The Northern Lights Costumers’ Guild chapter award is known as the “Measure of Success.” It is presented to a novice or journeyman costumer who does not receive any other awards in a masquerade competition, but we feel shows promise and should be recognized for their efforts. The award is meant to encourage newer costumers to stay on track and keep competing. Northern Lights members are not eligible for the award.
The award was created in 2006, and has been presented ever since at local and regional conventions such as Arisia. A group of Northern Lights members who are in the audience during the competition select the recipients. The decision often must be made quickly once we know which eligible entries have received other awards in their divisions. That means we need to have a list of potentials, listen to all the awards given, and then very quickly decide among any remaining entries. The challenge is to keep everyone from leaving before we get a chance to award it! We do try to liaise with the MC so that they will fit us in, but sometimes in the rush of applause for Best in Show, the MC forgets that there’s one more thing…
Recipients of the award receive a certificate, a Northern Lights “Measure of Success” retractable tape measure, and a one-year membership in Northern Lights.
Photo: Jill Eastlake
Northern Lights most recently presented a Measure of Success award at Arisia in January 2026 to Liora S., a young adult entry who competed in the novice division. Her original creation, “Kiko Kitsune” represents a high-ranking and benevolent fox spirit in Japanese folklore. The entry included a Japanese kimono, geta (raised wooden sandals), and a beautiful hand-painted fox mask that she created.
Photo: Michael Meissner
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