Traeonna

What got you into cosplay?
Initially, it was to help others with their costumes because I know how to sew and took costume design and construction while attending university. Somehow after that, I was persuaded by friends to cosplay. Mainly, I do it because I like making costumes, so it's all about craftsmanship for me. I'm not into doing skits (although not completely opposed to them either). I just like playing dress up.
What was your first costume and why?
Robin Sena [Witch Hunter Robin] 2004 - I was told I would make a good Robin. This was even before I actually saw the series. Once I did, I loved the costume and decided, if I can make this, I can make almost anything.
What is your favorite costume and why?
Robin Sena [Witch Hunter Robin] 2004 - I love the fullness of the dress and it's the best constructed of all my costumes so far. Also, it took me the most time since I had to draft most of the patterns.
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
Right now, I guess that would be HoiHoi-san just because it'll be cool to have her arsenal and those stupidly cute squeaky boots (although not canon for the game). I can't wait to make that fly swatter!
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
Well, so far, it's been the cosplay sweatshop weekends over at my friend's house. Just a bunch of us watching anime and sewing. It's been great! I loved Ohayocon too...favourite moment was when Scott McNeil walked off with me when he overheard me talking about viewing "dirty videos." I was grabbed and he said "Hey, I'll go watch dirty videos with you...they're right over here." Tee hee. I think his fangirls were pissed because he ditched them...but I was happy. Otakon 2005 - I'll just say Adult Entertainment Panel "Helicopter" and Dick & Buster's...'nuff said.
Do you participate in masquerades?
Yes, at Ohayocon 5. I have also attended several events where I have competed in craftsmanship (Media Play Cosplay Day, Wizzywig Cosplay Day, Animarathon). Ohayocon 6 I was Craftsmanship Judge Head, so I didn't compete (obviously). I was the Ohaycon 7 Cosplay Department Head, Animarathon 2006 Cosplay Coordinator, and Cosplay Day III and IV (Wizzywig) Judge for 2007. I will once again be Ohayocon's Cosplay Department Head for 2008.
What was your best masquerade experience?
I guess it was both my best and worst experience. Ohayocon 5. It was run terribly and it was my first time competing at an anime con, so I was bummed that it was such a horrible experience. However, where it turned good...I met Barb and Julia (although I had no idea who they were at the time) and they were very encouraging and pleasant to chat with. Later while in line in the cramped and hot hall before the Masq, I met Zach and Jim (again, didn't know who the hell they were at the time) and they kept my mind off the horrible conditions and kept me giggling. Honestly, those 4 and the many other fun people I met during that disastrous time saved me from calling it quits as far as competition was concerned.
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
1st place at Media Play in 2004 for Robin Sena. 3rd place at Wizzywig in 2005 for Robin Sena. 2nd place at Animarathon in 2005 for Robin Sena. 1st place at Anim-mania 4 in 2007 for Sorincha. Most Original Costume (with D-chan & Endria) in 2008 for Inoue Orihime.
Tell us a little about yourself
I'm a wife, mother, and business owner. I also teach at a local career and development center, am a published author, and soon to be podcaster.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Check out my website to see what costumes I have complete, which ones I am working on, ones I am planning, and considering.
My favorite anime
Yami no Matsuei, Cardcaptor Sakura, Fruits Basket, Ouran HS Host Club, and almost anything by Studio Ghibli (especially works directed by Miyazaki). Oban Star Racer (does that count? It was French, made by Japan, then dubbed in English...anyway...it rocks!). Oh, and Sensitive Pornograph is by far my favourite hentai ever.
My favorite game(s)
Ichigeki Sacchu!! HoiHoi-san, , Guitar Hero, DDR, Rock Band, Katamari Damacy, Dance Maniax
My favorite book(s)
Tale of Genji, Marketplace (series), Nawashi, Jujun
My favorite character(s)
Descendants of Darkness/Yami no Matsuei: Tatsumi Seiichiro, Gravitation: Sakuma Ryuichi (or as I like to call *sparkly*sparkly*) Fruits Basket: Sohma Hatsuharu "Haru" and Sohma Hatori "Ha'ri." Cardcaptor Sakura: Kinomoto Sakura, Kinomoto Touya, and Tsukishiro Yukito.
My favorite movies(s)
Tipping The Velvet, Secretary, The Road Home, Train Man, Moon Child, Last Quarter, Kamikaze Girls
My favorite actors/actresses
Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh