Let's see, it was a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, other
wise known as the first JACON. They needed the best of the best to portray
the JACO catgirl mascot, and who else did they choose but me. Actually,
Nicole just scouted the crowd at JACON and said "Hmm, we need someone
tall and skinny... Cassie!" After that, I was hooked and began to
make my own costumes.
What is the most important thing you consider when choosing a character
to portray?
Well the top thing I consider is whether or not I like the character,
I mean why would I want to cosplay as someone I simply hate. After that,
the costume itself, otherwise known as the "WEE factor". If
it makes me go "WEEEE!!!!" that means most likely I'll do it.
Oh, and bishounen are always a plus.
Which do you prefer to do - cosplay or crossplay and why?
Actually over the years I've decided that I do enjoy crossplay more
than cosplay (although catgirls are always great ). I think the fact that
I like a lot of the designs that many of the bishounen characters wear
is the major reason that I do it. Plus I have the figure for them, and
confusing fangirls is really fun.
How would you improve cosplay in general?
Um, well getting rid of the annoyance factor found throughout many of
the cosplayers is always a good thing to get rid of. I mean, I've had
people who simply just didn't like me because I was wearing the same costume
they were. This is one of the major things that needs to be fixed in all
cosplayers. It's suppose to be fun, so have fun.
If you could only watch one anime series for the rest of time, what
would it be and why?
X.
Why? Fuuma. Enough said.
::holds up a big sign that read "Raving Fuuma fangirl"::
Personal questions:
Who is your life's inspiration?
My parents, through thick and thin they've always been there for me,
helping me not only with school, but cosplay as well. I'm not sure if
many of you know, but two days after AFO2 last year my mother almost died,
and that threw me into a horrible time of depression. Happy-go-lucky me
wasn't so happy-go-lucky anymore. But in the end, everything turned out
okay and she's still here today helping me when I need help. I don't know
what I would do without them.
Describe your perfect mate.
Well he's nice, sensitive, has a great personality and lives right up
the street. =^^= But basically someone who will laugh with me, cry with
me, and not be frightened by all this "Anime" stuff.
What will your focus be for the next 5 years?
Let's make this as blunt as possible. College, college, college, acquire
some more shounen ai, college, college, college. Oh and did I mention
costumes and cons as well. See you guys there!
How do you keep smiling even when things aren't always good?
The sheer fact that people around me are going to get worried keeps
me going even in the toughest times. I like my friends to be happy, so
even when I'm feeling like the lowest being on the planet, I know that
if I keep my happy face, so will they will keep theirs.
In what ways has anime or Japanese culture changed your outlook?
Shounen ai. But that's a long story, so basically it's just changed
me myself. Before I got into Anime, I was a very sad girl. However after
JACO and tons of cons, I've grown more outgoing, more eccentric and just
plain loving. Great times and friends are the things that Anime has changed
for me.
Rumors to dispel
Um, well like a few of my friends who crossplay, I do prefer men over
women. I don't know how many times people have referred to me as a lesbian,
but I'm not. That doesn't mean I have any problem with gays or lesbians,
some are even my biggest friends and I love you all the same. Oh, and
flirting is just plain fun in costume.
I'd like to say a personal "Sank You"
to Cassie for being a fun-spirited cosplay idol. Not only are you entertaining
for kids of all ages, but you have great artistic talent...and that
is important. Good luck with college and all that you dream to achieve.
