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

Megami Hanime: Well, I have always loved dressing up as my favorite characters from movies, TV, and cartoons – ever since I was a child. My mom always made my brothers' and my costumes for Halloween so I never really thought about "buying" them. After Halloween, that year’s costume would be put into the "Dress-Up Chest" with all the other costumes and exotic clothes; then my friends and I would throw little costume parties whenever we could so that we could dress up again!  I always felt like that was the real beginning of my love of cosplay. However, my first "Official" experience with cosplay came along when I was told about conventions. At the time, I lived in Atlanta so my mom and I looked into the local convention, AWA 6, and ordered our tickets. I had not yet learned how to sew, but I was ambitious and asked my mom if she would help me construct an Ayanami Rei Plug Suit for the convention. She and I searched out the fabric stores and looked for patterns that would be good tablets to work from. In the end, it was not as glorious as I had hoped, but I was so excited about attending my first convention dressed as one of my favorite characters of the time that I didn't mind one bit. As for as how it all went once I got there, well, my friend Whitney had cosplayed Asuka, and my mom was Ritsuko so we just had a ball hanging out and sharing the weekend together.

Lab: We didn't know your mom cosplayed with you. That's swell!

MH: Yeah, she's been really supportive. Taught me everything I know about sewing as well as just took the time to understand what it was I liked about anime, so it's just been great to share it with her. We've made a lot of really wonderful memories together. We're hoping to cosplay Tohru Honda and Kyoko (Tohru's mom) from Fruits Basket in the near future ^_^

When did you decide that cosplay was more than just a passing phase for you?

MH: Well, that's a really difficult question. I don't quite remember a time that I didn't love just making costumes and dressing up. There was a time I was considering giving up cosplay because I became too wrapped up in the dramatic issues and had begun to forget why I started. I put all my projects on hold for around 12 months. Then, I saw Pixar's The Incredibles, and I was in love. That movie brought out the child in me, and before I knew it, I wanted to be Mrs. Incredible. I happened to find the perfect fabric at my local fabric store and began just sewing away one night. It was great: I didn't have a convention to wear it to, or any major plans, I was just a little girl playing dress up. The following semester, my friends asked if I would join them for a day MegaCon (2005). I said, "Sure," pulled out Mrs. I, and was on my way to Orlando. I wasn't expecting much of a response, seeing as it wasn't quite anime, video game, sci-fi, or comic book....it was just a new pop culture reference. I didn't mind though; I was having fun. However, no sooner did I buy my ticket, than I couldn't walk two steps without getting my picture taken. But the best feeling of all came when the younger children who were at the con with their parents came up to me and said, "Hi Mrs. Incredible, I like your movie!"  It was just so sweet, it just really hit home for me. I remembered that it's not about who's the best this or that, or how many costumes you have. It's about being creative, getting to be your favorite character for a day, and most importantly, Having FUN!  I had lost sight of that, but now I think I love cosplay even more than before, and I hope to be doing it for many years to come.

Cosplay can become an expensive hobby. What are some things that you do to keep your budget from exploding? MH: Oh man, that's certainly a truth about cosplay. Hmm. I think my first bit of advice would be, get on every fabric store's preferred customer mailing list so you know when all the sales are going on. Also, have a really good plan of what you need and how much. A lot of times, I'll just go browse the fabric store, check out what fabrics are available, and various accessories. I'll then add them up cost-wise and find out when the next sale or coupon is coming out. Cosplay, for me, requires time and patience, so oftentimes I'll have a 50% off coupon that I will use on a gorgeous satin, but I will also need some of the blue silk chiffon, but since I only have one coupon, I'll wait till the next sale/coupon becomes available. I also think that finding ways to either recycle old costumes or share accessories is important. For example, I have used my blue wig for at least 4 different costumes. It may not have been the most exact cut or style, but it worked, and I just had a good time. So if you spend a lot of money on a wig, it's nice when you can use it over and over again. Another example would be my white platform boots I used for Eternal Sailor Mercury. They are the same boots used for Pink Lum, just with covers I made from the leftover fabric. I feel cosplay is just a creative way of interpreting what you see so you can also decide what level of expense is really required for a costume. Some of my costumes are more elaborate, and I have chosen to use somewhat more expensive materials. However, I also have my just-for-fun costumes, and I tend to get more affordable fabrics for them. Also, always check the bargain bin and scrap basket!  I made my entire Kingdom Hearts 2 Kairi costume for under $40. It didn't require much fabric since it was a cute little tube dress, and I was able to find the perfect fabric for a couple dollars in the scrap bin. I think it's important to have a cosplay budget. If you can't make a costume within a certain budget, then you don't make that costume. Or it waits until you have saved up enough money. Lab: Oh, good idea. Don't make stuff you can't afford.

