Cosplayer Interview

Cosplayer of the week : Janet Gibson Levengood

Hello my fellow Geeks! My name is Janet Levengood and I am a Disney Cast Member by week and a Cosplayer by weekend! Okay, so that’s sort of a stretch, most cosplayers have to work on costumes alot more than just weekends if they build their own costumes. So yeah a lot of free time goes into designing and building and searching for deals and ideals at the local thrift stores! Now ,if only those pesky day jobs didnt get in the way! 😉
Leo Nocedo :  How did you discover cosplaying?
Janet Gibson Levengood : I attended Megacon in 2013 and only wore a Fandom T shirt and jeans. After seeing all of the many different and amazing cosplays I knew this was something I wanted to get into!
Leo Nocedo : What was your first cosplay?
Janet Gibson Levengood : River Song from Dr.Who.
< strong>Leo Nocedo : What are your next 3 cosplay plans?
Janet Gibson Levengood : 1.Leta Lestrange from Fantastic Beasts for the Harry Potter day at Universal 2. Still working on something for CFCC 3. A woodland elf inspired cosplay for SyFy Bartow.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
Janet Gibson Levengood : No, not really my thing.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer sewing, armor making, or wig working?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Wig working for sure!
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to do photoshoots at cons or at specific locations?
Janet Gibson Levengood : I truly enjoy both.
Leo Nocedo : Is there a type of character you cosplay frequently?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Wow, tough question as I do so many, I guess I do lean toward Sci Fi and Superheroes.
Leo Nocedo : Do you have any favorite cosplayers?
Janet Gibson Levengood : I am pleased to say that I know so many talented cosplayers that I am honored to call friends. I truly can’t name them all because it would be so many, just way too many favorites!
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most detailed cosplay you’ve ever done?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Either my Lady Thor or my newest I have yet to debut which is a woodland elf based orginal character.
Leo Nocedo : What are your top 3 craftsmanship tips?
Janet Gibson Levengood : 1)Think outside of the box when it comes to building costumes and props. 2) Look to thrift stores and garage sales for material etc to repurpose 3) Wish.com is a great website to find so many things and get inspired!
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay you’ve done?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Lady Thor.
Leo Nocedo : What is your worst cosplay “horror” story?
Janet Gibson Levengood : At HolMat Day 1, I was doing a holiday Smurfette and my Papa Smurf and I forgot our blue make up for touch ups! My face kept itching and even though I had set my face well with setting spray I still somehow managed to get blue EVERYWHERE and leave pink spots all over my face from accidental touching! 🥴
Leo Nocedo : What’s your funniest cosplay story?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Cosplaying Alf for Megacon and causing all sorts of mischief for the day, photo-bombing numerous pictures and hearing people scream and laugh!
Leo Nocedo : What’s the best in-character interaction you’ve ever had?
Janet Gibson Levengood : My Rita Skeeter cosplay for The Harry Potter Celebration at Universal Studios, I was quite obnoxious with all my fellow cosplayers that day by being a very annoying and nosey reporter!
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever cosplayed with a family member?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Yes, many times!
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay photo of yourself?
Janet Gibson Levengood : I’d have to say Alf sitting in The Captain’s Chair on the Enterprise Bridge with The Greatest American Hero, Mork and Howard the Duck as my crew, its hilarious!
Leo Nocedo : What are your go-to stores for cosplay materials/full cosplays?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Definitely thrift stores and Wish. Com
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy pre-styled wigs or style your own?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Style my own.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever had someone mistake you for a different character?
Janet Gibson Levengood :Yes, I was cosplaying Baby, the car from Supernatural and got called Kit from Knight Rider and Christine from the Stephen King movie.
Leo Nocedo : List all the cosplays you’ve done.
Janet Gibson Levengood : I wish I could but this would take up ALOT of space!
Leo Nocedo : What’s the biggest con you’ve cosplayed at?
Janet Gibson Levengood :Megacon.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer cosplaying characters with props, or characters that you don’t need to carry a prop around all day?
Janet Gibson Levengood : I prefer a prop, they just truly add that extra something to a cosplay!
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever lost a cosplay piece at a con?
Janet Gibson Levengood : No, thankfully I haven’t.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever bought a cosplay piece at a con?
Janet Gibson Levengood :Yes, a few times.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to cosplay solo or in a group?
Janet Gibson Levengood :A group, definitely and I am fortunate enough to have a truly awesome one!
Leo Nocedo :  Have you ever done a cosplay panel?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Yes I have, a few actually, definitely alot of fun !
Leo Nocedo :  Do you prefer to buy or make cosplays?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Make!
Leo Nocedo :  If you could tell your past self anything about cosplay, what would you say?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Just keep having fun and making great memories with wonderful people!
Leo Nocedo :  What is your ultimate dream cosplay?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Hmmm…. probably something Haunted Mansion related, still kicking the idea around in my head!
Leo Nocedo :  What’s the most difficult cosplay you’ve ever done?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Probably Smurfette, that darn blue makeup! 😂🤣
Leo Nocedo :  What’s the most difficult character makeup you’ve done?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Same as above, see former question!
Leo Nocedo :  What, in your opinion, makes a cosplayer a “pro” cosplayer?
Janet Gibson Levengood : This question gets discussed alot around the scene, I always assumed it was someone paid for their cosplays, but I don’t exactly know how to answer this one!
Leo Nocedo :  What is your favorite part of cosplaying?
Janet Gibson Levengood : Seeing the creativity of both people I know and complete strangers, it’s always amazing to witness and I am honored to be a small part of it!!

 

 

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