1. 17
2. Female
3. Made two, bought two.
4. Interesting character designs, and wanting to try out making them/wearing them myself.
5. Because of the other people involved, because it's good for learning new skills, it's fun, it's challenging
6. I have. Partly because it can be very difficult, partly because I lost drive to do it.
7. It has in the way I've learnt new things about myself through it (limits, skills, etc.), learnt new things in general and have made some really good friends.
8. Cosplaying with others, and the feeling of accomplishment at finishing a costume I've been working on for a while.
9. Yes. I've learnt more about sewing, putting together costumes, planning, time management, made really good friends.
10. I say that I'm cosplaying, dressing up as a character that I like. Usually I get good reactions like "Oh that's so cool!"
11. I tell my friends and family the same thing, pretty much. Family leans towards "well at least she's doing something constructive!" and friends vary between "oh yay another strange hobby" and "that is actually really cool, maybe I should try that".
12. And no I don't mind. (: I hope I helped!

Age?
19

Gender?
Female

Do you make or buy your costumes?
I've made most of my costumes, I've bought a few pre-made items here and there for parts of an outfit from time to time.

What was it that originally drew you to cosplay?
My interests in anime & manga, and dressing up looked fun.

If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
It's evolved into a bit of an obsession, but I guess with the friends I have gained and the fun times I've had in costume keeps my urge to cosplay strong.

Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
I have, cosplaying becomes really stressful when making deadlines and difficult to balance with school work/other activities. Even just feeling intimidating with comparing your own skills with others.

Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
Indeed it has. I used to be a quiet girl that avoided attention at all costs, and now I've become a lot more confident and able to openly express myself. Also I've gained many crafting skills.

What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
Making friends, meeting new people and being able to discuss similar interests.

Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
I would say it has completely changed my personality, I don't think I would be the same person I am today if I wasn't involved in this hobby. And definitely affected me a good way.

What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you’re doing? How do they react?
"We're costumers."
"oh, so is this for a show/project/something special."
"..yeah, like a private project."

I like to keep the explanation short & simple as I feel when I go into too much detail the people asking would get confused. A vague yet straight forward answer works well for me.

What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/acquaintances) about what you’re doing? How do they react?
I think my outside-of-cosplay friends think it's a little weird but (hopefully) in an interesting way. I haven't had anything negative said about me cosplaying. I usually talk to the closer friends/classmates about cosplay normally, if they're more of just acquaintances then I only talk about the sewing aspect of it, as mentioned before, keeping things simple.

Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
Go for it~~

1. 24
2. Male
3. I do both. I make comp pieces while I tend to purchase ones that will give me a harder time.
4. Originally I saw an online friend of mine do a rather simple cosplay that looked very casual and I was impressed with the idea of making something that was geeky, but not too geeky. But after a while, I began to be drawn my the costumes that were a lot more elaborate and fancy and the obsession grew from there.
5. I still continue to cosplay because of all the friends it has given me and also the fun of getting dressing up and getting into character. It's also nice seeing how much progress I have made in the years I have done it. There is a lot of satisfaction in it.
6. Not so much quitting as taking a break. My girlfriend does most of the hard work in the making process and recently I had been putting a lot of work on to her to the point she had overworked herself due to our rather steep learning curve I had established with our cosplays. While we are still cosplaying now. I put a lot more consideration in our capabilties and am trying to shoulder more of the workload now that I've found an aspect of it that I feel I can specialise in.
7. I think cosplay has made me appreciate other people's cosplays a lot more than I think I would have as a member of the public because I now know how much effort is truly put into their work. It has also given me a hobby that feels constructive and creative which gives me a sense of accomplishment in that I have now made things I would have never thought I could make in the past.
8. For me, it's the actual wearing of the cosplay that is the most fun. While making the cosplay gives you that sense of personal satisfaction, I find all the fun of it is in the wearing of the costume, mainly because I am one for theatrics and that I get to have fun expressing my liking towards the character I am portraying. Since I make it a rule that I only cosplay characters I know and like (or would have fun portraying) There is always a personal connection in the cosplays I do.
9. A lot of my friends today are friends I made through cosplay and would have otherwise not gotten to meet personally had I not cosplayed. This includes my girlfriend who cosplays with me frequently and means the world to me. It is something I am very grateful for now that I think about it.
10. Most of the time I will be cosplaying during a convention so I will simply say I am dressed up for an event. Those who take legitimate interest I find are very accepting and react normally and sometimes take a photo. I find that most if they're willing to ask what I am doing they are usually nice about it. It's not often I have been approached by someone who would ask me what I was doing only to insult me about it. Those kinds I find tend to dot hat from a distance.
11. I explain the concept of the hobby and why I do it. It's not often that I fo it since most of my friends are either into anime or cosplay so are aware of what it entails and my Mum helps out with my cosplays. Although my Mum personally wishes I cosplayed more normal looking characters as she feels if I stood out too much, I might attract unwanted attention from people. In some cases in which people will take a legitimate interest in what I do, other times they think I might be a bit weird or perverted depending on who the person is and their perception of what the media my costumes comes from is.
12. I would probably have a lot less friends and also not have so much fun at conventions as I have found the days I did not cosplay were the more dull ones.
13. I do not mind at all. Feel free to use my answers as you see fit

1. 14
2. Female
3. So far bought due to an inability to sew, planning to make some soon.
4. It was another chance to show off my obsession with certain anime; found out about it just by browsing deviantART and attending Auckgeddon.
5. It's a great escape from real life. It's fun. Plus I've met so many great people through it.
6. Once or twice, due to cost restrictions. I always come back.
7. Yes! I think it's made me a more outgoing person.
8. Seeing passers-by turn to look when a group of us go past. Plus dressing up. It's something I've always loved.
9. Extremely. See 7, and also that it's opened up a whole new community of people that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to interact with.
10. I try to explain what cosplay is in as simple terms as I can. Generally they're amused or very polite about it.
11. The same as 10; plus I just say that I do it because I enjoy it. They tend to be a little startled/sceptical, but not in a bad way.
12. I'd still be the shy, confidence-lacking girl I was in '09. Cosplay has made such a huge impact on my life, it's hard to think about a world without it.
13. I don't mind at all. C:

1. 14
2. Female
3. Make, but poorly.
4. The bringing a character you love to life bit, I guess. And the cute outfit designs. I found out about it through Nee [my best friend]
5. Because I love the community and I want to improve me sewing skills and one day make something really beautiful. Something like that, anyway.
6. Yes. I'm pretty self-concious and don't have much self-esteem so I feel like I'll always be a bad cosplayer because of my weight/looks, no matter how hard I try. Also, when me and Cacti were posted on that warped bat-fowling horn-beast's blog with the caption 'eyecancer'. I got rid of my Flandre costume because of it.
7. It's made me a little more confident and I've made several new friends. It's also inspiring me to lose weight.
8. The cosplay community, the satisfaction of making a costume, how when you go to a convention even if you don't know anyone, everyone is so welcoming.
9. Yeah, I'm made friends with a bunch of wonderful people I'd probably never get to know otherwise.
10. That it's a hobby, that we make costumes for fun, that it's NOT a fetish. I usually get slightly weirded-out looks and sometimes 'aren't you too young?'
11. Same as above. Most of my friends are cosplayers. The rest think it's pretty cool. My parents are really supportive, my sisters not so much.
12. I would never meet anyone outside of school and I'd become a whale.
13. Go ahead!