MH: Exactly. I've been working on saying, "Hannah, each month you get a certain amount to spend on cosplay.” I usually don't have a new costume every month so, instead, that money has time to add up each month, and before you know it, I have a new costume I want to make and some money saved up to do it. And even when I don't have an immediate costume, I still like to just bargain shop, price hunt the fabric stores, even the wig stores and thrift stores. You never know what you might find that would be the perfect template to start from.

What's more important to you: creating the general effect of a costume or getting every detail just right?

MH: I think it's a sort of mix of both for me. I love capturing the details in a costume, but I also like finding ways to make it my own, as in showing my own interpretation as well. There is so much about cosplay that is so creative so why stop at what you see in front of you?  I say spruce it up, have a good time, and add a little extra trim, or use a more dazzling fabric; it's about making something you're happy to wear! After putting so much time into your wonderful garment, you should be happy knowing it's they way you wanted it to be. At least, that what I think.  ^_^ 

Lab: Those little touches make such a difference. I think it's why I like to see photos where a group of the same character poses together. They're supposed to be the same, but each one is unique. MH: I agree, it's just so fun to see each person’s perception of the same thing! It just shows how we as cosplayers may have similar interests, but we are all still individuals. But despite how different we all are, we can gather together and share such great memories with each other. It's easy to see outward changes in cosplayers' skills, but how do you think your attitude has changed since you began cosplaying? MH: Well, as I mentioned before, the whole element of just keeping it fun is really important. However, I would also say that cosplaying with friends is so much more enjoyable than cosplaying alone. I have pulled so many of my friends into cosplay that I'm sure they're going broke, but we have such a blast spending the time together. We enjoy every aspect from problem solving and construction, to shopping, wig styling and finally just having our own little party at whatever convention or photo shoot we attend. Plus, when you look back on all the photos taken from those events, instead of just saying "Oh look, my costume is done," you can remember the fun time you had with your friends and the moment that has been captured on film, and it just leaves you with a whole different type of memory, one that I believe will last a lot longer than the others. So for the last several cosplays I have done, they have been very much oriented towards cosplaying with my friends, and it's just been so much more fun than I can even describe! That's also why my friend Joie and I started a site together: www.HarmonicCosplay.com. We went to high school together and have been cosplaying since around the same time, and the memories we have made together are so grand. We don't currently live in the same state, but we still work out conventions and just hang time. For us, cosplay is just another great activity to add to our list of things to do on our vacation.

Do you think it's more fun to portray well-known characters or more obscure ones?

MH: I think it's more fun to portray characters that you have some sort of connection with. See, I love Yuna from the FFX and FFX-2 series because there are lots of ways I can relate to her character, so I love cosplaying her, not because she's well known, but because I love "being" Yuna for a day. The same goes for being someone completely opposite yourself. Sometimes it's fun to be an evil character, or a somewhat sexy character, but then being cute, or even scary can be fun.  So while it's nice to have tons of people recognize your character and want your picture, I really believe that you need to focus on your happiness first. Cosplay is not about pleasing other people or doing a costume just to get attention. It's about creating something for yourself, going out and having a good time with friends, and most importantly it’s for you!  There's so much in life that brings us down, why bog cosplay down with it?  Do something for yourself, and enjoy what you put your time and effort into.

