Earthbounder

What got you into cosplay?
All throughout High School I was obsessed with Anime and Games, however I was becoming increasingly interested in something else as the years went on. I had seen cosplayers before, on random forums and photo sites. It was always something that lingered in the back of my head, no matter what else was going on. Once I moved out west to California, thats when the thoughts of cosplay became a reality for me, at Anime Los Angeles 2006 to be specific.
What was your first costume and why?
My first costume was Cid Highwind, from Final Fantasy VII. It was a closet cosplay with some felt patches thrown on a jean jacket and swimming goggles painted silver in a matter of 3 hours for a contest at the Detroit, MI Dear Friends: Music From Final Fantasy Concert. My first hand sewn costume is Belloine from Okage Shadow King. This costume was made to tag along with my friends in their Okage cosplay, as well as wanting to try my hand at cosplaying another evil character. It was quite fun walking around for an entire day not being recognized in my old man makeup and red velour coat.
What is your favorite costume and why?
Stein from Soul Eater, hands down. I put my heart and soul (no pun intended, seriously) into that costume and am extremely happy with how it turned out. I plan on remaking a few pieces of it, but that doesn't detract from my current infatuation with the costume as a whole.
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
Gene from God Hand is my current "Dream" costume. I refuse to make it until I've actually bulked up enough to pull off the character well.
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
Having so many people recognize me as Phoenix Wright and shout Objection! at ALA '07. It was incredible to discover how many fans of the game there actually were at con.
Do you participate in masquerades?
I do, however at the moment I'm on hiatus.
What was your best masquerade experience?
Fanime of 2007, being in the One Piece~Myu skit as Pandaman. We took home best in show and I had pictures taken of my exposed upper torso with heart nipples painted on when it was probably 20 degrees outside. Amazing.
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
Hall Costume Award - Maes Hughes - Anime Los Angeles '06 Best in Show - Belloine - Anime Los Angeles '07 Masquerade Best in Show - Pandaman - Fanime '07 Masquerade Judges Award - Dok - Anime Expo '07 Masquerade Best Choreography - Kittan - Anime Los Angeles '08 Masquerade
Tell us a little about yourself
School? Na, not with the job I'm after. I'm currently a QA tester for Activision Blizzard and plan on making my way through the ranks to land a producer position someday. As far as hobbies go, I usually spend my time lounging around playing video games, but I also enjoy weight lifting and boxing (I swear I'm not as weak as I look).
My favorite anime
Baccano!, Soul Eater, Gantz, Berserk and Katekyo Hitman Reborn!
My favorite game(s)
Final Fantasy VI, Star Ocean the Second Story, Tales of the Abyss, Guilty Gear, Melty Blood, Pop'n Music, Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Freaks, Phoenix Wright, Terranigma and Earthbound.
My favorite book(s)
Anything that has pretty pictures.
My favorite character(s)
Dr. Franken Stein, Ladd Russo, Graham Spector, Claire Stanfield, Ryohei Sasagawa, Kaze Daizaemon and Lancia.
My favorite movies(s)
The Dark Knight, Ichi the Killer, Sharkskin Man Peach Hip Girl, Suicide Circle/Club, Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle, Dawn of the Dead, Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction, Versus, Dead or Alive and Shaun of the Dead.
My favorite actors/actresses
Tadanobu Asano, Shie Kohinata, Stephen Chow, Zhao Wei, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Saya Hagiwara and Yoko Kamon.