LanaCosplay

There are many talented models and performers who bring their love & enthusiasm to dressing up as their favorite characters. Comic Book Critic will occasionally showcase a performer who embodies this spirit of cosplaying.

Whether it’s creating the costume from scratch, altering the appearance of an existing one, or just getting into character, these performers spend a lot of time and effort on their craft. As much as we all enjoy seeing our favorite fictional characters represented in real life, let’s not forget the behind-the-scenes work that goes into that portrayal.

One thing is for certain though, their love of cosplaying shines through in their work.

The Comic Book Critic Featured Cosplayer Interview is:

LanaCosplay from Texas

Saying Lana Marie from Texas is a cosplayer doesn’t do justice to all of her talents. Although we’ve come to interview Lana Marie as LanaCosplay, we could have written so much more about her work in other fields from voice acting to film & theater. Even though she works in so many entertainment fields, she still manages to make many high quality costumes for her cosplaying.

Luckily Lana Marie had some free time to answer some of our questions about her cosplaying and to give you a little background on her amazing talents. We could only include a portion of her vast cosplays in this short feature, so I urge everyone to check out all of Lana Marie’s work at the links at the end of the page.

You’ve worked in television, film, theater, and voice acting – What made you decide that cosplaying was another thing you wanted to pursue?

While doing Theater and doing Photoshoots, I had to make some of my costumes. Later on, I started doing themed shoots with photographers of my favorite characters and made up ones. A friend of mind told me about conventions and cosplay, so i checked it out and fell in love with it. I enjoyed being able to create something and share with others who enjoy it as well. It allowed me to have a creative release and meet new and talented people from all over.

What made you think – “I want to do more of this!”?

I just purely enjoyed it. It became addicting… What can I create next? What can I challenge myself with next? And others seemed to also enjoy seeing what I could create.

Do you create all of your own costumes?

Yes, they are all made by me.

In the past when I was starting out (since I’m self taught at sewing), I would always alter outfits I owned or my Aunt or Mother would help me out on certain areas I was not good at yet.

Do you play video games or read comics, and if so, which are some of your favorites?

Growing up I loved Mortal Kombat, Streets of Rage, and Mario Bros. for video games. And I read Batman and (Purple suit) Catwoman comics.

I occasionally will reread my comics or try something new when I get a chance.

Did you consider yourself a nerd or geek when you were younger, and do you do so now?

I’ve never put a label on myself, just wasn’t concerned with it. I just enjoy what I enjoy, if it makes me a nerd or geek…that’s fine.

So what do your non-cosplay friends think of your cosplaying?

They’re supportive and enjoy seeing my creations. Some want me to make their costumes. Haha.

How do you find the time to pursue all your interests and still have free time?

I rarely have free time, but I enjoy what I do.

Do you attend a lot of conventions in costume?

Almost always, and everyday of it.

Have you ever had any bad experiences with people while cosplaying?

Of course. There is good and bad at every event. People who misunderstand what you’re doing or do not understand you have a life outside of cosplaying. People who just don’t like the character or costume design and are open about giving their opinion of it.

Do you have other cosplayers that you admire?

There are several.

I love how Ani-Mia is about trying to keep the community positive, informed, and working together, as well as a genuinely great down to earth gal to talk to. I love seeing what VampyBitMe creates next. You can see her excitement when she makes a costume she’s looking forward to. And Kelton has amazing makeup and FX skills that I admire.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out?

Just keep at it and don’t forget to enjoy yourself! My first time blunders where my costume didn’t look how I wanted because I was still learning. I was constantly reading tips from cosplay and sewing websites, looking up tutorials & patterns, videos (when they finally came around), and lots of trial and error. I still recreate old costumes I made 10 years ago.

Do you currently have any new cosplay projects you’re working on?

All the time, I skip around. Just finished (Tim Burtons / Batman Returns) Catwoma. I’m currently working on a few Mortal Kombat characters and Xena Costume at the moment.

What does the future hold for you?

Many more costumes to work on, maybe fashion design or movie costume design someday.

My first love is still acting & voice acting, but the costumes have their place in my heart as well.

Thanks for doing the interview with us Lana Marie! If you would like to contact Lana Marie about a convention appearance or work offer, you can do so HERE.