You've made several Summoner Yuna outfits now. Can you share some tips for making a pristine pleated skirt? MH: Well, I would say that first, pleated skirts are one of the hardest things to learn how to sew. My original Summoner Yuna was only successful thanks to much time and patience from my Mom. However, I would say that the first really important thing about pleated skirts is 1) the fabric!  If you don't have a fabric that will hold the pleats very well, then it will only end up looking like a full, wavy skirt.  2) Get a pattern!  It will usually have good suggestions on what type of fabric to use as well as step by step instructions on how to make one. When my Mom and I made the first skirt, we were only able to find a short cheerleading skirt pattern, so we cut it out and added tissue paper to it to extend it from mid-thigh to the ankles. I highly recommend using tissue paper whenever altering patterns. It's a great way to just test out your idea without wasting fabric, and you can "try it on" to see if it will be the correct length. Other than that, the iron is your best friend. I would actually say that for almost any costume, the difference between an ironed garment and an un-ironed one is just amazing. By simply ironing your seams and hems, you can take your costume from looking "homemade" to "professional." I think that the iron is a very under-used tool at times.  ^_^ Lab: Any ironing tips? Brand of iron, technique, etc? MH: I would suggest that you always test iron a scrap of whatever fabric your using. You don't want to have your iron too high and melt a costume you've been working on for weeks. Also, having a press cloth, or clean piece of fabric, such as an affordable cotton, serves as a buffer for any really delicate clothes so that the iron doesn't burn or stain them. And if you are ever using a hotel iron, be sure to use the press cloth. I have learned from experience that some pretty gross things can leak out of those irons, and you don't want it to end up on your costume. Other than that, just remember to apply gentle pressure, and never leave the iron face down. However, I'm sure that's just a given. ^_~

What's your favorite aspect of creating a costume?

MH: Each stage of it is so much fun that I just love the anticipation that comes with each step you complete. Picking what character starts the ball rolling, but sketching out the list of things you need and the measurements required makes it more real. Then you pick out the fabric which is great because you're starting to form a more solid picture in your mind of what the finished costume may look like. Then finally cutting and sewing, and seeing it start to take shape; sometimes I just like to hold up little bits or the in progress costume in front of the mirror to see how it's looking. After the sewing is done, I like the accessories, and figuring out fun ways to make the earrings and gems needed. My Mom and I used to make jewelry when I was younger so it's fun to include that hobby with this one. Finally it's time to figure out hair and make-up. I like to try to figure out ways to bring out certain qualities of a character though make-up, and I also try to keep in mind certain techniques that help when applying make-up so that it photographs well. It's always a fun sort of painting though, and I love doing my friends make-up too – it's like getting to paint on dolls. I just love it!  Over the past year I have also started styling wigs. It started as a favor to a friend, and now I've been able to get a few commissions. I just love getting a challenging commission, though, and seeing how best I can interpret an anime hair style using a wig, but still making it resemble that character. It's just a fun sort of puzzle, I suppose ^_^

And what's your least favorite task?

MH: Probably washing the fabric. I get home, and I'm all pumped to start cutting my freshly purchased materials, but I know I should wash it first, and I just don't really like doing laundry. I do it, but I don't like doing it. Well, that and when the sewing machine jams – that's never fun.

Lab: Ugh, the machine. When it's good, it's really good, but when it's bad, it's terrible. Do you wash all your fabrics before using them? Well, the washable ones, of course.

MH: Yes, I think it's important, especially with colors, because you don't want to make a costume with multiple colors, clean it, and have it turn into a tie-dyed mess. The initial washing just helps to keep that from happening as much. Also, if you're planning to paint or glue anything to your fabrics, it's important to have clean fabric, usually washed with no fabric softener, so that it will better accept what you are adding to it. Usually there are directions on the paint bottle for that though.

Lab: Don't the raw edges of the fabric fray in the wash?

MH: They can, depending on the fabric, so it's good to always check what the washing instructions are on the bolt of fabric at the store. With the more delicate fabrics, you can place them in a lingerie bag to help decrease the beating it will take if it were just free in the wash. Finally, if you have a fabric that is going to fray so much, it gives you a good idea to double fold your hem so it doesn't come undone easily when you're wearing it or washing it.

When life's twists & turns throw you for a loop, how do you get back to smooth sailing?

MH: Life is always full of its ups and downs, and no matter how hard you try, you can't make everybody like you. But I know that no matter how far I fall, or how tall I stand, that God is always walking with me. He helps me up when I stumble and leads the way when I am fine.  And even when things get really rough, I know that He's watching over me. He has blessed me with so many wonderful friends, and such a loving family, that even when I feel lost and alone, I know I have people to turn to. So I may vent to a friend or cry on my mother's shoulder, but eventually I realize that the things have happened for a reason and that because of certain situations, and even mistakes I have made, I can learn and grow from them. So when the going gets tough, I turn to the people who care about me for guidance, and somehow, everything seems to work out. 

