Tell us about your first cosplay experience. Who, what, where, when, and how did it go?

My first cosplay was back in March 2001, at Anime Express 4 in Daytona Beach. It was also my first convention, so not knowing what to expect, I opted for a safe costume. I made Youji from Weiss Kreuz out of a jacket I already had. It was really inaccurate and silly looking, but I had so much fun. I had run into three people cosplaying the remaining main characters from Weiss Kreuz, and we had a blast. I’ve been friends with two of them to this day.

Besides improvement in your costuming skills, what differences do you see in between your first convention and your most recent one?

Size! Everything is bigger and better. There are so many more people at the conventions and a much broader range of costumes and series that they come from. As for myself, I find that the biggest difference is that I am spending more time hanging out with friends than anything else.

For costume construction, do you prefer to start with store-bought patterns or to create patterns from scratch?

I used to stick to store-bought patterns, but as I used them more and more, I came to learn the basics that go into making a pattern. I’ve learned how to look at something in my head and imagine what a flat pattern piece would look like for it. I mostly make my own patterns now because they suit my needs more than store patterns.

If you get “stuck” on a certain part while working on a costume, what do you do to get through the problem? (call friends, post on journals or message boards, take a break, etc.) Give an example if you can.

A little bit of everything, really. Most of what I get stuck on would be the parts that aren’t related to sewing, such as props or accessories. I have a friend who is phenomenal with that kind of stuff, and he’s always there to help. And if it’s anything else, I’m usually stuck because I’m frustrated—there’s always time to take a breather.

Share some basic construction tips for a medium-difficulty costume.

Most important is to never rush. When you have time, you can focus on more detail and you will take more care in constructing what you’re making. Secondly, make sure you have something you can put your costume on while tweaking it, be it a dress form or a (patient) friend. Another tip to keep in mind is to have a Plan B, and to experiment. Never assume that one way of making something is going to work—you never know what may happen. Try out what you’re using first; it saves time, money, and headaches.

Which do you find more challenging to recreate: 2-D animated characters or live action movie characters?

Definitely live-action characters. With animated characters, you can take certain creative liberties that “real” people don’t allow for. For example, when making an animated character, one can use various types of fabrics, and it is easier to substitute one thing for another if needed. With live-action characters, the fabric type is already decided for you, and it is harder to use substitutes without sacrificing accuracy.

If money and practicality were no object, what would be your ultimate or dream costume?

Priss Asagiri’s Hardsuit from Bubblegum Crisis 2040. I have been in love with that series since forever, and the Hardsuits are to die for!

What do your family and friends think of your hobby?

My parents love it, actually. My dad has started asking me for pictures to put in frames for the house, and my mom wants to borrow my wigs! My friends who don’t cosplay themselves think it’s cool; a lot of them are into theater so it’s all the same to them!

What advice would you offer to folks who might be trying to convince their families that cosplay isn’t so outlandish?

The best advice I can give is, be prepared to compromise. I found that if you make your families mad due to convention attending or cosplay, they’re less likely to understand your hobby. I’ve seen too many times when a friend will try to cancel family plans to go to a convention—it never works out right in the end. And through personal experience, keep it to your own room or designated space—no one likes the kitchen table disappearing underneath a pile of fabric!

You seem to have a knack for posing in photos. Does this come naturally, or do you practice different poses to make your characters more interesting?

I guess it’s more that I get to know the attitude of the character well, rather than specific poses. When you can think like the character—whether the attitude is tough, or aloof and elegant, or happy and excited—the poses can come to anyone more naturally.

What draws you to cosplay the characters that you choose?

Since I really don’t have a theme to my characters, I’d have to say it’s a mix of inside jokes, cool designs, and opportunity for new and interesting challenges. Right now, I find myself drawn to characters from older series and shows that I was into as a kid.

Because we often choose cosplays based on characters to whom we can relate or that we admire, do you think continuously dressing up as demonic characters can lead a person to more nefarious behavior?

I’d say it really depends on the person. I’ve known a few people to be the reverse; they were drawn to demonic or evil characters because they liked to think of themselves as “evil.” I really think that everything is fine as long as you don’t go crazy with it!

What’s something that you’d like to see added or improved for cosplayers at conventions?

I’d like to see better planning when it comes to contests, especially if it allows less time taken up for everyone. Why bother competing if you have to spend the whole day in line?

Here’s your space for the dispelling of rumors and for additional comments.

Goodness, if I were to try to touch on this, we’d be here all day! Basically, I think everyone just has to remember that 90% of everything you hear about anyone is just one big game of “Telephone.” Simple as that :)

see more of NeuNeu's costumes here

Erin, you should consider being a model. Not only are your costuming skills top notch, but you have a demeanor that makes for excellent cosplay photos. The most important thing after the costume is made is getting good photos. We encourage everyone to seek out your local cameko and have them take scads of pictures when you cosplay. Strike a pose, and then another, and then another. You never know - you could make it big one day. Thanks for posing for our first 'studio' spotlight and best of luck with all your future endeavors.

Garry