RHISTEL | Artist & Entertainer
My Background
Rhistel Winter [ rhis·tel ] [ win·tr ]
I'm a creative spirit who loves making things and sharing them with the world.
I’ve been designing costumes since I was a kid—always putting on a show, even before I understood what it meant to be an entertainer. That passion for storytelling and visual design has been with me from the very beginning.
I was lucky to have support in developing a love for entrepreneurship early on. I started my first business at age 9, offering gardening services to retired teachers. That entrepreneurial spark eventually led me to launch my first online business, Taiyo Cosplay, where I shipped thousands of custom costumes worldwide over a 20-year period. I still remember making my first digital sale—a wizard staff—and my mom driving 11-year-old me to downtown Santa Cruz to deliver it.
Through costume work, I found my community of fellow nerds and built a career that blends business with creativity. That foundation continues to shape the work I do today.
I value honesty and meaningful collaboration over just checking boxes - I believe in building genuine, committed working relationships so we can create the best possible project or team, even with limited resources.
Whether it's a small project or a larger technical challenge, I'm open to working with individuals and companies alike. Curious about the details or credits behind my work? Take a look at my resume.
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Modeling & Entertainment
Modeling Experience
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Promotional Modeling
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Kimpton Buchanan Hotel Grand Opening | San Francisco, CA | February 2016
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Private Event Launch | Half Moon Bay, CA | 2016
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Commercial & Advertising Modeling
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International TV Show Commercial | San Francisco, CA | 2019
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Swimsuit & Lingerie Modeling | California | 2020 – Present
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Acting Experience
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Stage & Character Acting
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Character Actor – NUTZ | Wasteland Weekend | 2017 – Present
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Character Actor – Z2UN | Neotropolis | 2024 – Present
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Actor – Karma Sutro | Independent Short Film | September 2012
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Live Performances & Improvisation
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Improvised Actor | Private Dinner Event | Half Moon Bay, CA | 2006
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"Temperance Rebel" / "Sewer Rat" / "Alice" | Dickens Fair | San Francisco, CA | 2004 – 2006
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Independent Stage Actor | Various Short Routines & Competitions | California | 2005 – 2010
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"Poor Kid" Actor & Greeter | Nor-Cal Renaissance Fair | California | 2000
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Live Events & Immersive Experiences
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Public Eye: Entertainment & Performance Group (Specializing in Apocalypse, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Sets) | 2017 – Present
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Obscurity: Food Service & Immersive Fantasy Tea Shop Experience | 2024 – Present
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“Hello Me?” Art Show & Gallery: Technical Support for Audio & Gaming, Full Bar & Food Services (20-50 attendees) | 2021
Music Experience
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Musician: Piano, Violin, Drums/Launch Pad, Mixing, Lyricist, and Vocalist
Aerial Arts
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Intermediate Level: Lyra, Cage, Suspension Dance (Since 2019)
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Beginner Level: Silks, Trapeze
Dance Experience
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Over 20 years of experience in a variety of styles:
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Ballet, Ballroom, Contemporary, Flow, Hip Hop, and Jazz
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Art Creatives
Traditional & Digital Art
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Expertise in pencil, pen, watercolor, and paint on traditional sketch paper and canvas.
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Logo & Website Design: Skilled in creating logos and designing websites.
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Digital Art & Photography: Proficient in digital art creation, photography, and Photoshop manipulation.
Sewing & Textile Arts
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Experienced in handcrafting, fabric/material selection, machine sewing, embroidery, alterations, and beadwork.
Props Creation & Crafting
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Woodworking & Foam Craft: Proficient in creating armor, weapons, and props using live metal, dulled materials, resin pours, and 3D printing.
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Prop Painting & Alterations: Skilled in detailed painting, alterations, and custom design.
Wigs & Hair Styling
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Expert in hand-sewn wefts, custom lacing, braiding, teasing, dyeing, and foam core construction for advanced wig styles and alterations.
Set & World Building
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Proficient in woodworking, painting, and set dressing to create immersive environments.
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Skilled in upcycling materials and designing environmental props to match thematic elements for sets.
Notable Credits
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Costume Designer – Izzy Unleashed | Alicia Dunams & Romanus Wolter
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Costume Designer – After Ever After | Rakesh Kumar (International CineFest '17 Best Film - English)
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Lead Designer – The Last Vassal (Unreleased) – 50+ character designs
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Wasteland Weekend – 2017 – Present (Public Eye Sets)
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Neotropolis – 2024 – Present (Obscurity Sets)
Education
2008
College of San Mateo
- Ballet
- English
- Music Theory
- Piano
- Voice
2007
Santa Cruz High School
- General Studies
- Violin
- Live art
