Greetings fans of all things NERD,
I am excited to bring you my latest cosplay interview for many reasons, but mainly because this cosplayer makes one psychotic Joker. I was first introduced to Linz’s work through a mutual friend, Alexandria the Red. That name should strike a bell since I interviewed here a while back. You can click on her name in case you missed it. Anyway, I saw some photo sets they did together and I had to know more about the Joker that was in the set. I found out her name was Linz Stanley and now here we are with my latest interview. Do yourself a favor, after checking out the interview go to her Facebook page or any other of her pages and check out all her wonderful work. Enough of my rambling, let’s get on with the show.
SWN: Who are you and where are you from?
Linz: Hi! I’m Linz Stanley from southern California.
SWN: How did you discover cosplay?
Linz: I discovered cosplay from playing World of Warcraft my first year. I noticed that there was a convention called “Blizzcon” and that people dressed up as their WoW characters and other popular characters in the game. I loved dressing up and I knew that I had to dress up at Blizzcon too. My first convention was in 2008 as a Blood Elf Priestess from the Burning Crusade trailer and I haven’t stopped cosplaying since.
SWN: I really love your version of the Joker that you did with Alexandria the Red, what made that idea come to life?
Linz: Thank you so much! I love the classic Joker look and Heath Ledger’s makeup, so I knew I had to combine the two. I wanted it to be creepy, sexy, and still crazy-looking enough to be a villain. Alexandria the Red is the perfect Harley to my Joker too, she was so much fun to shoot with!
SWN: What other genres do you cosplay? Which genre is your favorite?
Linz: I also cosplay World of Warcraft characters, DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Disney, Star Wars, and horror-inspired creatures. My favorite is definitely Star Wars because the designs are so intricate.
SWN: What is your favorite way to show off a new cosplay?
Linz: My favorite way to show off a new cosplay is a sneak-peek on social media and debuting it at a con. I always get so excited when people ask to take my photo for the first time in it, I feel like all of my hard-work paid off and the cosplay community accepts my work.
SWN: If you had to pick one, which cosplay is your favorite?
Linz: My favorite is my female Darth Vader cosplay. I love how the makeup always looks different whenever I put it on. I feel so powerful wearing it too.
SWN: What was your first cosplay?
Linz: I’ve been dressing up ever since I was little, so I’m not quite sure which my first cosplay was. Although, my first cosplay at a convention was my Blood Elf Priestess.
SWN: Do you have any new cosplays that you are working on at this moment?
Linz: I do! I have a few things up my sleeve currently – I hope to debut them at San Diego Comic Con.
SWN: Where can our readers see more of your work?
Linz: You can find me at www.linzstanley.com or on all social media @LinzStanley.
SWN: Besides Alexandria, what other cosplayers have you worked with?
Linz: I’ve worked with Rhapsody Artajo, Leslie Crystal, Stassia de Veux, Fanboy Brandon, and Laura Richards. I hope to work with a few more this year.
SWN: Is there anyone out there that you would like to work with?
Linz: I would love to do a project with LeeAnna Vamp or VertVixen! Both are my favorite ladies!
SWN: What advice do you have for “newbies” of the Cosplay scene?
Linz: My advice to any newbies in the Cosplay scene would be to have fun, do your best, and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. It doesn’t matter what other people think of your cosplay or how many likes/followers you have as long as you’re having fun. People can be really mean – especially in this community, so always stick to people who are going to encourage you and help you grow. Also, don’t be so hard on yourself – that’s one thing I struggle with. I’m always concerned with how my body looks or if I did a “good enough” job in my cosplay, but I too need to remember that none of that matters. So in essence – be body positive (or Cospositive), be confident, and be proud of your work.
