What got you into cosplay?
I wanted to be Sailor Moon for Halloween, so my mom and I made a costume. But it wasn't until my first con, Jafax6, that I realized it was cosplay when I went as Ranma.
What was your first costume and why?
My first real cosplay costume was male Ranma from Ranma 1/2. I was in love with the series at the time and it was one of my first big anime gate-ways that lead me to many other things.
What is your favorite costume and why?
Aya Fujimiya from Weiss Kreuz. The series is my all-time favourite and my Aya costume was a good 4 year progression. As of now it's currently on hiatus as some of it (like my boots and wig) have fallen apart and broken, but I never plan on completely retiring it.
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
Good question. Probably Aya from Verbrechen Straufe or from Side B... I really love Aya, and his character has grown to be a part of me. One of my more recent 'dream costumes' is Messiah from Persona 3. I know it'll take a lot of work but I'm really looking forward to doing it one day.
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
Oh god. *laughs* Anime Expo '03. I was cosplaying Yuki Eiri, and I was the ONLY Yuki there. At the Gravitation photoshoot, someone leaned over and asked me if I was Yuki Eiri. I slowly nodded, then she YELLED that there was a Yuki there. Immediately 10 Shuichi pounced on me. One jumped on my back and tried to steal my cigarette. The entire shoot was just so fun.
Do you participate in masquerades?
Yes, I've participated in quite a few. I haven't more recently due to the time it takes and my costumes becoming less complicated and more closet-based. I'm hoping to get back into the masquerade scene soon though.
What was your best masquerade experience?
Ikasucon 2008 with my Yuu Yuu Hakusho group. We weren't initially going to do a skit, but one of the Cosplay volunteers convinced us to do one so we spent 20 minutes and came up with 'What Not to Wear with Botan and Kurama'. It ended up winning Best Advanced Skit and we were all really happy about it, especially because it was 2 of our member's first Masquerade.
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
Not for costumes, but my YYH group won Best Advanced Skit at Ikasucon 2008.
Tell us a little about yourself
I'm currently a Sophomore in college. No, I really have no clue what I'm doing yet, though I'll be taking an arts-related path starting in the fall. I currently work at a Laser Tag place to afford my expensive hobbies. Traveling is my ultimate love and if I could I'd just travel for the rest of my life.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I love meeting new people. If you ever see a costume of mine and just want to chat with me, please do! ^__^
My favorite anime
Weiss Kreuz, Kyou Kara Maou, Yu Yu Hakusho, Gundam Wing, Sailor Moon, Junjo Romantica, xxxHOLiC, Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro
My favorite game(s)
Kingdom Hearts 2, Bujingai, FFXII, FFVII, FF:DoC, Persona 3
My favorite book(s)
Harry Potter, Good Omens, American Gods
My favorite character(s)
Aya Fujimiya
My favorite movies(s)
Moon Child, Harry Potter, Howl's Moving Castle
My favorite actors/actresses
Johnny Depp, Gackt