Tasogare-Taicho

What got you into cosplay?
I started out by cosplaying Sailormoon for my Halloween costume in middle school. A few years after that, I went to my first con -- Animazement -- as Chibimoon, and I have been a cosplayer ever since. I have been a more serious/hardcore cosplayer for the last 5 years or so, and am the founder/head of Tasogare cosplay troupe.
What was your first costume and why?
My first costume was Sailor Moon, as it was the only anime that I watched at the time. The first costume I actually wore to a costume competition was Pai, from 3X3 Eyes. That one won in the novice category.
What is your favorite costume and why?
That would have to be any one of my Rukia costumes. She is the first character who I have cosplayed who I actually look like, seeing as how I have shoulder-length layered black hair, and have had unruly bangs since I was a child. But anyway, Rukia is my overall favourite character of all, and the fact that I resemble her so much only makes it that much more fun to cosplay her.
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
At the moment, there are so many things that I would like to make, but I think what I'd love to ultimately do is some sort of huge complex thing that would take me nearly a year to do, simply bc of the detail involved.
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
Too many to count, both on-stage and off-stage.
Do you participate in masquerades?
I used to do the AZ one every year, but in the last year or two, since the troupe has started going to a lot more cons, we've elected not to. It's fun, but it's a bit frustrating seeing as how with most cons, the masquerade takes up nearly all of your time on Saturday and one of the things we as a troupe really enjoy is getting to wander around and meet new people so that puts a damper on that. We also do not like participating in contests that claim to be about the costume but are really more about your ability to do something silly onstage and make the judges laugh or play to their fav. fandoms.
What was your best masquerade experience?
That would have to be AZ 2006 again. This year is the year that Tasogare was formed from the group we pulled together for our skit. It was probably the best skit group that I've had before, and we really had a lot of fun doing it.
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
Yes, I have won 3 awards, putting me into the intermediate category at AZ. I think my favourite award is the "Big Gun Award" that I got for my gattling gun last year with my KOS-MOS costume.
Tell us a little about yourself
I am currently employed by Wachovia bank, and I do freelance work as a seamstress for both cosplay commissions as well as real clothing. I live with my fiance and our cats at the moment, and we may be acquiring a temporary roomie before too long, so that should be fun. Outside of cosplay, I love to write, draw, roleplay, make things, fish, read, cook.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Well, I guess I'll use this space to say a little about Tasogare. We are a relatively small cosplay troupe based out of North Carolina (b/c that's where I live) though we have members in several other states as well. We do a lot of Bleach cosplay, as well as a lot of Naruto work, though that's simply because those happen to be the favourite series for most of the troupe. If you want more information ABOUT Tasogare, or to see our information/pictures, you can go to http://tasogarecosplay.livejournal.com/
My favorite anime
Bleach, Naruto, Sailormoon, Gundam series, Fate/Stay Night, Full Moon o Sagashite, Tokyo Mew Mew.
My favorite game(s)
Devil May Cry series, Kingdom Hearts series, Final Fantasy series, Baldur's Gate, Deus Ex.
My favorite book(s)
Anything about cats, dragons, or magic is usually a good bet.
My favorite character(s)
Hyuuga Hinata, Hyuuga Neji, Kuchiki Rukia, Kurosaki Ichigo, Shihouin Yoruichi, Hirako Shinji, Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Itachi, Uzumaki Naruto, Inuyasha, Sailor Chibimoon, Sailor Saturn, Kinomoto Sakura, Tohsaka Rin, Kouyama Mitsuki, Lacus Clyne.
My favorite movies(s)
Monty Python Holy Grail, both Naruto movies, Narnia, Last Samurai, Last Unicorn, Phantom of the Opera, Bleach movies -- the first 2, haven't seen the 3rd yet
My favorite actors/actresses
Don't really have any.