Solaria

What got you into cosplay?
Arkadia. She's my partner in crime and might as well be my sister for how well we get along. She made me think it'd be weird if I *didn't* dress up like a cartoon.
What was your first costume and why?
Once I became familiar with cosplay, it was Link. We were playing a lot of Soul Calibur II at the time.
What is your favorite costume and why?
It's a tough call between Astharoshe and Calintz right now.
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
There's a illustration of Arashi from the X Zero artbook that I've been in love with for two years. I also really want to make some form of chaos or KOS-MOS from Xenosaga. On a side note, if I were a really hot and well-muscled guy, it would be Renji, hands down, but I think such a character would require a sex change and/or steroids on my part for it to be anything but laughable.
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
The first time I wore Asta. It was my most complex costume to date, it was still before Trinity Blood exploded (although there was a good amount at AX!), and the reception was *amazing*. I was quite flabberghasted.
Do you participate in masquerades?
Once, but only as a stage ninjedi for some friends. I did theatre for years so I like the performing aspect; I just don't really feel the urge to compete so I end up watching more than participating. P.S. Blame Jinyo for coining the term "ninjedi".
What was your best masquerade experience?
Practicing the Obi-Wan vs. Grievous battle in Lionel's driveway at 11:00 p.m. Crazy stares from neighbors are always fun. Also, being attacked by insanely cute bats in the green room.
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
I've won a couple of hall awards. I don't really compete in masquerades.
Tell us a little about yourself
I graduated from UCSB with a double major in Religious Studies and Linguistics. Recently I've started working in Collection Development at a university library in southern California. I aspire to be a novelist, but I think it will be a few more years before I'm in a position to submit anything. I can be pretty shy at times, yet I tend to ramble a lot and act pretty goofy when I'm not. Depends on my mood, I suppose. My sense of humor is pretty strange. All of this rambling right now is because I never really know what I should say about myself. I generally don't like to say all that much outside of personal contexts.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I made up my username as a kid, so sadly, it is not a reference to Asimov.
My favorite anime
X is my favorite, ever. I also love Fruits Basket, Trinity Blood, Rurouni Kenshin, Witch Hunter Robin, Full Metal Alchemist, Bleach...
My favorite game(s)
Final Fantasy VII and IX, Xenosaga, Kingdom Hearts, and Knights of the Old Republic.
My favorite book(s)
Books: Slaughterhouse-Five (and most things by Kurt Vonnegut), Revelation, Clan of the Cave Bear, The Gods Themselves, and anything Calvin and Hobbes. Manga: Fruits Basket, Death Note, Demon Diary, Fullmetal Alchemist, Rurouni Kenshin, Nana, X.
My favorite character(s)
Too long.
My favorite movies(s)
Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Zoolander, Star Wars (original trilogy), Indiana Jones trilogy, Moulin Rouge, Lion King, Mulan, Finding Nemo, Advent Children, Ghost in the Shell, Princess Mononoke, Battle Royale...