What got you into cosplay?
I had always loved books, so one Halloween I decided to go as Kirsten, from the American Girl Doll books (I was mildly obsessed at the time). No one at the costume contest recognized me, though, and I was put out for quite a while. Then I got on the internet and found out that I was hardly the first person do this, and I was instantly hooked. I have far less time for cosplaying than I would like to, but I still try.
What was your first costume and why?
Axel, from Kingdom Hearts II. Again, it was another mildly obsessive thing. I played that game for days on end, and I loved Axel's character the most. he's just so sarcastic and...non-sugary? He just didn't fit in with the sort of solid/wooden FF characters or the syrupy-sweet Disney characters, and I just really liked him. Also, his hair is awesome. Unfortunately, the costume turned out like crap. I had no access to a fabric store other than Walmart, so the Organization robe is made out of a Goodwill dress and some black scrap fabric, and the beads are sculpy. I am proud of the chakrams though - completely made of insulation foam, dowel rods, and embroidery hoops. The hair..... let's just say it was my first experiment in hair gel and leave it at that.
What is your favorite costume and why?
TOTORO. Took me aaaaages to complete, but he was totally worth it. I need to go back and tweak some things now that I know better, but he is just so excellent. And huggable. Really the only problem is storage. :/
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
Oh, I have a list a mile long, but right now probably the Catbus from Totoro, and Rufus from Kim Possible. I like odd anthropomorphic creatures.
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
When I wore Totoro to Momocon 2008. I was mobbed for pictures every time I turned around, and I gave out millions of hugs. It was so much fun, although some people were a /little/ over enthusiastic.
Do you participate in masquerades?
No. I'm not even sure what one is, to be honest.
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
Yes! Best novice at Momocon 2008 for my Totoro costume.
Tell us a little about yourself
I am in college, going for a degree in Anthropology, and I work summers at a pool at a camp.
My favorite anime
Read or Die, Fullmetal Alchemist, Miyazaki's movies, Death Note, Ouran High School Host Club. I haven't been exposed to many more, so rec some to me if there's something you think I'd like!
My favorite game(s)
Kingdom Hearts franchise, Ratchet & Clank franchise, Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, Final Fantasy X, LEGO Star Wars (the original trilogy).
My favorite book(s)
Invitation to the Game (Monica Hughes), The Jasper Fforde Thursday Next series, anything by Terry Pratchett or Neil Gaiman.
My favorite character(s)
Almost any Miyazaki character. Alphonse Elric. The Doctor (Doctor Who).
My favorite movies(s)
10th Kingdom, Love Actually, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Monty Python, D.E.B.S, Hot Fuzz, Hinabi. .