Cosplay Spotlight Lucid Cosplay

For this edition of Cosplay Spotlight, I chose to showcase my dear friend Lucid Cosplay. Lucid is one of the most beautiful and talented costumers in the community. In addition to being my friend, I have always admired Lucids craftsmanship. She took some time out to talk to the Confessions of a Cosplay Girl Blog about creating costumes, her love for the character Poison Ivy and what she has in store for the future.




Victoria: How long have you been costuming?

Lucid: Ive been sewing my own costumes since 2002 but was putting together costumes from found items back in 1998. My first costume was Mileena from the original mortal Kombat game. I was part of a martial arts demonstration team and we all dressed as the characters for our fight skits. I bought a purple dance leotard and cut up purple tights for the "boots," gloves, and face mask. I was pretty much hooked after that.

Victoria: Where did you learn how to sew?

Lucid: My grandmother taught me how to hand sew when I was little so I could make dresses for my stuffed animals. I was in the 8th grade when my mom bought me an inexpensive sewing machine and she showed me the basics. I learned a lot from a course I took in college. The rest has been a lot of trial and error.

Victoria: What advice would you give to people who want to learn how to hand stitch and use a sewing machine but dont know how? Where can they learn?

Lucid: Definitely take a class. Working on your own and trying to teach yourself is a good start, but Ive learned most of the really important stuff from watching someone else. Its a great way to learn how to take care of your machine and keep it running smoothly, getting the basics down, learning the little tips and tricks that make projects easier, and its always nice to have someone who knows what theyre doing answer questions and point you in the right direction.

Victoria: Youve done many versions of Poison Ivy. How many have you done and which one is your favorite?

Lucid: Oh man... I think Ive done 6 variations of Ivy: two Classic, two 1950s style, a spring time Ivy, and a Disney Princess Ivy. While I have always loved the classic Ivy, Id have to say the 50s Ivy has been my favorite. Its sassy without showing too much and I adore period fashion. But I will say I still cant get over wearing the giant princess dress. I dont care what anyone says, big dresses are fun!

Victoria: What are your thoughts on Ivys costume in the New 52?

Lucid: I really like the New 52 Ivy. Its a completely different look for her and thats what makes it interesting. Ivy is one of the few characters that doesnt have to be canon to get the love. I have seen so many versions of her out there. I get excited going to D*C (Dragon Con) because of the giant Bat Family shoot. Seeing all the variants of Ivy and how everyone does her differently is the best! It shows shes more personality than costume. I am currently planning another 4-5 incarnations of Ivy, including the New 52 look.

Victoria: What is the most complicated outfit you have ever created?

Lucid: Id have to say the costume Im working on right now probably takes the cake on that one. Yuuko Ichihara from xxxHolic is a character known for her lavish lifestyle, so this incorporates a lot of different elements - from a traditional Japanese kimono to hand beading, creating custom appliqués... Im even trying my hand at props making, which is a first for me. Ive learned a lot from previous costumes that I can use for this character. I was thrilled to figure out a way to make the obi into the shape of a butterfly! I love being able to learn new techniques to use on future projects.

Victoria: What costumes do you have planned for the future?

Lucid: Too many. But I think thats par for the course with costuming. Im currently planning on re-working "Femy" (gender bent Gambit), Black Canary, other seasons of Ivy, and a few more I havent quite hashed out the details for as of yet.

Victoria: In addition to being an accomplished costumer, you have also appeared in a comic book. Can you tell me about that?

Lucid:  Ive been fortunate enough to meet some of the most wonderful people at conventions. I met Chris and Alan Hebert, creators of Hb Comics, at Wizard World Philly a few years back and Im so fortunate to say weve become good friends. I was flattered and humbled (and really excited, I wont lie) when I was asked if they could use my likeness in their comic called Lazerman for one of the member so the villainous Diamond Gang, named Pearl. They debuted the issue with Pearl this year at Philly and surprised me with the character as a standee on their table! I surprised them by creating the costume for Pearl for the con. I may sound like Im geeking out, but its so cool seeing your face in a comic book!

Victoria:  Where can people contact you and view a port of your work?

Lucid: Im a horrible self-promoter. I can be reached via my Facebook personal page or my Fan Page and email: Lucid Cosplay (lucid.cosplau@gmail.com).

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Cosplay Spotlight Freya

At this years Megacon Convention in Orlando, I had the pleasure of meeting Freya, a stunning costumer and historical actress. Freyas Power Girl made such an impression on the convention scene,  she was offered a job at the 2013 New York Comic-Con. In addition to being an accomplished costumer and fitness guru, she also devotes a great deal of her time to charity work. Freya took some time to chat with the Confessions of a Cosplay Girl Blog about her career and her many accomplishments.