1. Age? 18
2. Gender? female
3. Do you make or buy your costumes? make
4. What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? Orinally it was a fun thing to do with my friends. It was also a good way to be more involved in my fandoms and I really really really do love dressing up. How did you find out about it?I knew it existed but had not considered it as something I was asked by a friend if I'd cosplay with her.
5. If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now? Cosplay has become a huge part of my life. I fell in love with the whole costume making process after my first couple of costumes. The community here also helped by being so cool, if I hadn't found you guys, I wouldn't be the cosplayer I am today.
6. Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why? I have. It was at the end of last year and I was getting bored with a couple of my fandoms, not spending so much time online and was just really getting into fashion again. Scine a well done cosplay can sometimes cost as much as a Karen Walker skirt or Kate Sylvester dress to make I considered doing only one costume this year then stoppping to be able to buy more of these clothes but turns out I couldn't do it and I think I'd be lost, not know what to do with myself without cosplay. Thankfully I'm more into it than ever.
7. Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how? Do I spend most of my money on it? Yes. Am I happier cause of it? Yes. Do I have awesome cosplay friends? Yes. Am I addicted to it? Aside from caffeine and alcohol, it's the only drug I'll ever need.
8. What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why? Figuring stuff out. Anime, manga and game costume designs often don't take how a garmet would work in real life into consideration when drawing it. I love it when you finally understand how to bring those difficult things to life. An example of this is the skirt I wore for Synchronicity Luka, the designer had not considered how it would undo and be able to be put on and I spent a lot of time deciding were the skirt would undo without impacting on the look of it.
Another highlight is the people in the hobby. NZ has such a supportive and friendly community and I love this so much.
Finishing a costume is also a highlight. Being able to look at a costume and think "I made that" is a great feeling no matter hoe simple the costume.
9. Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent? My sewing skill has increased so much it isn't even funny. Before I cosplayed I made my dance costumes but when you're working with 4 way stretch that your Mum has already cut out and an overlocker, you only need to know how to stop the fabric warping or stretching as you sew. I have also learnt other things I never thought I would such as wig styling or embroidery.
It also gave me the courage to use buses on my own. Before Wellygeddon this year I had never taken a bus by myself anywhere and had an acute fear of doing so. Now that fear is gone and I'm able to take buses if I don't want to pay parking or use petrol.

10. What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? I've never been asked while in cosplay but to the people at fabric shops I say "I'm a costumer so I'm making a costume" to justify whatever strange thing I'm about to reply to their "What are you making with this"? with. How do they react? Since I could be anything from a theatre costumer to working for a hire company, there's nothing out of the ordinary about my response or them to react to.
11. What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react? My family now loves my cosplaying. My parents especially, used to hate it and think it was nothing but a waste of money. Now that they've watcehed me go from using thhe selvage as the bottom of a skirt instead of hemming to fully lined costumes and seen how happy it make me they know it's a good thing for me to do. Mum still worries about how much I spend but she knows it's part of me and goes searching the internet for pictures of me after armageddons. My brother does one cosplay a year, he hasn't had the courage to wear anything anytime but halloween but he wishes he did,
My friends either think of it as my 'wierd' thing and compare it to how another friend scrapbooks or another fishes or are really nerdy and wish they could be bothered to do it themselves.
All in all, I no longer know anyone who thinks of it as a bad thing.
12. If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different? Firstly, I'd have more than one designer dress in my wardobe. I would also spend a lot more time in the kitchen cooking. I think I'd probably still be writing fanfics, I gave this up when I got more serious with cosplaying. My family would still judge different things as 'wierd' and I wouldn't have made friends with so many new people.
13. Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.) Np problem with this at all.

