I have been going to conventions since '05 but it wasn't until about 5 years later that I started seriously cosplaying. I've always been a very creative person and dabbled in various arts and crafts. However, for some reason I couldn't keep up with any one craft long enough to become "proficient". When I had to use polymer clay to create a piece for one of my first real costumes I knew I had found something special. My first couple attempts were rudimentary but I quickly began to establish a style of my own. I knew that if I created things that I appreciated and thought were cool that others would appreciate them as well. Selling on Etsy has allowed me an excuse to create art beyond what I would need just for my personal use or for my friends. Etsy has allowed me to share my passion for crafts with the rest of the world and fund my crafting addiction to some extent. While selling at conventions has allowed me to connect with customers on a more personal level. It is extremely validating to see the reaction some people have when they come up to my booth and instantly fall in love with something I've created. I hope to keep developing my skills and push the boundaries of creativity in my craft.