Tell us about your first cosplay experience. When, where, what, etc.

My first cosplay experience was technically the Halloween of 1999. At the time, I was heavily into Sailor Moon SS season, especially the Amazon Trio. I attempted to put together a Fish Eye costume which ended up as merely a blue wig and dress. I did not know this was called cosplay, until Megacon 2000, where I dressed as Duo Maxwell from Gundam Wing.

Cosplay or Crossplay? Which is your preference and why.

I prefer to crossplay. Male characters tend to draw my interest in terms of character and design. I'm not against cosplaying females, though I find there are few I would put the effort into making (costume wise). Ironically, this year finds me choosing more female characters then male.

What is one thing that you always try to accomplish with every costume you create?

I always wish to accomplish the illusion of screen to reality. No matter how difficult the costume, the ability to make what isn't real true, is always something I strive for. I also attempt to always have hair and shoes perfect on my costumes. For some reason, I'm obsessed with having the shoes and hair exact, where the costume itself I'm not so harsh with.

Do you spend more on costumes, or anime/manga/video games? Elaborate please.

If I combined the amounts of money I spent on video games/manga/anime to costumes, I'd have to say I spend about equal on both. I don't over indulge in either hobby (namely because my wallet won't allow me to).

What are some good costuming, prop-making tips you can share?

Practice beforehand. Use cheap materials and fabric to learn how to make something before actually attempting to make the final version. Start small, also. There is nothing wrong with attempting something bigger than life, but be realistic in your attempts. If you've never made a costume before and start with a Gundam, be forewarned.

When things go wrong in life, where do you turn?

When I'm usually in a bad place, I turn to my friends and family for support. They are always there to lean on when I need it.

What is the best way for someone new to the cosplay scene to get started?

Talk to other people who share your interest in cosplay. They can give you hints as to where to find good material, what stores have the best wigs, etc. I'm not against commissioning either, as it's a good way for a person to jump into the cosplay scene and not be hindered by a lack of sewing ability.

How about long-term? What does it take to stay with cosplay?

To stay into cosplay, it takes drive and just plain ol' fun. Most leave the cosplay scene because it gets too dramatic and/or serious. It's all about having fun. If you continue to have fun, there would be no end to cosplay.

What will you be when you grow up? How about marriage, kids, cosplay etc.

I'm in high hopes to go into the field of Human Factors, namely engineering psychology. I'm not thinking about marriage anytime soon, and I have no desire for children. I intend to sew throughout my life whether I am cosplaying or not.

What are some simple techniques to squeeze the most out of your costuming budget?

Reusing wigs and Wal-mart dollar-a-yard fabric has saved in expenses with most of my costumes. Other ways are the use of coupons, using things you already have (shoes, jewelry, etc), and making things yourself. Oddly, I've found making costumes is cheaper than buying them (in regards to shirts, pants, and such). I also tend to find my wigs on ebay because they're  just as good of quality and a bit cheaper then the local retail stores.

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

I only know of the questioning of my gender, and yes everyone, I'm female. If there are any other rumors, please contact me so I can verify (or dispel) them.

View Lucifer sama's Cosplay Lab profile here