feytaline

I like dinosaurs, sleeping, climbing trees, kittens, and long walks on the beach...

What got you into cosplay?
When I first saw anime and manga, I fell in love with the clothes that many characters wore. I wondered, "Why can't people dress like that normally?" It would be so much more fun. And you're more likely to have an epic adventure if you're dressed properly for it.
What was your first costume and why?
My first major costume was Sylphiel from Slayers--and boy, was it a disaster! I really loved the character, and didn't think it would be too hard to make... I was wrong! Do the words BAROQUE SATIN mean anything to you?
What is your favorite costume and why?
My Yuuko maid/waitress has been with me for a few years, and it's gone through so many changes. Looking back, I wince at how horrible it looked, but I'm so proud of its final transformation. It goes to show that if you really don't give up and put work and time into something, it WILL turn out the way you want it in the end. In my case, it was years of off and on tinkering, but I'm very happy now. I think it is a great gauge for showing how much I've grown as a costumer, since I've been wearing it and working on it for so long.
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
I don't really have many costumes I dream about... once I see one I like, I start making it. XP Which may be why I end up in so much pain financially and mentally... There are a lot that I would love to get started on, but they require a lot more money, patience and planning than I have time to commit to right now.
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
I've made so many fun memories with the many great friends I've met. I'm really happy that there are so many cool people in this hobby, I love making friends through cosplay most of all!
Do you participate in masquerades?
I only have done craftsmanship walk-ons so far, but I would really like to do a skit with a few friends someday. We have ideas sometimes, but it's putting them all into practice...
What was your best masquerade experience?
I really enjoy craftsmanship judging. I was suddenly thrown into it headfirst when I was asked to judge at Otakon 2007 (making me go WHAT, HUH, WHO?) but it was a real eye opener. There's a lot of work that goes into judging, and I really wasn't aware of all the things you needed to take into consideration at that time. I improved a lot as a judge and a cosplayer through the experience. Tekkoshocon 2008's hall cosplay judging was a much more fun experience since I had a better idea of what I was doing! But my most MEMORABLE experience... realizing I was still the shortest person on stage at Otakon in 2 inch platforms. ;_;
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
1st Place Hall Cosplay at Setsucon 2008 --Zashiki-Warashi (rose kimono), xxxHOLiC Honorable Mention Craftsmanship at Anime USA 2007 --Yuuko (waitress version), xxxHOLiC Hall Cosplay Award at Ohayocon 2007--Yuuko (movie kimono), xxxHOLiC Judge's Award at Matsuricon 2006 (Kairi, Kingdom Hearts I)
Tell us a little about yourself
I staff Tekkoshocon and Otakon. It's fun. Surprisingly. Lots and lots of fun.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
--Real life is more important than cosplay. --Small cons can be just as fun--and sometimes more fun--than huge ones, and vice-versa. Don't let other peoples' opinions sway your own. Make your own choices about it! --HOT GLUE, SAFETY PINS, FABRI-TAC AND DUCT TAPE ARE ALL A-OKAY WHEN IT COMES TO COSPLAYING. EVERYONE HAS USED THEM. EVERYONE. ANYONE WHO SAYS OTHERWISE IS LYING.
My favorite anime
Higurashi, Elfin Lied, xxxHOLiC, Tsubasa Chronicle, Dazzle, Kobato, Code Geass, He is My Master, Utawarerumono, Vandread, Buso Renkin, Zombie Loan,
My favorite game(s)
Kingdom Hearts, Puyopop Fever, Mario Kart, Final Fantasy VI, Summon Night 2: Swordcraft Story, Disgaea,
My favorite book(s)
House of Leaves, Good Faeries/Bad Faeries by Brian Froud, The Wood Wife by Terri Windling, the Artemis Fowl series, the Spiderwick Chronicles, The Crimson Petal and the White by Michael Faber, American Gods by Neil Gaiman
My favorite character(s)
Yuuko Ichihara, from xxxHolic. I want to BE her when I grow up. People tell me I'm halfway there, so... I just need to develop that whole dimension crossing, magical power angle, then I'll be set, right?
My favorite movies(s)
Labyrinth, The Gamers, Pan's Labyrinth, Firefly/Serenity, Troll 2, Sleepy Hollow, From Hell,
My favorite actors/actresses
Johnny Depp. Before Pirates, too. From Hell and Sleepy Hollow are two of my favorites.