Greetings my fellow Nerds. I apologize for the delay in this week’s cosplay interview but I was having technical issues on my end. Good news is the problem is fixed and I get to share my interview with the talented and beautiful Jennifer Van Damsel. So without further hesitation, here is my interview with the absolutely beautiful Jennifer Van Damsel.
1. Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Jennifer Van Damsel, and I am from Houston, Texas.
2. How did you discover cosplay?
I planned on going to my first ever comic convention, and my friend suggested that we cosplay. I had never considered it before, but I got absolutely addicted.
3. I really love your Magik cosplay. What made you choose her?
Thank you! I really love Magik. I was having a conversation with a friend about what a good idea for a two person cosplay would be, and when he mentioned New Mutants, I knew I had to do Magik! I love her dual personality and overall story. She is a complicated character, but in a way that everyone can understand what she’s up against.
4. What other comic characters have you cosplayed?
I have cosplayed Zatanna, Red Lantern Laira, Black Widow, Mary Jane Watson, Black Queen Selene, and variations of other comic characters- Western Wonder Woman and Mardi Gras Joker.
5. Do you cosplay other genres?
I am actually an avid gamer, but I have only cosplayed B.B. Hood so far. I play table top games, so I have been considering doing a Warmachine cosplay. I also read The Dresden Files, which I love, and play pen and paper RPGs, but the problem with cosplaying those things is they are not very recognizable. One day, I will fulfill all of these categories just because they make me happy and are dear to my heart. I haven’t made it out to an anime convention yet, but I will in 2013!
6. What is your favorite way to show off a new costume?
Oh, man, that is a hard question J I really like posting pictures on my Facebook page. Of course, I love wearing them to the conventions, but when I post pictures to my page, where I know I have fans, it is really wonderful hearing their comments and feedback. There is nothing better than someone just saying, “Wow!”
7. Do you do other modeling besides cosplay?
I have not. I’m not opposed to it, but as I’m fairly new to the community, I haven’t met and made a lot of connections with people that need models. I have been used as a model for artists, but that was all cosplay related. I love clothes and shoes, especially Steampunk and fantasy wear, so I think it would be very fun to do some modeling!
8. What are your plans for the future?
More conventions, more cosplays! Since I’ve only been cosplaying for about 7 months now, I am gradually trying to start building up to bigger and better cosplays. I would love to start working on more complicated projects such as making armor, weapons, and leather pieces. I have to keep telling myself, “One step at a time!” because I am just so very excited to work on something big! Because most of my favorite comic and game characters are males, I will probably be doing a lot of gender swapped characters in the new year.
9. Where can my readers see more examples of your work?
The only thing I really have going right now is my Facebook page- Jennifer Van Damsel. www.facebook.com/JenniferVanDamsel
Eventually, I’m sure I’ll get a website, and I’ll be sure to announce it there.
10. If you had to pick one cosplay, which one is your favorite?
Running around as a Red Lantern was very fun! They’re my favorite corps and just very different than everything else I have cosplayed so far.
