Location: Australian but living in the USA.
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/variable.cosplay
https://twitter.com/variablecosplay
http://instagram.com/variablecosplay
SMC: Why did you start cosplaying?
Variable Cosplay: I was that child who always wanted to play dress-ups and ended up going into theatre classes pretty young. When I became older (“tween”, but that word didn’t exist yet) I started doing charity events in costume and have kept it up since. Years later I went to conventions and eventually put two and two together. Now it’s a regular part of my life.
SMC: What was the first convention where you cosplayed?
Variable Cosplay: I honestly can’t even remember the name of it any more, it was a tiny video game convention that no longer exists, sadly (we’re talking a decade ago)! I wore Lara Croft and had to change at the con because my mum would’ve never let me wear that costume out of the house. My boots didn’t fit properly and I ended up getting awful blisters.
SMC What has been your most memorable convention moment?
Variable Cosplay: Probably meeting Amanda Conner and having my costume signed while dressed as her version of Power Girl. Being hugged and complimented by George Takei comes a close second, though.
SMC: What is the favorite thing about cosplaying at a convention?
Variable Cosplay: Getting photos with my friends and interacting with other cosplayers and fans of the same characters and series. It’s such a blast being able to share our fandoms with each other, and it’s a great way to make new friends. I also love looking at the comical “awkward crossover” photos afterwards, where characters from totally mismatched series got photos together, they can be wonderful!
SMC: Related to conventions, where can fans expect to see you next in? (any schedule in particular?)
Variable Cosplay:
Confirmed:
22 Mar 2014 – Animania, Sydney (Cosplay Judge)
15-17 Apr 2014 – Ironfest, Lithgow (Cosplay Judge)
And depending on when I’m back in the USA possibly also:
13-15 Jun 2014 – Supanova, Sydney
09-10 Aug 2014 – SMASH!, Sydney
03-05 Oct 2014 – EBX, Sydney
31-02 Nov 2014 – PAX Aus, Melbourne
28-30 Nov 2014 – Supanova, Brisbane
SMC: What other cosplayers inspire you?
Variable Cosplay: Oh gosh, the list never ends, I’m always finding new people I admire. For strength of character I have to say Jarod NWBZPWNR and the guy who cosplayed Sailor Freddie Mercury (they are my heroes). Kamui and Kommisar Props are among the top list for armour work overall. For women I’m a big fan of everything Belle Chere and Tasha Cosplay do, and I also recently stumbled on Issabel Cosplay’s work. For men it would probably have to be the amazing Leon Chiro and Okageo.
There are so many people I should be mentioning but we’d be here forever, so finishing up with the wonderful Yaya Han and Riddle, who’ve done so much for opening up and encouraging the cosplay community.
SMC: Which is your favorite Cosplay’s you’ve created?
Variable Cosplay: Oh gosh, how do I even choose? I’m most proud of my highwayman Snow (Once Upon A Time) and my Babydoll (Sucker Punch), they took a lot of time and effort.
SMC: What cosplay are you best known for?
Variable Cosplay: It’s probably my Power Girl – there aren’t as many Karen cosplayers in Australia compared to the USA, and I’ve reworn her a few times (which I rarely do) – or my fem!Two-Face, which has been getting a bit of attention online recently.
SMC: If money was no object what would be your dream costume to cosplay?
Variable Cosplay: At the moment I’m working on one of my dream costumes, which is Samus Aran’s Varia armour. Next on the dreams list would probably be Power Girl’s Nightwing armour, or an EVA unit.
SMC: What part of “geekdom” is you favorite avenue of entertainment (i.e. comics, movies, video games, anime, etc?)
Variable Cosplay: Oh, wow, that’s a really interesting question. I’d have to say it’s a close call between movies and video games, I’m a big movie buff and I get really attached to the games I love. Obviously I love comics, my dad works in the industry and I grew up with them, so they’re a big part of my life. I’m fairly selective with anime, on the other hand.
SMC: What Comic Books are you currently addicted to?
Variable Cosplay: I seem to have become the go-to resource for Rocket Raccoon and Groot material in my social circle with the Guardians Of The Galaxy film coming up. I’ve been re-reading some old Spawn lately, which was the first comic series I became hooked on, and getting my fill of Marvel’s Thunderbolts.
SMC: Any favorite TV shows, movies or cartoons?
Variable Cosplay: Too many! Jurassic Park, Scott Pilgrim vs The World, Universal Soldier, UP, Aliens, Indiana Jones, Her, Starship Troopers, Stay, Mad Max, Showdown In Little Tokyo, and countless more. For TV I’m currently hooked on Almost Human, and adore Star Trek (primarily TNG), Farscape, Firefly, Black Books, Misfits, Doctor Who, and many, more more. I’m also a sucker for the TV shows I grew up with (Dino-Riders, Biker Mice from Mars, ThunderCats, Ninja Robots, etc).
SMC: Do you have any new cosplays currently in the works?
Variable Cosplay: Today I’m working on Miss Fortune (Road Warrior skin) from League Of Legends, Samus’ Varia armour, and Irene Adler (RDJ Sherlock Holmes). I’ve been slowly putting resources aside to get started on my first couple cosplays of Rapunzel and Flynn, and Annie and Tibbers. I’ve also partially remade Power Girl and Chiana (Farscape).
Happy Canadian, as well as a hardcore video game addict. Spends all day and night trying to come up with new ideas for Share My Cosplay. Need help with something feel free to contact me.