AnimeCat's Spotlight

I began cosplaying in 2000. A dear friend had been attending Anime Weekend Atlanta for a few years, and repeatedly told me about it, suggesting I should go. At that time, I was watching Tenchi Muyo faithfully, and fell in love with the Ryo-Ohki character. The two of us contrived to build costumes and cosplay at Anime Weekend Atlanta 6. I built Ryo-Ohki, my very first costume, with the help of my mother, who worked out my design flaws. The Cabbit was well received at AWA, getting lots of hugs and photos.

You've done a number of full body costumes that are great. What made you decide to attempt them?

Believe it or not, I began showing an interest in mascot-style costumes from working for the JC Penney Company. I was asked to perform as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer one holiday season and was provided with the costume. The fun thing about full-body costumes is that no one knows exactly who is inside, so therefore, you become the character. After having so much fun being Rudolph, when the time came to make my own costumes, I wanted the performer anonymity I had experienced before.

Another reason is that after seeing photos of mascot character costumes, I noticed that the majority of them seemed to be either bodysuits with hoods that had ears attached, or the ever-popular tank-top / skirt / ears on a headband idea. Cute enough, sure, but to me, that didn’t seem very much like portraying the actual character. There seemed to be a lack of full-body costumes, so I said to myself, “There’s my niche,” and stepped in.

Advantages:
a. Your costume will be highly recognizable. People will be able to see you coming from across the room.
b. Most everyone loves a mascot.
c. There’s a good chance no one else will be cosplaying as the same character.
d. There’s an even better chance that you’re the first to even attempt a portrayal of your character in mascot style.
e. You will be asked for hugs and photos. A LOT of them.

Disadvantages:
a. You will be asked for hugs and photos. A LOT of them. Be expected to be blinded by camera flashes and to stay in one spot for more than 5 or 6 minutes while everyone takes your photo.
b. Full-body costumes are HOT. You can easily dehydrate yourself, or suffer from heat stroke, if you’re not careful.
c. For some odd reason, people find it necessary to harass you. Some may even go to the point of hitting you, trying to forcefully remove your head (the costume one, silly!), or jump you from behind. Many don’t mean it, and will stop if you ask them to, but others are just downright mean. Always have a helper walk around with you, just in case.
d. The vision from your costume’s head may not always be the best. There are times when you can only see to your sides and not in front of you. It all depends on your designs, so plan for it.

Lets look at Moro, for example. Her head is constructed from plastic mesh, first contoured to my head to make a sort of helmet for my head to fit in. Then I added the muzzle supports, and the jaw. Once I had the basic shape made, I then covered it with foam cut from 1-inch thick foam sheets, hot-gluing it on layers until I had the shape I needed.

Once that’s complete, I had to lay the fur on and trim very carefully until it lay where I wanted it. Then, I hot-glued it to the foam and hand-sewed where the edges of the fur met. Then, I added details like her nose, her teeth and gums, tongue, and eyes and ears. I had to play with her expression until I was satisfied, before finalizing everything.

How do you deal with adversity in life?

Adversity is something we all face. Sometimes you just have to suck it up and deal with it. However, when times really get rough, I rely on my fiancée, my family, and my friends to pull me though. Some days, you just need that lil’ extra push to get you going, you know? I can always rely on the special people in my life to get me though most anything.

What will you be if and when you grow up?

I try to avoid growing up as much as possible. Being an adult can be so boring sometimes. But I’ve found a way to incorporate my hobby into the “real world.” I’ve started taking costume commissions on the side. Ideally, though, I’d like to own my own costume shop where people could either rent a character for an event, or even commission a costume to use as a company mascot. I think it would be a good career for me, as it would not only utilize my love of costuming, but my art degrees that I’ll someday complete as well. Maybe I’ll do a little freelance artwork on the side. Who knows? Maybe I could be the next Jim Henson.

Any rumors to dispel?

I found when attending a convention last year that most people who see my costumes, but don’t know me, think I’m a guy under all that fur. I’m not! I’m 100% female, baby. I guess it's odd that a girl would want to spend her time inside a hot, stuffy costume. I’ve also heard that some think I can be hard to approach. I’m not! I LOVE to talk to other cosplayers, to answer questions about my costumes, and so on. Sometimes I can be a little short with people if I’m hot and need some water or to take a break, I suppose. But don’t take it personally, I’ll be back when I’ve cooled down!

I appreciate this opportunity to tell others about what I like to do. I know some may have more questions about my costumes, and please, feel free to e-mail me about them! I love making new online friends!