20 Questions: Cosplay Meme
Originally did this meme for facebook, but posting it here as well as it seems relevant to the journal.
1: When did you start cosplaying?
FanExpo 2002, the first convention I went to.
2: What was your first cosplay?
First cosplay Mishima Reika (Rah Xephon). Basically everything that could go wrong with that costume, did. I made it a size too small so had to rip all the seams and resew with a 3/8th seam to make it fit. I had no clue what I was doing with the sandals which meant I was only able to wear them for about 5 hours before my feet were completely dead. My hair dyed black instead of brown. I picked an horribly obscure (because she was brand new) character so no one recognized me. Overall, I look back and wonder why I didn't give up then and there.
3: Who got you into cosplaying?
Not entirely sure. I always loved dressing up and costumes as a kid, so when the chance came to go to an anime con, of course I was going to cosplay. My friends that went with me were of the same mind so we all encouraged each other. Despite none of use having any real sewing experience whatsoever.
4: Have any cosplay idols?
- Sarcasm-hime for her insane details and willingness to share and let me look up her skirt. =)
- Krystal and Megan for their ingenious use of everyday items to make insane props
- Dawn and Pan for teaching me that other cosplayers are people too and are willing to talk and share their expertise.
- Cassandra Jean, Yaya Han, Lilyxandra, and so many more for just being amazing and inspiring.
5: What is your favourite series to cosplay?
I don't particularly had a favourite series. I love CLAMP's designs and would love to some of them. Range Murata's stuff as well. I tend to pick cosplay for the pretty and not so much what they're from.
6: So far, what have you cosplayed?
This is a surprisingly small list compared to many. (Newest -> Oldest)
- Silver-Age Catwoman (DC Comics/Batman) (Technically, this is still a WIP, but I have 44 hours to finish it!)
- Taokaka (BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger)
- Momohime (Muramasa)
- Cog Dress (Original Design)
- Amu Hinamori (Shugo Chara)
- Aozora (Original Design)
- Gothic Heartless (Original Design)
- AkaKuro (Original Design)
- Paprika (Paprika)
- Yomiko Readman (Read or Die)
- Mamimi Samejima (FLCL)
- Sen and Haku (Spirited Away / Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)
- Reika Mishima (Rah Xephon)
I also have half a Rita (Tales of the Vesperia) costume sitting around that I need to finish, and another original design that needs to be reworked and completed over the next few months.
7: Do you make your own cosplays?
Most definitely. I try to make as much of the costume as possible, except when a piece is readily available commercially (i.e. I won't make a simple white blouse if I can find one that works in a store/my closet.)
8: What are your specialties when it comes to cosplays? (Makeup art, props, wig styling, etc.)
I can sew? I'm fairly adept at adapting commercial patterns to my needs. Working under extreme deadline because I procrastinate so very well?
9: Favourite Character to Cosplay?
I have no particular attachment to any character as most of the costume I make are because they're pretty. Of the costumes I've made so far, I love wearing Akakuro, CogDress and Paprika.
10: Variants?
Definitely. And Originals. If it's pretty, challenging, or just fun, I'm all for making it. Who cares about the source. =) (Have I done any? Not really. Unless you count the usual variations required to make 2-D designs into plausible 3-D outfits.)
11: Couple Cosplays?
I've done group cosplay a couple of times which is a lot of fun. Would love to do it more but lacking in local conspirators.
12: What cons do you like to attend?
Currently, I've regularly attended Ad Astra, AnimeNorth, and A-Kon as an attendee, and worked in the dealers room for G-Anime and Otakuthon. I'd love to make it to Costume-Con and Dragon*Con one year (at least!), as well as Otakon and one of the California cons at least once.
13: Masquerades? Skits?
I was in charge of running a Masquerade for three years at AC³ 2005-2007. I've participated in one Masquerade as a walk on. I would love to do more, but I suck at coming up with stuff to do on stage other than walk on, pose, walk off so tend to avoid participating.
14: Gatherings?
I've done a few, but as the years go by I get older and the average age at gathering seems to get younger and I feel a little awkward. But I'm still trying to get my butt to the Toronto Cosplay Picnic one year.
15: Won any awards?
Novice Workmanship as well as three hall cosplay awards. I need to enter more masquerades.
16: What do you plan to cosplay in the future?
Currently, these are some of possibilities. This list is subject to change at any given time.
- Ame-Comi Robin
- Red Mini-Dress Delphine (Last Exile)
- 1920s Flapper
- Red Jacket Haruko (FLCL)
- Bunny Girl Haruko (FLCL)
- Vintage Disney Belle Variation
- Lei-Lei (Dark Stalkers)
- Something from Star Wars
- Something from Marvel/X-Men
- Pidgeot Gijinka
- Jeanne (Bayonetta)
17: What makes you unique as a cosplayer?
I'm not? I'm one of many that can sew and is still learning so much. Once I get better I'll figure out what defines me from the rest.
18: Made good friends through cosplay?
I've definitely met some fabulous people through cosplay. Only wish that I could get to know some of them better.
19: Do you like photoshoots?
Yes. In costume I am an unabashed camera whore. I enjoy private shoots more than random-group shoots, but both can be a lot of fun.
20: Why do you cosplay?
Because I want to. I love trying to make things and the pleasure that comes from succeeding. I love the confidence that cosplaying has given me. And it's fun.