Character: Amano Terra from Final Fantasy VI
Seamstress/Model: Tess [cupcake-rufflebutt]
Photography/Editing: Ollie Oberg
Location: Katsucon 2011

Construction Notes:
I have one motto where cosplay is concerned: "Worry about your own work, not the work of others." Cosplayers tend to fixate on "being the best" so frequently that they forget the hobby is entirely subjective. Everyone has their own values in what makes a cosplay "rave-worthy," and I think this first became apparent to me when I started judging craftsmanship competitions several years ago. One judge may prefer the costume that is simplistic but well sewn, inside and out. Another judge may prefer the costume that includes a lot of armor work but minimal sewing. Still, another judge may really appreciate the costume that incorporates intricate beading or that is accompanied by a spectacular prop. Some judges go for elaborately sculpted wigs or wacky makeup. Costume presentation and documentation may also be a factor in winning a competition. The fact of the matter is that there's no system of determining who is "the best." This is a hobby open to interpretation and fueled by individual creativity. There's always going to be that little detail on your costume that someone else would have done differently. I'll admit that I spent the first few years of my "cosplay career" dwelling on these sorts of things, and I think I actually spent more time agonizing over other people's costumes than I did my own. Several years ago I made a "New Year's Resolution" to stop worrying about what others were doing/saying and just do whatever makes me happy. Being the huge worrywart that I am, I've not always been successful with this… But I have saved myself a lot of grief over the years by focusing on myself and my own aspirations. Hobbies are all about developing one's own skills and tastes, so I think it's okay to be a little selfish now and then, particularly when it saves you a mental thrashing because "so-and-so didn't like the way you did this-and-that on your costume." I have no idea why I chose to go into this now, but it's been rattling around in my head for a while and tonight seemed like a good night to wax poetic, LOL.

I beat myself up about this costume for a long while and probably drove my sweet and ever-supportive friends absolutely crazy. In the end I have to admit that it's not quite what I had hoped it would be, BUT I learned a lot while making it and I'm happy that I attempted a "different side" of Terra. It also gave me a lot of precious memories with some very special people. <3 If you'd like to read more about the construction process of this costume, please see my previous uploads!

Other Amano Terra Uploads:
[link] | HOLY
[link] | LIFELINE
[link] | ROSA RUBICUNDIOR

Special Request:
Please no critiques/criticism; I'd like to keep this gallery happy! :3