Lab: Critics complain or sneer that God's invisible, but they just don't realize how He manifests Himself.

MH: I truly agree. He has just done so many things in my life that I can only explain as blessing from God Himself, that I just can't look at the world any other way. I struggled for a long time with my weight and my own perception of my body, and was beginning to go each day with less and less food, and was living with anorexia. But at this time, God put a very special person into my life, and they knew something wasn't right, so they worked with me, prayed with me, and eventually got me back on a healthy track. I can only describe that as a miracle, otherwise I'm sure I would be dead now, or at least hospitalized. Since then, I have worked very hard to become less focused on a "model" appearance, and more focused on a healthy lifestyle, with roller blading and exercising. I even joined the YMCA to help keep a healthy body and not a sickly one.

Lab: Looking at you now, no one would ever know that you'd struggled with an eating disorder. Especially the way you smile! [ed.- Most of the time, we only see cosplayers’ photos online and marvel at how nice their costumes are. It’s too easy to forget that they’re real people leading lives that include greatness and catastrophe alike. We rarely get to know everyone on a personal level so getting a glimpse into the person behind the costume is a privilege.] MH: You know, in many ways it is personal, but it's also something that because I survived it, it makes me who I am today. I’m blessed to be where I am today, and I only wish I could help the people who are struggling the way I did, to help them see that there is hope, and there is more to life than appearance. Yes, it's nice to feel in control when everything else around you feels like it's falling apart, but there are other ways. The bad times will eventually pass. But this part of who I am, and while I'd never go back, I can no longer be ashamed of it. I thank God for every day that He has given me.   Are cosplay and your career path two peas in a pod or polar opposites? MH: Actually, they complement each other but without being so similar that I lose my passion for either. I just graduated from the Ringling School of Art and Design, with a focus in Computer Animation. I've always wanted to be an animator so reaching this goal has been so rewarding. While studying at Ringling, I found that my 3D passion actually lay in cloth and hair simulation.  Hahaha, so it's like playing cosplay in a 3D world, but it’s different enough that coming home and sewing feels like a nice creative break from my "work." Cosplay has been a wonderful blessing, however, and I've been able to apply many of the techniques and knowledge I've gained from costume-making to the 3D world. I'm really excited to see where it takes me from here, and I think it would just be fun to one day put together the outfit on a CG character, then go to a convention and see someone wearing that outfit. Lab: That would be cool. It'd be like seeing yourself as an action figure – like Ewan McGregor seeing his Obi-Wan figure in the store.

MH: Hahaha Yeah!  I just love what I do, and working on something that would in turn inspire cosplayers to make a replica, well, I think that's just a great compliment to all the artists that work on CG films.

Here's your space for additional comments and the dispelling of rumors. MH: hmm…All I really can think to say is, let's just have fun and enjoy the time we have! Cosplay is such a great way to do something kinda crazy and make new friends, let's not muck it up with “Who's a better this,” or "Your hair's the wrong shade for that character." Why don't we all just chill out, sit back, and enjoy that we live in a time that is really blossoming for anime, video games, and of course, cosplay. Lab: Any strange gossip you'd like to put the kaibosh on? MH: Hmm, I honestly can't think of anything. I've really pulled out of a lot of the gossip circles and just tried to focus on what cosplay is when you share it with friends, so I'm sure there are probably rumors floating around, but I try not to pay attention to them anymore. Hopefully, you will decide if you like me not because you heard something through the grapevine, but because you took time to get to know me as a person. Lab: Thanks for taking time to chat with us. ^_^ MH: I had so much fun! Thank you so much for interviewing me! see more of Megami Hanime's costumes here Hannah, your enthusiastic portrayal of your favorite characters is a welcome addition to any convention or photo shoot. You're a joy to be around, and your story is sure to encourage all of us who've ever fallen into a cosplay rut. Keep on crafting those fabulous costumes, and best of luck in your endeavors as an animator. We look forward to the day when cosplayers will be bringing your character designs to life with their creative efforts. ~Mrs. Tomoe