chibiplum

My first convention was Otakon 2005, and even though I thought it was silly, I prepared a costume for cosplay. However, I met so many awesome people and had such a wonderful time that it has quickly become one of the most addicting hobbies I've ever had.

I have three children - they are hairy, soft and purr really loudly. I'm living in MD with my boyfriend, commuting a total of 4 1/2 hours to and from work each day. I grew up here, and haven't done too much traveling outside of the US. My favorite trip was, of course, Japan. I plan on going back in early 2009.

I'm addicted to forums and LJ. My favorite foods are ice cream and french fries, sometimes together. ^_^ I hate the winter and would be perfectly happy moving somewhere that never went below 70 degrees. I love meeting new people and find that the most rewarding part of cosplay is the friendships I've made along the way.

What got you into cosplay?
I used to do acting in college, and the costume portion of it was my favorite part. It's a fun hobby that allows me to still do the things I love and meet awesome people at conventions and online communities who share similar interests.
What was your first costume and why?
Akito from Furuba. She/He (depending on where you are in the fandom) is probably one of the more complex characters that I grew to love early on when I got back into anime. This was the first costume that I ever made, and I still pull it out at almost every con because it's comfortable and fun to wear.
What is your favorite costume and why?
As of the moment, I had a lot of pain and good times wearing Kanoe from X/1999. Mikuru from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was also a bit of a challenge, since the character is the farthest from my personality type. :) Maya Natsume from Tenjou Tenge will always be one of my favorites because it was around that time that I really began to enjoy cosplay.
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
My dream costume is rather silly, but it involves two people. I grew up watching Ranma 1/2 (which I have already cosplayed) and Tenchi Muyo (I will be cosplaying Stalker Ryoko very soon). My favorite character has always been Washu because we're about the same height and both incredibly strong-minded. I want to cosplay Washu in her nurse uniform from episode 7 (I believe) of Tenchi Muyo. This costume will also require a barely clad Tenchi attached to some kind of lit up mechanism with straps and scrary contraptions. I hope to do this before I retire. ~_^
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
Trying to keep my boobs concealed at Sakuracon 2008 and winning Best in Show the first time I entered a Cosplay/Masquerade at Katsucon 2008.
Do you participate in masquerades?
Yes, but only one. Sadly, I am already a Master - so I'm not sure that I will ever enter another one. :)
What was your best masquerade experience?
I explained my best experience above, but I would also like to add that the people I did the La Resistance skit with were the best possible cast and made the experience truly rewarding... even if we hadn't placed. It will always be one of the most memorable con experiences.
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
I haven't really entered anything, but I'm considering it in the future.
Tell us a little about yourself
I'm working in VA as a graphic designer in Instructional Design for Information Assurance. Wow. That's a mouthful. I actually like my job for the time being. I plan on moving in another year and finally buying a house so that I can settle down. I love dogs, but I have three cats and I'm one of the luckiest people because I seriously am surrounded by amazing friends, family, and loved ones. I'm incredibly blessed.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Yes. One more thing... I've mentioned a lot of positive things about cosplay, but there are also things that I consider to be rather annoying. I've found that there is a lot of drama amongst cosplay communities and circles. I really love cosplay because it's an art and a hobby, but I definitely stay clear of the angsty stuff that sometimes comes along with it. I've also learned that no matter who you are in the cosplay realm... rumors will always follow you. LOLz.
My favorite anime
Code Geass, Evangelion, Claymore, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Death Note, Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni, Nana, Escaflowne, Ranma 1/2, Tenchi Muyo
My favorite game(s)
Mario Kart, Persona 3
My favorite book(s)
Where the Wild Things Are and Jane Eyre
My favorite character(s)
Shigure Sohma, Akito Sohma, Shion Sonozaki, Tsukushi Makino, Ronald Weasley
My favorite movies(s)
The Breakfast Club
My favorite actors/actresses
Kevin Spacey, Edward Norton, and Christian Bale