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What got you into cosplay?
My first convention was Anime Boston 2003. I went to participate in Artist Alley, but that convention was the first time I had ever seen cosplayers, or understood just how many people like anime! I cosplayed at my next convention, Connecticon, that summer. (I was InuYasha.) I love arts and crafts and sewing so I immediately fell in love with cosplaying. I loved the challenges it presented, and the opportunity to become a better seamstress.
What was your first costume and why?
My first costume was InuYasha because that was my favorite show at the time, and he was my favorite character. I also knew it would be an easy and forgiving costume to sew as a seventh grader with an old sewing machine, no fabric scissors, and no table to work on. The costume didn't come out too bad actually, and it still fits me, so someday maybe Ill fix it up and wear it again or take pieces from it to make a different costume. The wig was the real tragedy of that story.
What is your favorite costume and why?
My new favorite costume is my Maka costume from Anime Boston 2009. It was not easy to make, but I enjoyed each part of it. Make was a costume of firsts for me. First time doing pigtails, first time building a large prop, and first time winning an award (even if it was minor). I was very pleased with the response I got with this costume; the con-goers loved the scythe. ^__^
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
Ooh. Good one. This looks like a good place for my cosplay wish list!
Julia (Cowboy Beebop)
Jim Hawking (Outlaw Star)
Tatiana (Last Exile)
Lavi (Last Exile)
Alvis (Last Exile)
Hikaru (Angelic Layer)
Officer Jenny (Pokemon)
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
Okay, so me, and my entire cosplay gang for Chrno crusade were waiting in line at Anime Boston 2006 to meet Greg Ayres (voice of Chrno) and we send *just* our Azmaria up at first, and once he said 'hi' to her, we all rushed up behind her (grinning) and he was surprised and exclaimed something like "Whoa its ALL OF YOU." Then we handed about 10 cameras to the security guard to take a huge group picture and then Greg had to get a few picture of us himself. It was very flattering how excited he seemed to see almost the full cast.
Tell us a little about yourself
I am currently a student at the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford working to become an illustrator. I love school and love story-telling; illustration is a nice fit for me because you can allude to a thousand possible stories with a single picture, and a series of pictures can create any intricate and impossible story imaginable. Pictures can describe things that words cannot touch.
I work as an illustrator-for-higher doing murals, book illustrations, portraits, tattoos and logos. I also write and illustrate Manga and have published two books. My experience with manga has led me to teach 'How to Draw Manga' courses for children in libraries and community centers. I also offer private art lessons and sell pre-made work at Conventions and Art & Culture Festivals. For more information about me and my artwork please visit http://www.shaunart.net
I enjoy cosplay because it's artwork that you can wear! You carry it around into the sunlight and open air and let everyone see it easily without the pressure of buying and selling. Cosplay is beautiful 3D representational work that everyone understands and judges easily because there is a reference to base it off of. Its a craft-lover's project! There's not so much creation of a new aestetic taking place, but creativity is in the production of the garment: what materials you use and how you choose to translate elements from image to real life. You deal with questions of scale, strength, flexibility, functionality, and gravity. It's like a fantastic puzzle. --Duplicate this ambiguous and fanstasic costume under $200 using everyday materials that can be used and assembled in your kitchen. <3 It's a great challenge which art school will help me accomplish to a greater extent.
My favorite anime
Soul Eater, Outlaw Star, Code Geass, Death Note, Noein, Chrno Crusade (manga only), Fullmetal Achemist, Princess Tutu, DNAngel, Angelic Layer, Zoids, Last Exile, Samurai Champloo, Eureka 7, Tenchi Universe, Blood +
My favorite game(s)
Super Smash Brother's Brawl. The Legend of Zelda. Tales of Series. Fire Emblem. Dark Cloud 2.
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United States
