absolutely love every bit of it. XD 2008 is my ten year anniversary in cosplay. That's so crazy.

What got you into cosplay?
I've always been a "dress-up" kid, from the time I was little and whipped up princess and adventure costumes from my costume chest. I guess I just never grew out of it. ^^
What was your first costume and why?
Super Sailormoon. I began work on the fuku, then discovered that creator Takeuchi Naoko would be at the SDCC '98, just the same time I was happening to be in California for a vacation. Fate just seemed to take over from there. It was a lovely time, and one of my happiest memories.
What is your favorite costume and why?
My Esper Terra... this week!
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
Kira from the Dark Crystal, complete with wings. ^^
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
I performed a shortened version of "Real Emotion" in the cosplay at Acen 2004, and had a fantastic time. I really was in it for the fun, at that point, performing for the sake of performing. ^^ It just shouldn't be legal to have that much fun.
Do you participate in masquerades?
Yes, when I can. ^^ I'm a performer at heart, and I love to be on stage... It's irresistible.. *^^*
What was your best masquerade experience?
The AX 2006 "Signing Bonus" is one of my favorite performances because we had such an awesome time doing the skit, and we got great laughs. ^^
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
Sure!
Tell us a little about yourself
While not at my job as safety administrator for a railroad management company, I spend time making jewelry... which you can see at jewelry.charmedseed.net!
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Cosplay has brought me into contact with so many wonderful people, and I've made so many beautiful friends... It's really been a wonderful thing in my life, and I hope it's that way for others... Getting a chance to share my love for art and design in this particular way with people who share the same passions has truly been a great experience, and I look forward to many more of them.
My favorite anime
Howl's Moving Castle, Romeo x Juliet, Princess Tutu, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Rozen Maiden, Sailormoon...
My favorite game(s)
Pretty much anything Final Fantasy, although I'm partial to VI and IV.
My favorite book(s)
Eht Earthsea Cycle (Ursula K. LeGuin), Contact (Carl Sagan)
My favorite character(s)
Sophie (Howl's Moving Castle), Nausicaa (Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind), Rosa (Final Fantasy IV), Terra (Final Fantasy VI)
My favorite movies(s)
Howl's Moving Castle, Pan's Labyrinth, Nausicaa: Valley of the Wind, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, The Neverending Story
My favorite actors/actresses
Hugh Laurie!! An English actor with a perfect American accent playing a drug-addicted, crippled doctor? HELL YES.