1. Age? 19(nearly 20! 8D)
2. Gender? Female
3. Do you make or buy your costumes? I make my costumes.
4. What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it? Jannah got me excited about ChchGeddon in 2010 and I wanted to be 'different' and do something exciting. I settled on Rikku's hair, but then decided I wanted to make the outfit, too. Then Jannah explained to me that everybody does it, and that I will be judged very harshly if I do a bad job. But I did it anyway. Uh. I think I went off on a tangent. XDDDD
I wanted to have pretty hair, then made the costume to match. And I found out about it through a friend who was really keen to go but had no way to get there, so talked me and dad into going so we could take her up. xD
5. If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now? Because it is SO MUCH FUN!!! 8DDD You get to meet new people, have people look at you, the attention xDD, you make a lot of friends and I personally just have a lot more fun while in costume.
6. Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why? Nevar! >D Tho it is quite expensive... xD
7. Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how? Not /really/. I'm a cosplayer and my boyfriend likes that, so I guess it's a large plus. 8D
8. What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why? Meeting new people and doing exciting things. Plus, I also get a confidence boost while in costume. Idk why. You'd think I'd be shy in a Rikku cosplay, but nope. Huge confidence boost.
9. Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent? Oh. Lol see above question. It gives me a confidence boost. 8DDD
10. What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react? Uh. I usually just say I'm making a costume, then when they ask what for, my mum intervenes, or my dad, and they start to prattle on about what I'm doing, why I'm doing it, when I'm doing it, what I'm doing it for... Idk. I get kinda embarassed when asked about cosplay. Lol confident in costume, unconfident out.
11. What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react? I'm a cosplayer and I'm proud to be one(when I'm around people I know. XD). They all know, and most of my family is very proud of me for doing it. They're all shocked that I could parade around half nekkid, but they all love seeing the pictures of how much fun I'm having. xD I don't have many friends, but the people that do know that I'm a cosplayer are all just indifferent to it. xD They don't praise or shun me. It's good. 8D
12. If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different? I WOULD BE VEREH SAD IF I NEVER DISCOVERED IT. DDDDD8 But uh. I would probably not be going down the road I am now without it. xD
13. Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.) Nope. Go right ahead and do whatever. 8D I don't mind! ^-^

[1]Age
18

[2]Gender
Male

[3]Do you make or buy your costumes?
Buy, but i make afew things...lil steps till i make my own

[4]What was it that originally drew you to cosplay and how did you find out about it?
Thought i wanted to take my Fandom to the next level XD ...those japanese people looked intense...so i wanted to try

[5]If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
Coz its really fun and i guess its awesome to meet like minded people at the conventions

[6]Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
No not really.. although i did only start cosplaying last year XD...too early to quit

[7]]Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
hmmm i guess it has, the positive from cosplaying ..that i can say is that i can save money now when before i couldnt really do it ...also i guess i am not easily shamed by wearing weird costumes in public anymore XD...

[8]What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
Wearing epic costumes is always good XD...and just meeting up with people who are into the same things aswell and i guess its also a way to express myself

[9]Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
Saving the $$ so i can buy the next piece of materials or next big for my cosplay

[10]What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
They usually ask me why im dressed the way i am, and sometimes you get the odd "Loser" comment ..but thats fine XD
i just shrug that off ... if members of the public ask what im doing...i just explain to them ...and throw abit of stuff my character would say ... Believe it~

[11]What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
Dad tells me to grow up ....and focus more on my school work...and making websites and such ...so i can make more money XD
errrm i dont really react..just keep it bottled up..so i dun get into any more trouble >.>
as for Friends...they think im a legend ...so thats a win

[12]If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
hmmm interesting question... id say that id just be playing Video games like most of the other guys my age.. ..but really i cant really imagine many things i would be doing... Cosplay stuff keeps me busy ... making life.. not so boring >.>

[13]Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
Not at all

1. Age?
18
2. Gender?
Female
3. Do you make or buy your costumes?
Make, though I would possibly buy.
4. What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
The pretty costumes. I got into cosplay before really getting into any other fandoms I went on to cosplay. I saw the competition first at Armageddon, then waited 2 years before I'd actually watched enough stuff to decide what I'd like to make.
5. If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
The challenge. I want to get better, looking back on past costumes is cringe worthy sometimes and I'd love to get to the point where everything I make is up to a nice standard. I also see costumes and wonder how to make them, I guess that keeps me pumped as well.
6. Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
Yes, due to fail time management, stress is a big issue. But I just take a break until I'm feeling it again.
7. Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
8. What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
People being happy to see a character they know done well. Also, having something to put on in the end. There's not many hobbies that are so interactive.
9. Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
10. What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
11. What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/acquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
12. If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
13. Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)

