One of the more well-known cosplayers in anime cosplayer circles, Tristen Citrine is one of a kind. Formerly part of Sailor JAMBoree and now part of the ever-so-fun cosplay duo, Hankie-Spankie, Tristen talks about her passion, fanboys, and "spankies". And we also talked about Canadians, too! There's plenty of love to go around from Tristen! ^__^

Rey-Rey: Tristen Citrine. That's not your real name, is it? ^__^
Tristen Citrine: Noooo.
RR: Where was it taken from, if I may ask? ^_^
TC: It's a stage name, so to speak.
TC: Well, when I was in college, we were reading Tristan and Isolde (an opera). Tristan is the male hero of the story. I changed the spelling to be more femme . And citrine, well, that's by FAR my favorite gemstone (I collect gemstones, too). It's an orange/yellow gem, and orange is my favorite color.
RR: Yes. How did you get started in cosplay?
TC: Well, I have been making costumes for quite a while, but my first real pure ANIME costume was Queen Nehelenia from Sailormoon. I made that in 1999.
TC: I started at Anime North. I donated a Silver crystal necklace (inspired by the SM manga) to be auctioned for charity. I was living in Indiana at the time, and decided to make the trek to Toronto to see the con, and the auction. The costume was just icing on the cake.
RR: Is that your favorite one? ^_^
TC: Okay. While it has a lot of sentimental value ( I mean it did kinda start my cosplay adventure), I gotta say that it isn't my current favorite.
RR: What would that honor go to?
TC: I really drift between them. They all have their moods.
RR: Well, you don't have to pick just ONE. ^_^'
TC: Right now, I'm proudest of Shiva (from the Final Fantasy video game series), and all the Sera Myu (Sailor Moon musicals) fukus - all those took a lot of work so I'd have to say my favorite to WEAR is Shiva.
RR: You recently left Sailor JAMBoree, one of the more respected cosplay groups in the community. How was it like working with them? ^_^
TC: Well, I was with the group for 2 years, as a performer and costume coordinator.
RR: Yes.
TC: For 2001, I made a complete set of Senshi fuku like the ones in the Sailormoon S musical, including a Mistress Nine (in Seramyu STYLE, M9 has never been in the myu) plus an extra Mercury.
TC: I was Venus.
TC: Working with them, well, there were definitely the ups and downs. I think after I took my current job working on/making costumes and parts for Best Productions (this company runs the character programs for some of the bigger Strip casino properties in Las Vegas), I kinda started to go in a different direction as far as creative inspiration. That and, after (San Diego) Comic-Con, I really lost any desire to compete. Winning there, with that tough of a crowd was a challenge, but we all did it with team work, dedication and a lot of sweat. After that, trophies just didn't matter to me as much anymore. I love being onstage, though! Don't get me wrong there.
RR: But you seem to be having a lot of fun cosplaying in most recent cons like Ani-Magic 2001. ^__^
TC: So, basically, I kinda grew tired of the sailor senshi thing, and wanted to try newer, different things. I still talk to the SJ girls a little, but I just don't perform with them anymore. Maybe there will be a reunion in the future. I'm up for that.
RR: Now that you've left Sailor JAMBoree, what's next for Tristen Citrine? ^__^
TC: Well, my best friend, Miss Spankies (Lisa Honeychan), and I have our duo cosplay called Hankie-Spankie.
TC: It's a lighthearted duo, and a lot of fun. Lisa has really inspired me, exposed me to a lot of things outside SailorMoon and shoujo things. She's very cool! Sometimes it's easy to fall in a rut with making costumes, and she's always there to cheer me on and say 'You can dooo it", or Gambatte!" Plus she has so much experience in cosplaying. She's Miss Spankies!!
RR: Most recent anime you've watched.
TC: Most recent anime..., I'd say Samurai Girl Real Bout HS and I'm still trying to finish Sakura Taisen. But I like Samurai girl a lot so far. I look a bit like the main character too... and she kicks butt!
RR: What cosplay would you like to do in the future?
TC: Well, I'm on a HUGE Sakura Taisen kick right now, especially thanks to Miss Spankies! I just finished my musical-style Sumire dress and I'm beading, as I do this interview, parts of my Kaitou Benitokage, costume. It goes with Lisa's 'Big Pimpin' Kanna" suit.
RR: LOL
TC: Benitokage is going to premiere at Katsucon. But as for FUTURE projects, It's my goal to do Kanna and Sumire's outfits from the Sakura Taisen Play, "Journey to the West". That and Old Skool manga Dirty Pair.
RR: Do you consider yourself some kind of sex symbol in conventions?
TC: Meeee..., a sex symbol? Well, I do have a body that, ahem, gets me noticed . And with costumes like Jigglydomme and Miss Moogle, I guess people can say that.
RR: I sure do.
TC: Well, not TOOOO sexy. You know there's that fine line you have to walk with that. But it annoys me that some costumes' detail gets passed over because of the style of the costume. Some skimpier costumes actually take more effort and detail to get to look good. What I'm trying to say it's not just the beautiful costume, or the beautiful girl; it's both that makes it. And I try really hard to be both and that is quite difficult.
RR: Ah.
TC: I try to be FUN and flirty rather than sexy. But, especially with doing Sumire Kanzaki, the sexy aspect will naturally come out more. Sumire is VERY haughty, sultry, and a great compliment to the strong, level headed, yet fun personality of Kanna Kirishima. This is why I love Hankie-Spankie so much. We are a good compliment for each other in personality and style. I think getting into character is a very important aspect of cosplay, something that truly goes hand in hand with the costume. I learned at the Aladdin from working on the Belly Dancer costumes, just how much detail can be put on such small bits of fabric. The beadwork is so intricate, as are the rhinestones and bells. The bellydance costumes for that program are so beautiful, it made me look forward to work every day. The Egyptian style of beading is what I'm using on Benitokage. The Venetian, however, is just so WOW, everything is amazing. Everyone who comes to Vegas just has to see Venetian!
TC: Thanks for the compliment, Rey-Rey . $2 for you.
RR: LOL
RR: Favorite convention.
TC: Anime North, without a DOUBT. I can't stress how great AN is. Canadians are sooo friendly! Anime North really encouraged me in cosplay, and I have a lot to be thankful to them for. The only con close to it in the U.S. is Ani-Magic. Ani-Magic has a lot of that fun, carefree, flavor that AN is famous for. Both cons are extremely well-run, as well.
RR: Do you have any "fanboys"?
TC: Yes, yes, I do. There's a lot of nice people out there. I really like meeting new people at the cons.
RR: Name a scary experience from them.
TC: Scary..., hmmm...
RR: Rey-Rey doesn't count.
TC: Well, in Anime North circles, I can't live down this one costume I did on a lark.
TC: Jupiter Bunny- Makoto's bunnygirl outfit from one of the early Sailormoon R Shitajiki. .
RR: Ah.
TC: Apparently someone made a shrine to the Jupiter Bunny Costume..., and me in it. It included film of the costume from *ahem* all angles. It was a nice page, but struck me as a little odd at first. Now, it's a running joke at Anime North.
TC: "The Damned Bunny".
RR: LOL
TC: So maybe I'll strike back this year with an ORANGE bunny!
RR: How long will you do cosplay?
TC: How long? Well, I'm still going strong. I'm a professional costumer now, and that's where my passion is. I love making costumes, and I adore wearing them. I can't see it stopping anytime soon.
TC: I'm very lucky to have my work be my hobby as well. And I get to see what showbusiness is like. I've learned a LOT in my year and a half with Best! I can say for sure, people in entertainment are just as wacky as those in fandom. Some of the Gondoliers even go to Comic-Con every year and remembered my Galaxia costume when I told them about my cosplay. That was very neat!
RR: Where did the word "spankies" come from?
TC: Spankies..., that's a playful euphemism for underpants.
TC: Cheerleading briefs, bloomers, undies..., all are Spankies.
RR: What color are you wearing right now?
TC: Let me check.
RR: LOL!!
TC: ORANGE!
RR: LOL!!
TC: Yep, it's orange spankies today.
RR: What would you like to tell your fans and friends? ^__^
TC: I'd like to thank everyone for their support in the past and continuing into the future! This is going to be a BIG year, and I'm amped about all my new projects. I'm evolving in style of cosplay, a little bit more seduction, a little bit more fun. New and improved for 2002, I guess. Yes, there have been some setbacks recently, but this citrus is still as orange as ever! I'm trying at least one new con this year, and I encourage everyone to stop by and say hi. I don't bite, I promise.
RR: Maybe you can show me those orange spankies soon.
TC: Oiiii.
RR: LOL!!
RR: Thanks for the time, Tristen, and good luck with everything (including the sexiness).
TC: Not too sexy - just being me ..., just being orange..., just harassing Rey-Rey.

Tristen Citrine is always a fun lady to talk to. Catch her around anime conventions and don't be afraid to say hi to her! As for now, though, you're going to have to settle with her web sites at Goldenquartz.com and Hankie-Spankie cosplay. ^__^