I have been swooning over Ginger Cosplay’s work for quite sometime. She is incredibly talented and creative as you will you see. She cosplay’s some of my very favorite characters, one of which, I was lucky enough to see take on and grace the stage at C2E2 (more on that awesome feat below). She is a Vet Tech by day and super dope cosplayer by night (and weekends). As if that was not cool enough, she is also an amatuer burlesque dancer! Please allow me to introduce you to the lovely, Ginger Cosplay.
What was the first cosplay you chose to do and why?
My very first cosplay was a Burlesque version of Poison Ivy. I wore this cute little tutu, a corset that I detailed with ivy leaf fabric, and fake ivy leaves. I love all things that go along with burles
que and had just watched my first show right before C2E2 that year. Poison Ivy was one of the first redhead characters I fell in love with. So, what better way to debut my cosplay career then to mash the two together.
What is it about cosplay that made you want to be a part of it all?
There are so many things that draw me to cosplay. First, I love the creativity that I can express with cosplay. Second, the amazing people that you meet and make friendships with. I have met some really wonderful people who are so accepting and supportive.
What is the most challenging cosplay/prop/project that you’ve worked on?
I am a self taught seamstress. I struggle a lot with the concept of pre made patterns for many of my costumes so most of the time I just wing it. My challenges come in the form of sleeves! Seriously! I have so much trouble with making sleeves. But I am always researching and watching videos to improve my techniques.
Who is your favorite overall character to cosplay and why are you drawn to them?
My all time favorite character is Merida. She is me as a disney princess for obvious reasons. She is a redhead, strong willed, stubborn, adventurous, and doesn’t conform to the standards of a classic princess. When I wear her super curly locks, and wield her beautiful bow, I feel strong! Like I could tackle all societies misconceptions of women.
You competed in the Crown Championship of Cosplay at C2E2 2017! How did it feel to be onstage, competing with your amazing Elizabethan Harley Quinn?
Being able to show off your stuff to the world is like no other feeling. Walking across that stage to show off something I have worked so hard on for so many months felt amazing. All those hours of painstaking sewing, detailing, blood, sweat and tears were showcased on that stage and if felt great! I also met some wonderful cosplayers from all over the globe and to share this experience with them was something I will never forget. They all inspire me to continue to push myself to the next level.
What are some of the best things you’ve learned about yourself since you started cosplaying?
The most important lesson I have learned through cosplay is to love myself. I have become so much more body positive and am able to truly see the beauty in all my “imperfections”.
What is your advice to those just getting into cosplay?
Do what makes you happy. Choose a character you love and just go for it. You don’t have to make the perfect cosplay the first time round. It’s all a learning process and you will get better with time. Believe in yourself and in the words of Shia Labeouf, Just Do It!
Where can we find you online?
You can find me on Instagram @gingercosplay27, Facebook @gingersnapcosplay27 and follow my amazing cosplay group @chicagobombshells on Facebook and on Instagram @ChicagoBombshells