 


Victoria: According to your Facebook page you are a performer and historical costumer. You have some stunning period pieces on your page. Can you tell me about being a historical costumer?

Freya: Its very, very hot. But a lot of fun. It’s a totally different game that most ‘cosplay’. I can’t tell you how many times I was in 6 layers of heavy fabrics in hot 100 degree Florida sun. Although I was never SCA, I think it’s the ultimate ‘cosplay’, since many times we have full encampments and many members never break character. Often, the members live for several days as these characters. I have learned to appreciate air conditioned convention centers so much!

Victoria: What was your first super hero costume?

Freya: My first hero was Power Girl. She was the first character I thought that I could “fit”, being a woman of size. I got hooked on her because of Amanda Connor’s version.

Victoria: When it comes to historical costumes and superhero ones, do you have a preference? Is one more fun than the other?

Freya: I actually hate spandex. Its awful. I prefer the linens, wools, silks and other fabrics and notions of history. I’m a tactile person. I love the way it all feels. I also enjoy the systematic way everything has to go on. I like the pomp and excessiveness of some of the time periods. Superheros are more ‘fun’ though. And much easier to move around in, usually.

Victoria: Which costume took the longest for you to create?

Freya:  I think that would have to be my Tudor gown. It was my first big gown and I just jumped in and taught myself as I went. I thought it was ‘finished’. …then I thought it needed beadwork. It actually still isn’t done. I stopped working on it when it didn’t fit anymore. It was a LOT of fabric to deal with and because I’m 100% self taught, it was laborious.

Victoria: In addition to being talented and absolutely stunning, you also do a great deal of charity work. Kudos to you for giving back to the community! Why is it important to you?

Freya: I got to the point where I’ve taken so many photos and had my costumes as something that was all about ME (selfish, I know). I think I reached the age where I thought there HAS to be something more to this. It gives me a real reason to do it, other than just getting attention. Although my characters are almost never recognized, the children seem to at least understand that I’m a hero. I find it most interesting little girls’ reactions. They don’t care who I am, they just know I’m a girl, like them and I’m a hero. I get lots of hugs that way.

Victoria: You are very psychically fit. Whats your daily regimen like?

Freya:  I can tell you what my regimen SHOULD be. I fall off the wagon often. But having been 220+lbs only a few years ago, it’s a constant battle for me. I have to choose every meal carefully. I also go to the gym. A lot. I am a lifter, because I have some characters in mind for which I will need a lot more mass. Because of how I’m built, I learned that I am a powerful weightlifter. I found my fitness. I usually hit the gym in the late afternoon for several hours. Soon, I will begin to add a bit more cardio, which I hate because I’m terrible at it. I also supplement a lot. Nothing crazy of course, but I take high quality vitamins, BCAAs and lots of protein shakes.

Victoria: You were hired for the 2013 New York Comic-Con. Can you tell me what that experience was like?

Freya: It was intense. I am SO grateful to Vinnie Tartamella for that experience. He is an absolutely amazing artist who made me into his Power Girl. Since he is an artist, we were in artist alley and not on the main convention floor. I’m still kind of a ‘nobody’ in the community, so thankfully I wasn’t overwhelmed with fans and friends. I had to make a trip to the main floor to pick up some goodies for friends and oh my god! Thank goodness I had a friend to act as a handler to get me through. Once you stop for a photo, you’re stuck forever! I have attended DragonCon since 2005, so I’m no stranger to the paparazzi wall, but NYCC was a little different. It is more an industry con than a costumer con. For that reason, ANY costume is a huge hit. I had a wonderful time, but I don’t think I’ve ever been so exhausted. I only wish I had the chance to meet some of the other costumers that were there.

Victoria:  Are you currently working on any new costumes?

Freya: Yes!! I have been on a creating hiatus for the last 9 months or so, due to some changes in my private life. I wasn’t able to make anything new, or even had a lot of inspiration. But, its starting to come back!! I’ll be debuting some new stuff very soon. Giganta is up next! Shooting for a She Hulk as soon as I can as well.

Victoria: What conventions will you be attending for the remainder of 2014?

Freya: Supercon (Miami), Tampa Bay Comic Con, UltraCon (ft.Lauderdale), DragonCon (Atlanta) ….after that…I’m not exactly sure. However, there is a good chance I’ll be in Puerto Rico next May!!

Victoria:  Where can people contact you and view a port of your work?

Freya:  I’m embarrassed to say I STILL don’t have a real site up yet. For now, the best place to find me is www.facebook.com/facesoffreyaI am also on twitter and Instagram, both as Golden Freya.

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