Over the past couple of weeks I have had a wonderful time working with Ani-Mia on bring you guys and gals this SNM post. If there is one thing I have learned about Ani-Mia is that she loves her fans and supports just as much as she love her cosplay. We both hope you enjoy this interview. Be sure to read more for the full interview and to see her jaw dropping photos.
*At what age did you understand you were a Nerd? and what brought that feeling out?
I’ve always been a nerd. I take after my dad a lot. I love comic books, sci-fi movies, fantasy books and video games. Some of my favorite memories are of playing video games on my family’s Apple IIGS when I was little. I was always the nerdy bookworm who would rather play games in the library during lunch in High School than sit with the other members of the dance team in the lunch room.
*How long was it before you started costuming?
I started costuming in 2008 when I attended my first anime convention. I had been modeling for about 7 years at that point and graduated with my degree in Art History. I finally realized that I could combine the things that I loved the most into one passion: modeling, art and anime/comics. I’ll admit that my first costumes were horrible because I was just learning how to sew; but I found that the more costumes I made, always challenging myself to try new techniques or materials, the better I got. I always challenge myself to try something new while making my costumes. It only helps you improve your skills.
*What has been your favorite cosplay so far? and what plans do you have for the further?
My favorite costume to wear would have to be Lulu from Final Fantasy X. It was really long and elegant while incredibly sexy at the same time. The hair style is really fun and unique too. My favorite to make was Luka from Vocaloid. I worked really hard to find the perfect materials to recreate the look of her Singing of the Dragon costume. It was my first time creating a formal gown that used a hoop skirt. I learned a few good lessons from the mistakes that I made on that one, but it turned out to be one of the best costumes I’d ever made. I really want to take my skills another step forward and create a costume with armor pieces next.
*What is something most fans of yours don’t know about you?
I love sweets. Cupcakes are my ultimate weakness though I love donuts too.
*What is the most illegal thing you have done?
I plead the fifth. hehe
*Where are you from, and where do you currently call home?
I’m a military brat so I’ve moved around my whole life. I’m currently living in Seattle, WA but I will be moving to New York in the Fall. It’s hard for me to stay in one place too long.
*Do you have a favorite Anime,Comic,Video Game? and why do you love it?
My favorite anime is a tie between Samurai Champloo and Rurouni Kenshin but really there are so many that I can’t really name just one. I love the mix of action, comedy and an awesome soundtrack in Samurai Champloo but the overall storyline of Kenshin, through the anime and OVAs, is just epic. My all-time favorite comic is from the 70’s and 80’s, Elfquest, because it was the first series that I absolutely fell in love with and was sad when it was over. I’m really enjoying the Walking Dead series right now though. My favorite video game would be anything from the Final Fantasy series with my favorites being IV, VII, IX and XII. I’m a huge Square Enix fangirl.
* Is being a cosplayer your fulltime job?
Unfortunately, no…not yet, lol. It’s incredibly difficult to make a full-time career out of cosplaying but it isn’t impossible. Until that time, I have a normal 9 to 5 job. It’s a lot of time management and having to make sure that I take time out to relax every now and then because I can get absorbed into a costume sometimes and end up working 16 hours straight between work and costuming.
*Do you have a Nerd Crush?
I have a huge nerd crush on Simon Pegg. I think he is the cutest nerd and his humor cracks me up. He’s an incredibly talented actor and writer and I think he would be very cool to hang out at the Winchester with.
*Can you recall your first Con, and do you remember the feelings you had while being there?
The first convention I had ever attended was Oni-Con in Houston, TX. I remember showing up to the convention center and just being amazed at everything. I was stunned by all the amazing costumes people were wearing and realized that I wanted to create costumes that had that same effect on others. I wanted to attend every panel listed because it was the first time I realized I could immerse myself into my nerdy world that I love so much.
* If you could have one super power what would it be?
That’s a hard one because there are so many awesome superpowers to have. I think my favorite would be the power of a telepath like Professor X from X-Men. He’s unbelievably intelligent on top of the fact that he can read and influence the minds of others. There could be a lot of advantages to an overall super power like that.
*Batman or Superman?
I have always loved Superman. He was one of the first superheroes I ever watched on tv starting with the first few Superman movies in the 80’s. I loved Smallville and was sad when the show finally ended. I have to say, I wasn’t greatly impressed with the most recent movie that came out.
Check her out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Ani.Mia.Cosplay of while your at it like us at www.FaceBook.com/NerdHerd
