Leo Nocedo : How did you discover cosplaying?
Dementia Von Grimm : It was always there. Around the corner, in the shadows, in the dark, lurking, waiting.
Leo Nocedo : What was your first cosplay?
Dementia Von Grimm : This is always a tough question, because I first started doing it in the 90s at Anne Rice’s vampire balls in New Orleans. And then I discovered conventions in 2001, 2002. But the first convention costume would be Yvonne Craig’s Batgirl in 2002 at Dragon Con
Leo Nocedo : What are your next 3 cosplay plans?
Dementia Von Grimm : With the quarantine, my plans have been kind of put to the side. But I do have something very close to my heart and special but I’ve been working on for quite some time, I just don’t want to give details just yet. But when it happens, you will know.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
Dementia Von Grimm : That’s kind of how I started when it came to conventions. I discovered DragonCon through the Dawn look-alike contest, which I did for like 7 years I think. I’ve entered numerous contests, placed in some, but for the most part they’ve all just been a lot of fun.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer sewing, armor making, or wig working?
Dementia Von Grimm : That’s a tough question, because I can’t sew, I suck at armor making, and I’m only mediocre at wig working. I enjoy designing more than anything. Morphing art & life.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to do photoshoots at cons or at specific locations?
Dementia Von Grimm : I really don’t have a preference, because I’m just happy if anyone wants to take my photo. But of course there is that sliver of artist in me that does like location or Studio shoots, because then it’s all about the character and you don’t have to rush.
Leo Nocedo : Is there a type of character you cosplay frequently?
Dementia Von Grimm : In recent years I have leaned much more towards my horror side. Villains are something I’ve always loved, but I feel the most free and most creative with my horror costumes.
Leo Nocedo : Do you have any favorite cosplayers?
Dementia Von Grimm : Too many to name. I tend to believe that anyone that crosses my path is there to teach me something, whether it be positive or negative. I try to learn something from everyone.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most detailed cosplay you’ve ever done?
Dementia Von Grimm : I would have to say Queen Narissa from Enchanted. Everything about that Ensemble was absolutely impeccable.
Leo Nocedo : What are your top 3 craftsmanship tips?
Dementia Von Grimm : 1. Patience. Absolutely patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it’s very tough for creative types to be patient when they are learning something new. 2. Always look for alternative options when making something. Some of the best costumes ever made sometimes use cardboard and duct tape. Not everyone can afford worbla, but with patience and researching alternative methods, you can be just as good. 3. Details are everything. And I don’t mean so much to anyone else, but just to yourself. Adding specific details to costumes takes everything to a whole nother level. And 4. You are Your Own Worst Enemy. Nine times out of 10, the things that you don’t like that you’ve done, aren’t noticeable to anyone else. So try to take it easy on yourself.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay you’ve done?
Dementia Von Grimm : I can never answer this question, because they’re pretty much all like my children. Never one favorite.
Leo Nocedo : What is your worst cosplay “horror” story?
Dementia Von Grimm : I thought about this for a while, and I’m not sure I really have a horror story. I have to say I have gotten pretty good at, even when things go wrong, letting stuff roll off my back and not dwelling on it.
Leo Nocedo : What’s your funniest cosplay story?
Dementia Von Grimm : I have a few of these. My Dogwitch bunny outfit, I had a funny little trick where I put these squeakers in the bra. I was at a photo op with Alice Cooper, and as quick as the photo op was, I thanked him for everything he had done over the years and then squeaked my boobs at him. Look of shock on his face was amazing. I had come to find out that the next day, he had asked around about me and was looking for me. I think I might still be glowing from that one.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the best in-character interaction you’ve ever had?
Dementia Von Grimm : I always have a lot of fun doing Snow White’s Evil Queen. Especially at Disney photo shoots, when I completely get into character and swoop my cape and get into showboating, sneering at the princesses. It’s never serious, but it’s always the most fun.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever cosplayed with a family member?
Dementia Von Grimm : Yes, all of them. I have daughters and a son, and between The Addams Family, Invader Zim, Cobra, The Shining twins, The Munsters, the wicked witches of the east and west… it’s absolutely a lot of fun
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay photo of yourself?
Dementia Von Grimm : Way too many to name. I’ve been doing this for 20 years, I have a portfolio my favorites, but it’s no short list.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever had someone mistake you for a different character?
Dementia Von Grimm : Absolutely. Every time I get into costume someone mistakes it for something else. Catwoman is called bad girl, but Cleopatra is called River Song, Morticia is called Elvira.. it goes with the territory
Leo Nocedo : List all the cosplays you’ve done.
Dementia Von Grimm : That would be tough, considering I’ve done upwards of a 60 + costumes.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the biggest con you’ve cosplayed at?
Dementia Von Grimm : I would definitely have to say Dragon Con.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever done a cosplay panel?
Dementia Von Grimm : I’ve done many over the years. Probably little more than a dozen.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy or make cosplays?
Dementia Von Grimm : A combination of both. I can’t so, but I do like to try to graft things together from different methods.
Leo Nocedo : What is your ultimate dream cosplay?
Dementia Von Grimm : I would be unable to do it now, I have seen someone nail it absolutely perfectly and it just made my life. Maria from Metropolis. It literally was everything.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult cosplay you’ve ever done? (Craftsmanship, wearing of, ect)
Dementia Von Grimm : Purgatori. It was absolutely stunning, but balancing these huge Wings, skulls on my shoulders, with contacts I could barely see out of, and 6 in stiletto Spike boots. I may still have scars from that.
Leo Nocedo : What, in your opinion, makes a cosplayer a “pro” cosplayer?
Dementia Von Grimm : I don’t believe in “professional cosplayer”.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite part of cosplaying?
Dementia Von Grimm : Absolutely the escapism factor. The slipping out of your own skin to become something you have loved on page or screen.For some reason it didn’t paste, but the most difficult character makeup was probably from my Baronne Samedi, designing something aesthetic and historically accurate
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