UPDATE: SAKURA MATSURI FASHION SHOW

Did you know that if you enter this fashion show, you get the chance to win not just bragging rights, but also one of the following fabulous prizes, straight from Anime USA and the Maid Cafe!

★ 1st Place = 2 Badges for Anime USA + Free Lunch at My Cup Of Tea – Maid Cafe + $30 Arda Wigs Gift Certificate

★ 2nd Place = 1 Badge for Anime USA + Free Polaroid & Game at My Cup of Tea + $20 Arda Wigs Gift Certificate

★ 3rd Place = 1 Badge for Anime USA + Free Game at My Cup of Tea + $10 Arda Wigs Gift Certificate

Deadline to enter is this Saturday, April 9th, at Midnight, so get your entries in fast! (enter below)

https://docs.google.com/a/animeusa.org/forms/d/1-QWHiGjpsJty0WVFyuQC34onCfmlLvNIcFXmNs9yIA0/viewform?c=0&w=1

Sakura Matsuri Fashion Show!

Attention cosplayers (and J-fashion enthusiasts)!

We’ve gotten your questions and YES, we will be having another fashion show this year at Sakura Matsuri, happening April 16, 2016 in Capital Riverfront Neighborhood, DC! The show will be at 11:45am-12:30pm at the J-Pop Stage, with check-ins beginning at 10:45am.

If you’re interested in participating, please fill out and follow the instructions on the attached form. Make sure to also send a picture of your cosplay entry to daniel.wheatley@animeusa.orgThere are 25 slots, and they fill up fast!

Entries will close Saturday, April 9th @ Midnight OR when all slots are full.

AUSA will then email you if your cosplay is accepted into the contest.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-QWHiGjpsJty0WVFyuQC34onCfmlLvNIcFXmNs9yIA0/viewform?c=0&w=1

Catch Up with Kitsune Kid!

Kitsune Kid cosplaying as Wartortle.

Kitsune Kid cosplaying as Wartortle.

We got a chance to catch up with cosplayer, Kitsune Kid (formerly known as KO Cosplay). She was a guest at the last year’s Anime USA. See what she has to say about cosplay & more!

What got you into cosplay?

I was watching anime with a bunch of friends in college—Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann to be exact—and they said I should cosplay Yoko. I took their advice and wore my first cosplay—some parts made and some parts purchased/commissioned—to my first convention and had a blast. I knew I had to make more costumes. The rest is history!

What is your favorite cosplay to date?

That’s a tough question to answer. I love Angewomon for the final product and all the work that went into her, but Suicune has a special place in my heart since it was a great chance to show off my creative skills since it was an original design. Crimson Viper takes the cake as my favorite cosplay to wear, though. :)

What is your advice to cosplayers new to the scene? What about when making their own cosplays?

My best advice is to pursue things you love and to start small. If you try to make a costume of a character you don’t love, all the labor won’t feel worth it in the end. Cosplay can be a pretty painful process, from burning yourself with an iron to the long hours of all-nighters to make the deadline. I always recommend that newbies should start small, because while taking on big projects can seem challenging, they can also be very overwhelming and discourage new cosplayers from continuing the craft. All the skills associated with cosplaying (sewing, propmaking, wig styling, hair cutting, applying makeup and prosthetics, 3D printing, etc.) will be skills you build off as time continues. Start small and build up!

Who are some people that you look up to as role models?

Some of my cosplay role models include Malindachan, Vampy Bit Me, Volipin Props, and Kamui Cosplay!

What was your first cosplay? What have you learned since that has stuck with you the most?

My first cosplay was Yoko Littner from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. I’ve learned so many invaluable lessons from making cosplay and cosplaying, however I would say the most important thing I’ve learned is that you must do things because you love to do them, regardless of what others may have to say about it. In the end, you’re doing it for you, not them. :)

An Interview with Anime USA 2014 Guest, Joshua Hart of J. Hart Design

Joshua Hart of J. Hart Design cosplaying as Misstitched Alice at Anime USA 2014

Joshua Hart of J. Hart Design cosplaying as Misstitched Alice at Anime USA 2014

Have you heard about Joshua Hart of J. Hart Design? He was a guest of the past Anime USA 2014. Check out his advice for fellow cosplayers and more in this interview.

What got you into cosplay?

Prior to my first convention, I always loved going to the Maryland Renaissance Festival; and, I absolutely treasured playing dress-up! When I was thirteen, I began to teach myself how to sew and alter clothing for these festivals. I would sew all of my renaissance garb by hand, and my free time was spent researching new sewing techniques. I began cosplaying in high school with many of my theatre friends. When they asked me to join their Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children group for Otakon 2005 in Baltimore, MD , I was immediately thrilled and excited to participate.

What is your favorite cosplay to date?

This is an extremely difficult question to answer. All of my costumes are my children; I love them equally. But, if I absolutely had to choose, I would pick my Trinity Blood group, made in 2009 for Otakon’s Hall Costume Contest. While these costumes are not to flashiest, nor the best constructed, they hold a very dear place in my heart because these were the first costumes where I felt confident and proud to showcase my work. These costumes were far above my comfort zone, and I learned so much by making them.

What is your advice to cosplayers new to the scene? What about when making their own cosplays?

The main piece of advice I can give to novice cosplayers is to be proud of your accomplishments, and to refrain from comparing or judging yourself against other attendees or friends. Whether you compiled your costume from found/purchased pieces or created your costume from scratch, you have expressed passion and creativity. These are both admirable and commendable traits worthy of praise.

Who are some people that you look up to as role models?

I have always admired any talented individuals. But, my work has always been shaped by Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Zac Posen, and Alexander McQueen. While they each have their particular styles, I have always admired their sense of proportion, silhouette, and minute detailing. I have pushed myself, over many years, to produce garments that are crafted as beautifully as their garments. I am still hoping to achieve this goal.

What was your first cosplay? What have you learned since that has stuck with you the most?

As previously mentioned, my first costume was Cloud from Final Fantasy: Advent Children for a large group with my friends. Looking back, the finished costume was a mess! But, the experience, creativity, and comradery has stuck with me ever since! Over the years, I have learned that patience is the key to a successful, finished product. I can guarantee that sewing is time consuming, stressful, fussy, and expensive. But, by calming your frustrations, you will work more efficiently, skillfully, and cautiously. This will result in a better looking garment, and a happier, more confident cosplayer!

Enter our Cosplay Masquerade or Hall Cosplay Contests

Hi there fellow cosplay enthusiasts! We’re pleased to announce our Cosplay Masquerade and Hall Cosplay contests.

Cosplayers receiving awards at the Anime USA 2013 Cosplay Masquerade.

Cosplayers receiving awards at the Anime USA 2013 Cosplay Masquerade. Photo credit: Ross of Octomobiki.

If you’re interested in showing off your performance and craftsmanship skills in one exciting and entertaining show, check out our Cosplay Masquerade.

If you’re interested in a quiet, scheduled judging session where you’ll speak directly to craftsmanship judges and tell them about the details of their work, check out the Hall Cosplay.

If you’re interested in showing off you fabulous cosplay without competing in a contest, check out the Cosplay Fashion Show!