Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

Cosplay is a lot of work, but it's very rewarding work. It's really rewarding to meet people at conventions that say they admire your work and have seen you on the internet! Aside from cosplay, I'm into Japanese street fashion, anime, tabletop role-playing games, and fantasy novels. I'm married and have two very spoiled cats.

What are your next goals?

I'm currently working on Utena Tenjou (Revolutionary Girl Utena) and the super version of Sailor Uranus for the winter con season. For next year's summer convention season, my group is going to do Madoka cosplays (I'll be either Homura or Kyoko) and I'm also planning on doing Oscar Jarjayes from Rose of Versailles, and something from the new set of shows. I hope to be able to make a name for myself and my cosplay group!

Cosplay Characters

I originally cosplayed (very poorly) as a teenager, and then stopped for several years. In 2012, I decided to start again! Since then, I have done only a few, but they are all the very best quality that I am capable of: Hitomi Kanzaki from Vision of Escaflowne Lady Knight from Maoyuu Maou Yuusha Sailor Uranus from Sailor Moon S Nuriko from Fushigi Yuugi Satsuki Kiryuin from Kill la Kill

What does Cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay to me is about design and craftsmanship, as well as the strong social aspect that comes with anime and comic conventions. It's a way for me to grow and show off my sewing and modeling skills, and to meet new people. It's also very rewarding to be known for your skills--unlike regular modeling, cosplaying is a lot more than just a pretty face. There are hours and hours of sewing and prop-making involved as well.

Who have been your biggest influences/role models/mentors?

I have a good friend locally who is a very experienced cosplayer, and she is a huge inspiration and help to me. As for popular figures, I really like Reika (a famous Japanese crossplayer).

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Do lots of research on each character so that you can represent them accurately, and take the time to learn how to do things right the first time. Also, choose characters that you are passionate about!

What is the most negative experience you've dealt with while cosplaying, and how did you handle it?

I'm part of a small cosplay group with a few of my girlfriends, and one of them is overweight. I've gotten some negative comments about her, like "Why do you cosplay with someone so fat?". I just tell them that I don't judge cosplayers on their weight, I judge them on their craftsmanship. I don't care that she is a bit bigger, because she does a really amazing job at everything else!

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

One of the best parts of cosplay to me is the sense of satisfaction when a costume is finished and the photos come back from the photographer, and you can just sit back and think "Wow, I did a great job!" It's very fulfilling, so if that's what you want to do, go for it!