1.Age?
18

2.Gender?
Female

3.Do you make or buy your costumes?
Buy - Mostly old clothes

4.What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
Armageddon 08 pamphlet

5.If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
For the thrill, Friendship and extremes

6.Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
Yes. When you get too old for it you might want to stop

7.Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
It has made me more aware of money becuase it so expencive and that it makes me different.

8.What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
seeing everybody in the costumes and the satisfaction that I made this.

9.Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
Shows that I have ability to do things with my limited abilities.

10.What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
Ive never been in public with it.

11.What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I say I do it for a hobby and to my friends, it makes me feel diferent. they usually ask me what I'm up to and congrat me for my success.

12.If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
drawing cute little things and have a passion for drawing

13.Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
I dont mind at all. isnt that what a surveys for?

1. Age?
15

2. Gender?
Female

3. Do you make or buy your costumes?
Bought 4, making 1 at the moment.

4. What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
I think it was when I signed up to DeviantArt & Youtub eand saw people cosplaying on those sites.

5. If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
Its fun, and a great way to meet people with the same interests as you.

6. Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
No, I haven't thought about quitting. I only started cosplaying last year.

7. Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
Yes! It's made me more outgoing and introduced me to plenty of awesome people who have influenced me and I've changed my attitude somewhat.

8. What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
Wigs! Omg wigs. I've always wanted to have bright coloured hair and never wanted to dye my own. Perfect solution= wigs

9. Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
Beneficial? I dont think so? Its rather expensive and I don't have a job to pay for it yet ^^;

10. What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I usually say 'I'm cosplaying, it's really fun. Yes, it's a wig'. xD

11. What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I tell them about cosplay and that it's my hobby because its fun. Most of my friends dont really care about what I'm up to xD

12. If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
The anime would still exist right? In that case, I would still have something to obsess about and be weird

13. Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.))
I dont mind.

Age? 17

Gender? Female

Do you make or buy your costumes? Both. I enjoy making them, but if I know I don't have the skills to make something or I fail at making something I'll just go buy it to save me the trouble.

What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it? I was at Wellington armageddon '09 and saw everyone in costume and was just so inspired to give it a shot.

If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now? I just like the idea of dressing up and doing it with my friends. I love making cute outfits, and seeing photos of myself in them. It's really fun!

Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why? A few times because of how people treated me and drama and stuff. That and, a few times I just felt like my skills weren't to a high enough standard. I can sew now, so thats a bonus.

Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how? It has, I'm less of an annoying weeaboo thing. It's helped me grow up and mature alot through meeting lots of different people and taking responsibility.

What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why? Being in cosplay groups, meeting new people, actually making something I never thought I could.

Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent? Well, I've learned to sew because of it, so thats super good. Just learning all the craft skills is wonderful, and trying new things is really beneficial to me. It's taught me that I can achieve something I've set my mind to.

What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react? It's mostly awkward when I'm by myself buying fabric and they ask me what I'm doing. Generally I just say 'Oh I'm making a dress' or a jacket or something, be super vague. Some of the woman at spotlight know what we get up to, but I like to keep it on the down-low. Also, the public tend to just honk horns or ask what we are doing and we explain.

What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react? My brother is really proud of me and came to watch me in competitions to get photos. Mum used to really hate it, but she's gotten over that and sometime compliments my cosplays and gives me sewing supplies and ribbon if she has some laying around.

If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different? I'd probably be foreveralone.jpg with no friends. And I'd probably be weird or something. Good thing it exists! c;!

Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.) Go for it c:

Age?
20 (I have to remember I'm not 19 any more! D:)

Gender?
Female

Do you make or buy your costumes?
I tend to make all my costumes. None of my costumes to date have been bought. Partly because I'm quite skinny and it's a bit of a gamble on sizing, and especially as I have weirdly shaped proportions.

What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
Tobe honest, I don't quite remember. What I do remember is me reading up an article on cosplay, either on Wikipedia or similar. I did consider cosplaying back in yr 10 and yr 11, but it never happened until 2008 where I made my first costume for DO. I'd have to credit to finding CNZ and helping me getting started with sewing, especially Jess!
Thinking back, I don't why cosplay attracted me so! I guess it was the excitement of becoming a different person, being a character for a day and wearing something unsual that attracted me to cosplay.

If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
It is fun as a hobby! Plus, I've met so much new great friends due to cosplay, and I guess the socialising factor between cosplayers plays a huge part. Of course, the topic acts as a common starting point most of the time to hit a conversation off, or the series/game the costume is from.
I also enjoying learning more about sewing, and the skills I've learnt has come in useful for things other than cosplay!

Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
No, though I have reached the point of "I can't be bothered doing this anymore" or "rage quit" during the weeks leading up to an event.

Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
I guess it has made me a bit more sociable and confident in meeting new people. I guess the addition of a new circle of great friends fit into this question? :)

What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
Getting to see everyone's amazing costumes! During a event/con, it's always an extreme highlight seeing the friends I've made through cosplay again, especially the ones that have travelled up from the South Island and from other parts of the North Island. It feels like a big family gathering.
Also learning new skills and techniques over the course of constructing a cosplay, and wearing it in the end!

Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
I've learnt a great deal of different practical skills from constructing costumes, not limited to sewing. It has also allowed me to make amazing friends and makes me less shy and more sociable in certain situations. (I feel like I'm being repetitive but it's true!)


What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I've never been confronted by a member of the public before in this instance, so it's hard for me to answer this question!


What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
Initially mum thought it was one of those "5-minute quick fire interests" where after one costume I would never want to do it again. Sadly, she was wrong. She was a bit unwilling when I mentioned doing a second costume. So I worked on it in secret like a rebellious teenager. Somewhere along the line she started finding my sewing skills useful in making small projects for her, and I think that's when she stopped showing displeasure about it. Dad, on the other hand, doesn't say muich about it, but has expressed how it is a waster of money when it's only going to be worn once. But that's just how he is, so I try not to take too much notice of him when he says that.
My high school friends were quite accepting when they knew I was cosplay, probably due to the fact I had always been "the most anime-obsessed one" out of them all, so they probably saw something 'extreme' like this of the sort coming one day. Haha.
I have been quite fortunate in the new friends I've met through university tend to have similar interests in me, and are quite accepting/encouraging of cosplay. Even a few of them cosplay too!


If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
I think I wouldn't have such a healthy interest/hobby, and my life would be quite boring. I'd have never met such wonderful people through cosplay, and would probably have met and made less friends in university, since cosplay was a contributing factor that helped us become friends.

Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
Yes it's fine. :)

Age?
18

Gender?
Female

Do you make or buy your costumes?
I make/modify minor things like shoes or gloves but buy major things like the outfit. Otherwise, it's too time consuming..

What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
I decided to cosplay Deidara on a whim. A week before Doujin Overload 2009. I suppose it was because I'd seen people in previous years cosplay to that event and they looked cool so I wanted to try too..

If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
It's fun to cosplay with friends I wouldn't have known were it not for cosplay x'>

Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
Yes. Because I thought it would take up too much of my time. But I got around it :'>

Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
I feel a bit more confident and extroverted thanks to cosplay. It's easy to be more confident when your persona you're dressed as is different to your own. And I guess traits of that more confident self has been brought over to my natural personality~
But I guess it's from being around the cosplay community who are a supportive and encouraging bunch that've made me more confident and accepting~

What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
BEING ON THE ARMAGEDDON WEBSITE TWICE B|
IN MY FIRST COSPLAY.
WHICH I DIDN'T EVEN THINK WAS THAT GOOD.
I get so excited everytime October comes around.

Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
Being on the 'geddon website in my cosplay has definetely made me noticed ._. a friend I made at Uni recognised me from the website and she was excited xDDD
And I'm seen to be pretty cool by my peers for cosplaying~

What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
They're quite accepting. I guess if it isn't hurting anybody, why not cosplay? right?

What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I'll never forget what my dad says about it:
"I'm glad cosplay is your hobby. There's a whole lot worse stuff you could be doing and I'm glad you're sticking to this."
My friends however, have parents that aren't as supportive. I don't understand why because what daddy says has a point.

If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
I'd probably remain shy. And I wouldn't be on this website filling out this form~

Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process
book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
I don't mind x'> GO FOR AN A!

Age?
22

Gender?
Female

Do you make or buy your costumes?
I make them (buying feels like cheating somehow).

What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
My interest in Manga and Anime led me to the Armageddon expo website and I saw info there on cosplay and decided to give it a go at the first expo I went to (Auck 09).

If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
Dressing up is so fun! I also enjoy the craft factor, sewing and things. The feeling of accomplishment that goes with it and people appreciating your work too.

Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
Nope

Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
Helped me to be more outgoing and less afraid to meet and talk to new people.

What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
Dressing up and going to events, meeting other cosplayers with similar interests etc. Turning fantasy into reality.

Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way?
How so, and to what extent? It is a hobby that I am very passionate about and therefore makes me happy!

What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I just tell them the truth, that I am dressing up for fun/ an event and I made the costume. I haven't had any negative reactions when in costume.

What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it?How do they react?
I tell them the same. My parents were confused at first as to why I did it and put so much effort in to it. But my friends and family accept that I am a bit different and I even get them to join in sometimes. Though I be careful in mentioning it to people I don't know very well as they often view it as childish and silly.

If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
I would probably be more of a closet nerd and would not be as good at sewing as I am.

Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
Am fine with it being posted online.

1. Age?
20
2. Gender?
Female
3. Do you make or buy your costumes?
Make~
4. What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
My sister actually. I found out through her what it was and since I already knew how to sew I was quite keen to make costumes to wear to random gatherings~
5. If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
I love making something from nothing. I love sewing (though I'm not the best but I like learning new skills~) and I like finding new cosplays that push me a bit more each time ie making props or making my own patterns. Another reason why I still cosplay is probably because of all the friends I've made. There's nothing like traveling to another part of the country to see a friend you haven't seen in a long time~
6. Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
lol yes~ Usually about 3/4 of the way through a cosplay and I realize how stupid it looks. Or the week before a convention and I realize how un prepared I am. Far to much stress involved for a hobby xD
7. Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
...yes? I think I've become better at leading and organizing people. Through cosplay I've organized events for the Chch Cosplay Club and now I've started helping and running one event for NZAE (YAY!). Cosplay specifically has also helped me become more confident. At conventions and in the CCC I have become much better at meeting new people and starting up conversations. Can't really imagine where I would be if I didn't have cosplay ^_^;
8. What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
Making new friends. Cosplay has given me (and others I'm sure) a chance to meet others within NZ and overseas. Having friends all over the country and then have reasons to travel to see them, it's just awesome. Also the trips to Dunedin and Timaru. I love meeting up with friends I've made at conventions outside of the stress. Cosplay or no cosplay it's always fun.
9. Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
Extremely beneficial! more self-confidence, improved sewing skills (and other crafty skill-ness), a new found freedom (traveling around NZ for conventions/random weekends away) and more that I can't think of~
10. What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I'll usually say I'm dressing up in costume. Reactions are varied, most think it's cool but not for them (especially if they know the character) and I've had a few that have made fun of me for dressing up but meh~ they are totally missing out on the fun. Once when I was cosplay Ash Ketchum I has a complete stranger jump in front of me and yell "IT'S ASH FROM PELET TOWN!" That was totally awesome~
11. What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I tell them it's called 'cos-play' and that it stands for costume-roleplaying. Most of them think it's awesome how I can sew/make costumes. The reactions are always positive, and they always want to see pictures of finished cosplays - even if they don't know the characters. It helps to explain when they know a character, for instance when my nana saw my minnie mouse cosplay she understood and could even think of a few others who had dressed up~
12. If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
oh wow... nasty thought right there. Well for starters I probably wouldn't have awesome friends all around the country. I wouldn't be on CNZ or have played mafia with there people on this forum. I wouldn't be travelling around NZ 2-4 times a year and I wouldn't be running a sunday social group. awwww i wouldn't even have the close friends that I do now either >_<;
I'd probably still be sewing but not quite as much, and I probably wouldn't be pushing my sewing skills to much.
This is a very sad thought indeed. Glad it is not the case ^_^;
13. Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
Sure~
All the best with your project!

