Featured Cosplayer: Jessica LG

I don’t think I have seen a better Wonder Woman cosplay since I saw Jessica LG’s photos of New York Comic Con where she cosplayed as a World War II Wonder Woman. I love seeing different eras of characters recreated in cosplay, and this one definitely was not a disappointment. But Jessica doesn’t just work the famous amazonian; among her cosplay collection she has a Vulcan, Elastigirl, Spider-Woman, an Orion and many others. Check out the GCE’s interview with Jessica and for more photos, please visit her Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/jessicalynncosplay

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Jessica. I’m a graphic designer by day, animation graduate student by night and a cosplayer any time in between. I’m a lover of bad action movies, maker of things and a reader of comics.

How did you get into cosplaying?

I’ve been reading comics since I was 12 or 13 and I’ve been involved in theatre ever since I can remember. I studied design and production and in college I would work on a lot of prop and costume projects. I initially cosplayed at a convention to get over my stage fright. I’m a very nervous person. Being around a bunch of other nerds made it really comfortable for me.

What was your first cosplay you ever did?

I made a pulp/ pin up costume. It wasn’t from anywhere specific. I was just inspired by old science fiction/alien pulp comic covers.

Your World War II Wonder Woman cosplay is fantastic! What inspired you to design that costume?

Thank you! I was reading a lot of Before Watchmen: Minutemen and I really liked the idea of “propaganda superheroes.” I’ve always been fascinated by WWII, but I didn’t want to do Captain America, and I really like trying things that haven’t been done before. I’m glad it was well received for the most part. A lot of people were thrown off by the guns, but I mixed a lot of elements of Wonder Woman; New 52, Odyssey, and the classic.

Do you have any new cosplay costumes in mind you can tell us about?

I’m working on a really fantastic Hawkgirl costume that is unlike anything anyone has ever seen. I’ve got a few team ups with some other cosplayers that I’m pretty excited about.

You have a big list of conventions you plan to attend in 2013. Do you have a favorite?

I’m excited for Megacon because it’s the first big con of my season. But, I’ve never been to Emerald City Comic Con, but that’s the one I’m most excited to attend. They have a huge animation guest list. I want to be an animator so I’m ready to GEEK out and meet some of my idols.

What is your favorite part about any convention? Is there anyone you’d really like to see this year?

If I meet Tara Strong, Bruce Timm, and/or Rob Paulsen this year, I’ll die happy. My favorite part is definitely Artist’s Alley. I’m usually there the most and it’s where I spend most of my money. I love buying art, I love meeting my art idols, and I love finding new artists.

What is the process of your illustrations?

I guess it depends on the style I’m going for. But, it always starts with a really messy sketch. Some stuff takes me a few hours; others take me a few days. I work entirely off my tablet and I hardly pick up a pencil anymore.

Tactical training for the zombie apocalypse: What is the one most important thing we should all know?

Everyone thinks they’re going to survive the zombie apocalypse. But if you’ve planned your survival based on things you’ve seen on TV and movies, you’re going to lose. Cardio will help you to an extent and having a great stock of weapons for sure. But, if you’re not able to react under pressure or make quick decisions, you won’t last very long.

Check out more of Jessica’s stuff on her website, http://www.jessicalynngonzalez.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jessicalynncosplay

All photos copyright of Jessica LG and photographers. Used with permission.
Orion girl Shoot by Scott White http://www.visualvortex.com
Wonder Woman Shoot by Superhero photography by Adam Jay http://www.facebook.com/superherophotography
Elastigirl Shoot by Mars photography