etaru

What got you into cosplay?
I've technically cosplayed for a few past Halloweens, but they were more of whims. My first real cosplay was at Nan Desu Kan, though was a VERY rushed, and very mediocre cosplay. But from that experience alone, I found dressing and acting like your favorite characters was way more fun than I ever imagined it to be, especially with friends. It's pretty much downhill from there.
What was your first costume and why?
Final Fantasy X's Lulu for Halloween back in...2004? I have no photographic evidence that it ever existed, and plan on keeping it that way.
What is your favorite costume and why?
I feel a certain connection to all of my costumes, probably because I love the characters I cosplay (I won't do a costume for a character whom I dislike.) However, there's a bond with my KOS-MOS and Alexiel that won't be broken anytime soon, due mostly to the sheer time, effort, and love that goes into it.
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
One of the harder KOS-MOS forms, like ver. 4 or the prototype. I'd also love to do Dragoon Kain and Paladin Cecil from the re-release of FFIV :D
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
- Going to my first convention. - Cosplaying with my best friend the first time. - Competing with my twinny, each and every time - Walking around in Alexiel and her wings, it's such an experience in itself!
Do you participate in masquerades?
If I'm truly motivated to make a costume to those standards.
What was your best masquerade experience?
So far? Either the Anime Oasis 2008 Angel Sanctuary skit, where my best friends invested so much time and energy to make a skit I had in my head for over a year come to fruition - - Or the Fanime 2009 masquerade with pretty much the entire cast of Rayearth season 1. I was never more honored to work with such a talented group of friends.
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
Mireille Bouquet - Judges Award (Anime Oasis 2006) KOS-MOS swimsuit - Anime Oasis Beauty is the Beast (Anime Oasis 2007) Princess Emeraude - Best of Division Advanced Craftsmanship (Fanime 2009)
Tell us a little about yourself
I am from Russia and am fluent in Russian and English (and studied Spanish), having lived in the US about 15 years now. I work full-time in the summer, and attend a private liberal arts university in winter, as well as participate on their Speech/Debate team. Naturally, that doesn't give me much time for cosplay, but I do what a I can. I'm also happily taken, so please refrain from asking.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
If you like what you see, feel free to PM or leave a comment. Humor me.
My favorite game(s)
Final Fantasy III-IV-VIII-IX-X, Tekken, Soul Calibur, Street Fighter, Dynasty Warriors, Xenosaga, Dead or Alive, DDR, SvK, Shadow Hearts, Valkyrie Profile 2, Devil May Cry, Castlevania, Kessen II, .hack//Infection
My favorite book(s)
"The Wheel of Time" series by Robert Jordan (may he rest in peace)