Age? 20
Gender? girly Mc girl girl

Do you make or buy your costumes?
I make them. I make my competition entries from scratch, but with hall cosplays I sometimes buy basic things like skirts and shirts. Even so, most things I buy get altered anyway, either by being resized, resewn for a different shape, dyed or things added.

What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
I was attracted to cosplay by the craft side of it. In highschool I was known for my sewing and art, so a friend told me about Armageddon and the 'cosplay' competition. Conveniently, I loved costumes, anime and gaming, so I started on my first cosplay asap!

If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
The social side keeps me cosplaying mostly. Wearing my first cosplay, I didn't know any other cosplayers. Now, my closet friends are cosplayers. I still love creating the costumes and having photoshoots, but if I hadn't had made so many friends, I probably wouldn't do it so much.

Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
Yes, when the stress of finishing a costume has pushed me to tears. Also letting people down if you had a group planned. But these are things we live and learn from. Now I plan ahead, and if I don't get something done on time I just finish it another time and don't let it get to me.

Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
I remember giving a speech at my sister's 21st, and afterwards a highschool friend came up to me and said "what happened to the girl too scared to give a speech? You've changed!" and I may note I was wearing my Poison Ivy cosplay at the time. So I guess it has made me less shy :)

What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
The satifaction of doing a character justice. If people compliment my cosplay it can really make my day after all the work going into it. Having photoshoots are pretty fun as well!

Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
Yes! I've made friends, and even a bit of money from commissions. Whoop!

What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
"You know those people that dress up as cartoons and game characters at cons? Yeah, I do that." That's usually what I say, most people will know what I'm talking about. If not, I just say I make costumes for a hobby.

What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
Same as above I suppose. My family is quite into art, acting, modelling etc so they love it. My friends think it's awesome too, which always makes me blush whenever they say so. I haven't really met anyone that had a bad reaction.

If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
I'd have more money, time, but less friends. I'm not sure if I would have kept sewing after highschool, which would be sad. My grades would probably be higher too haha. Overall, cosplay has become a big part of my life, with both positive and negative effects. Just needs balance.

Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online?
Nope, go for it. Hope I helped!

1. Age - teens
2. Gender - female
3. Do you make or buy your costumes - buy
4. What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
my friend anna told me. and i loved the idea~
5. If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
Its fun
6. Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
yes, because it is expencive
7. Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
i talk wayyy to much about cosplay now...
8. What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
photoshoots and meeting new friends. Its always nice to meet new people and trying not to go blind from cameras xDD
9. Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
meeting new people is the main benefit i can think of.
10. What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I tell them I'm cosplaying because i can. they usually smile and walk away ^^;
11. What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I tell them COOSSSPPPLLLAAAYYY? and they're all like, "you need to get a life."
12. If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
i would be ever so lonely ;;;
13. Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
I dont mind as long as i am not mentioned, "example" - CNZ member
would be fine.