Tell me about the outfit you are wearing – who are you cosplaying and how did you decide to pick this particular character ?
Kyoko Mogami from Skip Beat. In watching the anime (now reading the manga) she was a character I ‘clicked’ with. I understood her background and her point of view. Because of this, I felt a connection with her and saw her attributes in myself. I tend to cosplay character I reasonate with and she happened to be one of them.
Tell me about the process of making your outfit – was it easier or tougher than you imagine it to be ?
This outfit I didn’t make. I got it commissioned from animeangelblue. She’s a cosplay friend of mine. I did plan on making this outfit though. Considering the time crunch and another outfits I had to finish, I knew I wouldn’t be able to complete it in time. Luckily animeangelblue was taking on small commissions and decided to do this for me and my friend.
Any interesting stories from people’s reaction to your outfit at the con ? ^^
I was actually surprised people knew who I was and asked me and my friend (who was cosplaying Moko) for pictures. Or we would hear people talking about us, “Oh we’re sitting behind the LoveMe section.” It was definitely interesting and it put a smile on my face.
How did you get started cosplaying and what got you interested ?
I’ve always wanted to “dress up” as Sailor Jupiter from Sailor Moon when I was younger, but who knew the actual act was called cosplay. I didn’t get into the con and cosplay scene until 2003. I cosplayed Rinoa Heartilly from Final Fantasy VIII at Big Apple Anime Fest. Being in character, talking to other characters (in character and not), it was just a rush I never felt before. To this day, I’m glad I decided to continue cosplaying and going to conventions.
What are the con did you first attended and what’s your favorite con that you’ve attended so far and why ?
Big Apple Anime Fest 2003 was the frist con I attended. My favorite con… I don’t know if I can pick one. I know that sounds weird, but each year is different and have their ups and downs. I tend to fall in love with small conventions that seemingly don’t have much to do. It gives a person more time to make their own fun and meet others. MangaNEXT in 2006 was like that for me. Even though my friends and I didn’t do much, we did things to occupy ourselves and made the best of the con.
What does cosplay mean to you ?
To me, it’s more than just dressing up as a character and getting your picture taken. I cosplay because I use it as a way to show appreciate for a character. It’s a hobby and a past time. I take it seriously, but not so serious where I can’t have fun with it. Cosplay happens to be a pretty big section of my life now. Perhaps I use it as a temporary escape from the real world and my problems.
If you had unlimited funds/technology/time, what is your dream cosplay ?
Maria Traydor from Star Ocean: Till the End of Time. To some the outfit doesn’t look all that complicated, but to me, I wouldn’t even know WHERE to start. It may seem silly for a question like this, but she’s someone that I know once I make this outfit, I will LIVE in it. Also, this question doesn’t mention skills. Haha with mine, it would be a dream to make and make it absolutely perfect.
