HI, I'M CASS.
I've been crafting my own cosplays since 2008, combining traditional sewing techniques with modern engineering principles to create fantastical, award-winning designs.
Tote bags and doll clothes turned into a lifelong sewing passion after I discovered anime conventions as a tween. I've tackled everything from swimsuits to ballgowns, and recreations to original designs. From silk painting to smocking and dyeing to draping, I love finding ways to make fabric fit and flow for every silhouette imaginable.
My Engineering Sciences degree from Harvard has been put to excellent use, both in the cosplay hobby and professionally. I've spent years doing everything from developing wearable technology to materials science, and working full-time in the 3D printing industry to project managing teams in the industrial supplies space. Outside of work, you can often find me in a machine shop, playing with laser cutters and CAD software and power tools to find interesting ways to use typical manufacturing methods to produce cool props, armor, and accessories.
Teaching is also extremely important to me: having started cosplaying in the era of Cosplay.com forums and Geocities site tutorials, I learned from the kindness of others and now want to pass my skills along too. I not only regularly post tutorials and work-in-progress logs online, but also have been giving panels on design theory and construction techniques at cons all across the USA (and running events in my local community) for 5+ years. As I advance my own skillset, I'm excited to continually expand my panel offerings too.
I'm no stranger to the stage either, with multiple years of cosplay competitions under my belt I've won major awards in both performance and craftsmanship. I'm excited to continue to compete in the future! I also adore being on the other side of the table as a judge, getting to talk shop with amazing contestants who really are pushing the boundaries of creative design. I want to make every competitor, experienced or brand new, feel respected and welcome while we dig into the details of their work.
If you're interested in working with me: contact info is here, my Press Kit can be accessed here, and this site details my major projects over my many years of crafting and construction.
Happy exploring!
Bonus Fun Stuff
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日本語を話します (I speak Japanese); yo hablo español también.
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Sport of choice: Quidditch! I captained my college team too.
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Additionally, I really like weapon-based martial arts -- archery, target shooting, and German longsword (HEMA) to name a few. I also trained in kendo when I lived in Japan.
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Circus arts, namely in the form of fire spinning, is a hobby I picked up a few years back that's both a great exercise in coordination and a stellar party trick.
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I dabble in a variety of art-- sewing, sculpting, writing, drawing, theater tech, and a million other things.
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When I get the chance, I love to volunteer with the Girl Scouts-- an organization I was & still am an active part of.
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Dogs are amazing; I love them so much. My family has always had Newfoundlands and while I was still living at home, we trained our girl Amber to be a water rescue dog.