Natalie

What got you into cosplay?
My friends.
What was your first costume and why?
Rikku's Thief Dressphere from Final Fantasy X-2. I always liked her character, and I especially liked her new default design. It's colorful, fun, and something you wouldn't exactly see everyday. My friends convinced me to give it a go.
What is your favorite costume and why?
I love Shiva costumes. Every single one I've seen is always different even if it's based off the same series as another. Every cosplayer seems to interpret the costumes differently, and they're all so much fun to look at and admire. Just the overall sparklyness and detail that's put into the costumes. ^_^ Out of my current collection, I really can't choose just one to call my favorite. I put a lot of hard work into all of them. I end up calling every single one "my baby". lol
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
I could seriously make a huge list of all the costumes I'd like to make, but a biggie would most definitely be FFX Shiva or Ultimecia from FF8. I'm actually planning on making Ultimecia for Otakon 2008. We'll see what happens!
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
My first time cosplaying at Tekkoshocon 2004. I remember the feeling I had way down in the pit of my stomach when we first pulled into the hotel parking lot. I had no idea what to expect, but I saw a cosplayer walk by, and I literally jumped out the car wanting to go change into Thief Rikku! I made so many awesome friends, learned tons of stuff about cosplaying, and just had the time of my life. It's awesome to still get that jittery feeling every time I arrive at a con.
Do you participate in masquerades?
Sometimes. I like simple walk-ons for craftsmanship judging. I was never one for acting. Hall cosplay, yes.
What was your best masquerade experience?
I really enjoy watching others perform on stage rather than do it myself. I like to see the walk ons to admire the costumes, and watch the creative stuff people come up with for skits.
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
Yes. Here's a list if anyone cares. XD Best of Friday Hall Cosplay at AnimeNEXT 2004 Honorable Mention at Tekkoshocon 2005 Best of Saturday (Novice) at AnimeNEXT 2005 Honorable Mention at AnimeNEXT 2006 Honorable Mention at AnimeUSA 2006 Best of Weekend (Novice) at Katsucon 2007 Honorable Mention for Personal Touch at Anime Boston 2007 Best of Saturday (Journeyman) at AnimeNEXT 2007 Best of Weekend (Journeyman) at Katsucon 2008
Tell us a little about yourself
I'm now a sophomore in college going for Theatre Design. My goal is to become a professional seamstress and theatrical costume designer. I snowboard, play lacrosse, make jewelry, and play the flute and piano. I also love the travel. I've been to Japan, England, Haiti, Jamaica, and Mexico. I would adooore to eventually make it to South America (doesn't matter where), Germany, Italy, France, and Indonesia. Just for the sake of world travel. It's so darn interesting.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
craploads of bead
My favorite anime
(and manga) Trinity Blood Pet Shop of Horrors xxxHolic Genju no Seiza Aa! Megami Sama Yuyu Hakusho Sailor Moon Hellsing
My favorite game(s)
Final Fantasy Anthologies (primarily, but all of them are great) Resident Evil: Code Veronica, 1, 2, 3, and 4 Fatal Frame Clock Tower TFF, 1, 2 and 3 Haunting Ground Dynasty Warriors Samurai Warriors I basically enjoy survival horrors and random RPGs. Guitar Hero and DDR are a good time too.
My favorite book(s)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Where the Red Fern Grows, and Memoirs of a Geisha.
My favorite character(s)
Rikku(FFX/X-2), Lady Caterina (TB), Zhu Rong(DW), Shiva(FF), Edea(FF8), Ultimecia (FF8), Urd(AMG), and Sailor Galaxia(SM).
My favorite movies(s)
<3Edward Scissorhands<3<3Chicago<3 and War of the Worlds, and Pan's Labyrinth
My favorite actors/actresses
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom.