This is part two of the interview with Diana Prince Cosplay. To view part one click here.
1. How has Cosplay affected your day to day life?
a. Thanks to cosplay, I have a creative outlet. I have something to pour my heart and soul into. Confidence is another thing I can thank cosplay for.
2. How do you decide what you are going to cosplay?
a. There are a lot of characters out there and to pick just one to start on is like asking me to pick my favorite movie. There isn't one I can pick on the top of my head, there is a couple. I usually start by picking favorite characters and narrow that list down. Depending on how easily I can get the materials, for how much, and/or if I can make it plays a huge part in it. I also see some inspiration from other cosplayers on the same cosplay.
3. With do you think of “Cosplay Celebrities”?
a. Cosplay celebrities are wonderful. Cosplay is more in the media. There are more chances for people to get into cosplay instead of shying away from it.
Photo Credit - David Summers
4. Thoughts on Homemade Cosplay Vs. Commissioned?
a. It doesn't matter if it is homemade or commissioned. If you can love and appreciate cosplay, that is all it matters. Sure, there are some exceptions like certain costume contest or if you do give credit to the pieces you got from someone else.
5. Do you have a Cosplay “Bucket List”?
a. I have a list of cosplay ideas. I crossed two of them off so far, which would be Batman v Superman Robin and Elizabeth from Bioshock. So far I have Psylocke from X-Men: Apocalypse, Cheshire from Young Justice, and Chell from Portal on the list waiting to be crossed off.
6. Who are your favorite Cosplayers?
a. Methyl Ethyl Cosplay is one of my favorite cosplayers. She is so talented and friendly. I first saw her Wonder Woman cosplay on reddit. It made me ponder if I could do it as well. Her page is https://www.facebook.com/methylethylcosplay. Another favorite cosplayer is Dirtbag Cosplay. I swear I'm not saying this because he is my boyfriend. David won Planet Comic con's first place trophy for best male novice costume in his Batman v Superman Mech Suit Batman. He is really detail oriented with his costumes, which really shows. His page is https://www.facebook.com/DirtbagCosplay.
Photo Credit - David Summers
7. When it comes to photographs at conventions, when do you think its appropriate and not appropriate for people to ask for photos?
a. It doesn't hurt to ask. Asking permission is common courtesy. What matters is after you ask, how you react. If they give you the ok, snap the photo and thank them. Maybe ask for their name and page to credit them. If they say no, you respect their privacy.
8. If you make your own costumes, where is your favorite place to source materials?
a. I live in a small city it is hard to find supplies you need. Out of all the craft stores, Hobby Lobby is the only one who has foam in different thicknesses. Thanks to Amazon Prime however, I mostly shop there. It is mostly cheaper and has more supplies.
9. What are your thoughts on screen accuracy versus artistic interpretation?
a. I aim more for screen accuracy. The only costume that was an artistic interpretation was my Knightmare Batwoman. I would like to try more mashups in the future. .
Photo Credit - Thu Le
10. How much does makeup figure into your overall look?
a. Make up is important. You don't want to take away from the whole costume. It is like having an exposed neck when you are cosplaying as Catwoman.
11. Best cosplay trick/tip?
a. Weathering is a technique of making it look used or battle damaged. What I usually do is add black acrylic paint, then wipe it off with a paper towel. It adds more depth to the costume
12. What would you say are the must-have tools when it comes to making costuming?
a. Must-have tools is heat gun, glue gun, exacto knife, good pair of scissors, Velcro, tape, super glue, and safety pins.
Photo Credit - DezaRae Bruce
13. Advice to people just starting out in cosplay?
a. My advice for anyone that is starting out cosplay is make sure you set money aside for it, but most importantly have fun with it and don't stress out too much about it.
14. Where can people find you online?
a. Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DianaPrinceCosplay
If you would like to be considered for Cosplay Imagings Cosplayer of the Week email cotw@cosplayimaging.com with a Introduction and a sample of your cosplay.
