Tell us about your first cosplay experience

My first time cosplaying was at my first convention - Otakon '98. I dressed as Minnie May from Gun Smith Cats. It was just a store-gathered outfit with plastic grenades stuck on the inside of my coat. No one really knew what I was, but then I didn't know what cosplaying was all about. I had simply heard my friends were going in costume so I did too. I was 16 at the time. ^__^

You have a tremendous collection of costumes. How do you decide what to cosplay?

Either I'll like the art (ala Final Fantasy Tactics job classes, they don't have "character" really) or I'll like the character or anime/game/manga they're from. Nothing is off limits as long as I like it.

Where do you store everything?

I have a sewing room in my house with a rack to hang things and tons of boxes everywhere. It's the most cluttered room in the house.

Is there anything you won't try to cosplay?

If it's beyond my means. I mean, I'm sure we'd all love to cosplay a 30 ft Gundam, but I'm not capable of making that. *laugh*

To the outside world, cosplayers seem obsessive and a bit crazy.

As opposed to the inside world, where they seem perfectly normal... O__o

How has cosplay affected you in a positive way.

I see it the same way as any hobby. I've met friends, I get to travel, and I've honed skills. As long as I'm having fun, I'm happy.

How would you like to see cosplay improved from a convention perspective?

I think it's heading in a good direction. More cons are having hall costuming contests, which I think is great. As much as I like making a fool of myself on stage (yes, I mean that), I'm much more construction oriented, and it's good to have your work looked at up close. I think continuing to have an eye on craftsmanship and allowing for non-competing entries in the masq is a great start.

Where does your inspiration in life come from?

Definitely from my mother. She passed away in 1998, and that's pretty much had an impact on everything I do. I had to grow up very fast, move out on my own, ect. I feel I need to keep moving forward and not let little things get in the way of the big picture and being happy.

What will you be when you grow up?

I think I'm as grown up as I'm going to get. O___o If I grow up any more I think I'll be dead.

What costuming tips can you offer?

Just because you can't sew doesn't mean you can't cosplay. I didn't sew when I started, and didn't sew for quite a while. Just give things a try!

If anime conventions decided to offer cash prizes to cosplay winners, but charged a contest fee, how much would you be willing to spend and how much should the cash prizes be?

I don't like the idea of cash prizes, and I definitely wouldn't want to pay to be in a cosplay. If other people want to, that's great. I'm really just in it for the fun and experience. I think that the higher the cash prize, the more elaborate the costumes would get (also read : more expensive) and the prize would at the most just cover the cost it took to make the costume. I think if you're gonna make a good costume, make it because you like it, not to win something. But winning stuff is always a plus!

What are some things that new cosplayers should try to avoid when choosing a character to portray?

Avoid? I can't think of anything. Just do what you want people! Have fun!

Cosplay skits - heaven-sent or hell-bound?

I think that some people are really raising the bar for the rest of us. I've seen some wonderful skits, and I've seen some that make me want to stab forks in my eyes. Since the whole "dancing skit" idea is beginning to fade, I'm wondering what the new fad will be. ^_^

Where would you like to see yourself 10 years from now?

Alive. Yes, definitely alive. Hopefully with money in a house somewhere.

If you have any rumors to dispel, now's your chance.

There has been SO MUCH said about me. Honestly, I hear and see so many things and opinions about myself from strangers it's crazy. I wish people would just talk to me. I don't bite, at least not until I know you. ^__^
Also I'm not a space alien. At least, I don't think.

see more of Gchan's out-of-this-world costume collection here