My first cosplay event was also my very first anime convention. My
boyfiend Tom had convinced me to go to AFO after weeks of telling me how
much fun I would have; even though all I really knew about was Sailor Moon
and Cardcaptor Sakura. Then, he said, "You'll have MUCH more fun if you
dress up!" I said absolutely "NO!" It was out of the question.
Then, he
mentioned going as Sailor Jupiter, cause she's my fav Sailor Scout. I had
to ponder this for days...then I agreed. I took the costume with me in a
cardboard box, and was determined not to wear it becasue I would be
embarrassed. However, about half-way through Saturday I agreed to Tom's
begging and put the costume on to enter the Costume/Cosplay contest. I had
so much fun waiting in line and talking to all the other cosplayers that I
wanted to do it as much as I could. I ended up winning "Best of Show". It was one of the best experiences of my life
and it is was set me off on my cosplaying future! ^_^
Cosplay - God's gift to burgeoning actors/actresses, or work of the
Devil?
I think it could be a mix of both. But we all love those little guilty
pleasures.
As a costume judge, what is the most important thing you would look for?
Detail! I love attention to all the little details in a costume. For
example, earrings or belts...whatever the character looks like; that's what
the costume (and the person wearing the costume) should strive to look like.
If it is a periwinkle blue, don't wear an aqua blue...wait for the
periwinkle fabric to do the costume and don't rush. Take your time and the
costume will come out great. As long as someone puts their heart and soul
into the character that they are cosplaying and really knows that character
inside and out, it always shows.
How important is winning for you in costuming?
Winning is not as important as having fun! I think a lot of people confuse
winning and having fun for the same thing. As long as I have
friends around me, or meet new people that enjoy costume/cosplaying; I have a
great time. It is fun to win, but it is more important to win at having
fun!
What do you foresee in the next chapter of your costuming career?
I actually don't know. I've done the characters that I REALLY wanted to
cosplay, such as Ulala (twice), Sailor Jupiter, and the PowerPuff Girls.
However, I think a villian or something darker might be in my future...who
knows?
Where do you get your enthusiasm from?
From my boyfriend and my mother. Those two give me the inspiration that I
need to carry the character as it would be in the real world. My boyfriend
is the one who pushed me to costume/cosplay in the first place; and without
my mother, my costumes would be in shambles...they both push me to do what
makes me happy.
If you could *live* an anime series or video game world, what would it
be, and which character would you portray?
I have just gotten into Cowboy Bebop...I know it took a little while, but I
finally have seen the episodes and the movie. I always get lost in that
anime whenever I watch it. I think if I were to *live* an anime series, it
would have to be Cowboy Bebop. All the adventure and...Ein, we all love
that dog. I would love to portray Ed...she is slways observant and curious
and smart and fun-loving...I could go on and on. But, overall my character
would be Ed and the anime would be Cowboy Bebop.
What are you going to be when you grow up? or what had you planned to
be?
I had planned to have a carrer as a professional dancer at the theme parks
(Universal and Disney) and then move my way up to
professional ballet. I just love to perform. However, I've been
thinking more and more lately about computer graphics and how interesting
and fun it would be to have a career in this profession. I'm not quite sure
what I'll be doing a year from now, but I do know that whatever it is, I'll
be having fun at it...that is the most important thing for me in chosing a
career: To chose something that I am going to enjoy; after all this is my
40+ hour a week job; I have to be able to have fun at it!
If cosplay/costuming were banned in the US, I would:
Have to move to Japan! ^_^
Rumors to dispel?
Hmmmm...rumors. Well, I'm not sure what rumors everyone has heard; let's
see. Yes, my mother and my boyfriend help me A LOT with my costumes; in
fact if it weren't for them, there would probably be no costumes. However,
I think it is important to have people around you to help and support things
that I am highly interested in. That's probably the only rumor that I've
gotten in the past 2-3 years that I've been costume/cosplaying. However, if
you have heard any rumors and would like them cleared up, email me; and I'd be happy to dispel, or admit to ANY
rumors that you need clearing up!
Shannon, you have a remarkable stage presence that most people aspire to acheive. Your contagious smile and winning attitude complete the ensemble. Best of luck persuing the fun future ahead of you.
