*Shiva*

What got you into cosplay?
I love the creativity and artistry which goes into costume design, creation, and photography. It truly is its own art form!
What was your first costume and why?
Rinoa from Final Fantasy VIII. Final Fantasy is my favorite series, and FF8 holds a special place in my heart for being the first FF I ever completed. I chose Rinoa because I look somewhat like her anyway, and I think there is more to her character than most people take her for. Also, like many others, I liked her outfit and it seemed like a relatively simple costume to attempt for a first try. Rinoa's classic duster ensemble remains one of my favorite cosplays, and she has become my signature character.
What is your favorite costume and why?
I no longer have one. I love some aspect of all of my costumes - that's why I made them! ^^
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
Mateus The Corrupt from Final Fantasy XII.
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
I think my first memorable experience was being Tifa from Advent Children in Cosplay Chess at Anime Boston 2006, and having two awesome guys - Cloud and Vash - fight over me. xD I also really enjoyed pairing up with Natalie to do Shiva and Phoenix summon cosplays at Anime Boston 2007, and being completely swarmed by photographers!
Do you participate in masquerades?
Yes!
What was your best masquerade experience?
I've enjoyed all of my Masquerade experiences, but my favorite so far would be "Chibi Moon Finds A Bunny" skit which I did with Crazy Flower as Nono the Moogle at Another Anime Con 2007.
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
Anime Boston 2006: Hall Contest Judge's Award for Craftsmanship (Amano Rinoa Heartilly), Bakuretsu Con 2006: Masquerade Best Novice Presentation (Sorceress Adel), PortConMaine 2007: Masquerade Judge's Award for Performance (Ruby of Tantalus), Another Anime Con 2007: Masquerade Best Advanced Performance (Super Chibi Moon), Bakuretsu Con 2007: Masquerade Best Advanced Craftsmanship (Super Chibi Moon)
Tell us a little about yourself
When not cosplaying, I'm a graduate student and a dancer, and can be found either working or touring with my dance company. Other than that, I like to play sports, party, hang out with friends, travel, and enjoy life.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I <3 the Red Sox. Even in the 1980s when they were losers, I hearted them.
My favorite anime
Advent Children, Sailor Moon, Runouri Kenshin, Princess Tutu, Chrono Crusade, InuYasha, Full Metal Alchamist, Witch Hunter Robin
My favorite game(s)
Final Fantasy VIII, X, VII, IX, and V, Kingdom Hearts, Spyro the Dragon, Crash Bandicoot
My favorite book(s)
Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Memoirs of a Geisha, Wicked, The American Girls Collection, Chronicles of Narnia
My favorite character(s)
Shiva, Kaoru Kamiya, Kenshin Himura, Tifa Lockheart, Red XIII, Rinoa Heartilly, Sayuri Nitta, Arwen Undomiel, Dana Scully, Jadzia Dax, Princess Tutu, Chibiusa Tsukino, Yuna, Felicity Merriman