Tess

My name is Tess and I have been cosplaying since 2004. Since I began cosplaying, I've learned a lot about craftsmanship, had the opportunity to travel around the United States, and have made more wonderful friends than I can possibly count. My favourite conventions would have to be Anime USA and Otakon and my favourite costume would have to be Edward Elric. ^__^ Up until this point I have tried to attend as many conventions as possible, but as I am now beginning my career as a music educator, it is difficult to tell how active I will be able to be in the future. Regardless, I'll never forget all of the amazing memories this hobby has given me!

What got you into cosplay?
I was obsessively involved with musical theatre throughout high school and college and developed an intense interest in costuming through that. It wasn't until 2004, when I made plans to attend my first Otakon, that I considered cosplaying. I haven't looked back since. XD
What was your first costume and why?
My first cosplay was Robin Sena [Witch Hunter Robin]. Her personality was very similar to mine and I was, for whatever reason, really keen on trying to replicate her hairstyle with my own hair.
What is your favorite costume and why?
Character-wise, I really love cosplaying Ed Elric. He's such fun to portray and FMA, in general, is very near and dear to my heart. Craftsmanship-wise, I think I most enjoy Yuuko and Blood Seras. I'm a sucker for crazy makeup.
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
Alexial from Angel Sanctuary. SOMEDAY.
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
Team 7 & Co. From our hilarious "Naruto Q&A w/ Team 7" panels to the TREE-CLIMBING, TABLE-TAPING, PEG-FLYING photoshoot experiences we've encountered, not to mention the many friends I've made as an irrepressibly silly narutard, I absolutely adore cosplaying Team 7.
Do you participate in masquerades?
Yes.
What was your best masquerade experience?
Definitely the "Naruto Cellblock Tango" at AUSA 2007! It was a fun idea and we tried to sell it as much as possible. We ended up with Best in Show and the "Vegas" award from Tristin Citrine, BUT WHY IS HINATA NOT WEARING PANTS?
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
Runner-Up in VIZ's Inu-Yasha Lookalike Contest: Sango Best in Division - Novice: Wedding Yuna [FFX] Best in Division - Journeyman: Yuuko & Watanuki [xxxHolic] Best of Saturday: Terra [FFVI] Best Group: Edward Elric [FMA] Best of Weekend: Terra [FFVI]
Tell us a little about yourself
I am happily taken by Snape, completely mad, and enjoy committing random acts of buster sword violence. Alas, no. In all seriousness, I am a completely boring person. I recently graduated with a degree in Music Education [K-12 Choral/General] and am temporarily making a living through cosplay commissions until I find an elementary music position in downstate Maryland. In my free time I enjoy costuming, attending conventions, gaming, singing, playing piano, graphic and web design, reading, creative writing, fashion and makeup, photography, and narutarding. I would describe myself as clever, shy, and slightly batty. Major fixations include anime, manga, cosplay, Harry Potter, classical literature and historical fantasy, Alan Rickman, procrastination, Final Fantasy, pirates, mythology [particularly Celtic, Greek, and angelic], Walt Disney World, sarcasm, blood, Zuko, hot mens, and kitties. ^__^ Oh, and I whomp. Careful there.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
SASUKE TOUCHED MY FOX.
My favorite anime
Avatar: The Last Airbender, Azumanga Daioh, Cowboy Bebop, Eureka 7, Haibane Renmei, Hellsing OVA, Howl's Moving Castle, Last Exile, Mononoke, Naruto, Serial Experiments Lain, Spirited Away, & Witch Hunter Robin.
My favorite game(s)
Final Fantasy, Phoenix Wright, & Shadow Hearts.
My favorite book(s)
Alice 19, Angel Sanctuary, Azumanga Daioh, Chrno Crusade, Fullmetal Alchemist, Fruits Basket, Hellsing, Full Moon wo Sagashite, Naruto, Paradise Kiss, & xxxHolic.
My favorite character(s)
Howl {HMC}, Uzumaki Naruto {Naruto}, Robin Sena {WHR}, Yuna {FFX}, Edward Elric {FMA}, Sohma Akito {FB}, Yuuko {xxxHOLIC}, Urahara Kisuke {Bleach}, Auron {FFX}, & Faye Valentine {Cowboy Bebop}.
My favorite movies(s)
Star Wars {the original trilogy}, Indiana Jones, You've Got Mail, The Village, Nightmare Before Christmas, & Tim Burton's Corpse Bride.
My favorite actors/actresses
Alan Rickman, Joaquin Phoenix, Jason Isaacs, Geoffrey Rush, & Kate Winslet.