Tell us all about your first cosplay experience. How did you get started and what did you like and dislike?

The first time I took part in a cosplay was A-kon XI, in 2000. A group of friends was planning on going in costume as characters from Final Fantasy VI and VIII. I had some of the materials necessary to make an Edea costume and had always loved the design, so I suggested that with this costume I might complete the group. This was greeted with some skepticism as it was three weeks before the con, but I managed to pull it together in time.

I honestly didn't know what to expect at all. I'd never been to a con before and was a bit surprised by the reactions to the costumes there. I'd previously done theatrical costuming for several years, but costuming in that arena doesn't receive anywhere near the same type of response. I probably posed for more pictures that weekend than any other time in my entire life. I also met several people that are still very good friends to this day. Our group entered the cosplay, receiving a positive response from the audience and picking up a number of awards. It was a great experience - fantastic for a first try - and I was more than willing to come back and try it again!

Wearing the plaster skullcap and wielding the wooden and metal 'fan' that characterize the Edea costume, for 8-10 hours a day, were not factors I had taken into account. I went through a lot of painkillers that weekend. Also I did not expect that I would have to deal with individuals like elevator gropers and stalkers and such. I suppose these are problems for anyone, whether in costume or not, but costumers tend to stand out and thus are easy targets, I suppose.

Anime is enjoying a strong growth and that increase is most evident at crowded conventions. What are some tips you have on surviving hall cosplay in a torturous costume?

Torturous costumes are unfortunately something with which I have a lot of experience. If you plan on wearing something that will be physically taxing, it's a good idea to take frequent breaks. If possible, bringing a second, more comfortable costume - or simply street clothes - and changing into them every once in a while is a good idea. At the very least, try to get off of your feet or remove/loosen the portions of the costume that are difficult to wear every once in a while. Taking a short break every 30 minutes or so will allow you to wear the costume for far longer periods overall.

If your costume is something in which it is difficult to walk around, it's a good idea to have some friends with you to guide you through crowded hallways. This is especially true if the costume is bulky or fragile. You're saving yourself valuable repair time and preventing injuries all around. If the costume is especially large, fragile, or potentially dangerous, it's best to avoid high-traffic areas altogether.

Cosplayers have been ridiculed for being too demanding at conventions, or being too competitive during costume contests. What's your perspective and what's the best way to deal with situations like that?

Cosplay is different from other convention-related activities in that it is continuous, interactive, and can even complement other activities to varying degrees. There are certain requirements that are unique to cosplay, but it is important for cosplayers to remember that cosplay is only one facet of many that make up a convention schedule. Requirements or 'demands' should be tempered with a bit of understanding for others who do not share the same hobby and might have different wishes or needs.

There is nothing inherently wrong with competition. Far from it. Competition inspires people to do great things and to work harder than they would otherwise. Many individuals (myself included) like to push themselves to excel through their passion to compete, and quite enjoy the experience. It's nothing to get upset about. Only when winning alone becomes such an all-encompassing obsession that nothing else matters is there a problem. However, this is not a problem exclusive to cosplay. In any competitive environment, you will find the same issue.

Final Fantasy is the most popular thing to cosplay as currently.
How important is it to be a trendsetter in the world of cosplay by being the first to portray a character?

How important? Not particularly. It's certainly fun to be the first off the blocks with a particular character or series, but I don't know that there's any real significance beyond that. Originality often adds to the public impact of a costume, but there's nothing wrong with creating a costume of a character that has been portrayed dozens of times if it makes you happy to do so. The idea, ultimately, is to have fun. Find something in the hobby that appeals to you and cling to that. It is, after all, a hobby, and as such should bring some measure of enjoyment and fulfillment. If this isn't the case, you need to find something else to do.

What about video gaming?

Video games are one of my favorite pastimes, but I can only wish that I had the time to incorporate them into my life on a daily basis! My typical daily routine involves the usual 8-5 drudgery. Playing a game for a while when I come home is a pleasant way to unwind.

Games impact my costumes in that many of the character designs for console games are wildly creative, and recreating them in the real world poses quite a challenge. I create costumes in order to challenge myself, so this is a major personal selling point.

What character do you relate with best and have you caught yourself trying to act more like them outside of costume?

Quite honestly, I choose costumes based more on the design than the character, and most of the characters I've chosen seem to be either evil, static, or just plain weird. I suppose of all the characters I've done, I'd choose to emulate Lulu (of Final Fantasy X) a bit. She has her faults like anyone else, but she's responsible, mature, and is reasonably capable of taking care of herself and those she cares about.

Where does your inspiration in life originate?

I find inspiration in the idea that I can accomplish virtually anything I put my mind to if I'm willing to expend the necessary effort to do so.

The year is 2007, what will you be doing and where will you live? How important will costuming be for you then?

I'd like to be close to completing my Masters degree by then. Unless I have a compelling reason to go elsewhere, I see no reason why I wouldn't be living here in Austin. I really love where I live and despise change even more!

Costuming has been a part of my life in some way, shape, or form for at least a decade now. I don't see any reason why it might suddenly fade in importance anytime in the near future. I enjoy costuming considerably. It is my creative outlet of choice.

What are the best types of prizes to win at a costume contest?

The best prizes are those that will remind you of what you have accomplished long after the contest is over and the costume has been stuffed in a closet or box somewhere. I see the prize as a reward for hard work and a memento of the event. Personally, I would be happy to see some prizes that could somehow be redeemed to benefit future costume projects, like gift certificates for fabric retailers, discounts at hardware stores, or prizes of that nature. Of course, this would entirely depend upon the resources of the contest sponsors and organizers.

What's the next goal for you to achieve in cosplay?

I like to look at every new costume as a chance to learn new techniques and improve upon such techniques as I've already picked up. My ability to work with wigs could stand improvement - I'd really like to pick up a few new tricks where wigmaking and even styling are concerned. This should expand my potential costume base considerably.

Karen, you have some amazing costuming skills and I'm glad to have met you at Anime Weekend Atlanta 2001. It's nice to know you're part of a growing number of serious cosplayers who have that competitive edge, but also know how to have fun. May we never lose sight of that, yet continue to push the envelope of what can be achieved with creative spirit, some duct tape and plenty of painkillers. Best of luck and we'll look for you on stage soon.

See more of Karen's costumes

Garry aka Prof.Tomoe