Leo Nocedo : How did you discover cosplaying?
Jamie Mcpherson: When I managed a comic book store, I went to the Diamonds Convention. It was considered a “trade show” mostly back then. We were dealers, along with publishers. One of the comic companies was promoting their new “Vamparella” series. They hired a model that hung out with Stan Lee. I discovered a few “hired models” were there to promote their product. I realized this was a good way to show it, outside of dressing for Halloween.
Leo Nocedo : What was your first cosplay?
Jamie Mcpherson: A very poor attempt at Marvel’s “Thunderstrike”
Leo Nocedo : What are your next 3 cosplay plans?
Jamie Mcpherson: Something dark, spooky, and sinister for Spooky Empire
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
Jamie Mcpherson: Once.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer sewing, armor making, or wig working?
Jamie Mcpherson: Armor/weapons making.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to do photoshoots at cons or at specific locations?
Jamie Mcpherson: I have not done enough to have a preference yet. I need to do more for both.
Leo Nocedo : Is there a type of character you cosplay frequently?
Jamie Mcpherson: Duh….The VILLAINS
Leo Nocedo : Do you have any favorite cosplayers?
Jamie Mcpherson: I guess I would say Ya Ya Han is the standard. Although I do follow several others
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most detailed cosplay you’ve ever done?
Jamie Mcpherson: Marvel Comics “TASKMASTER”
Leo Nocedo : What are your top three craftsmanship tips?
Jamie Mcpherson: PATIENCE. Dedication. Start early, do not wait until the last minute and rush it.(or did you mean dedicated sharp scissors, glue gun, and reversible tape?)
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay you have done?
Jamie Mcpherson: Toss-up between the Burgess Meredith version of the Penguin and Mr. Gibbs from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Leo Nocedo : What is your worst cosplay “horror” story?
Jamie Mcpherson: Was dressed as Lt. Worf from ST:NG and met Gene Simmons for photo op. He started talking to me in Klingon and I had no clue.
Leo Nocedo : What is your funniest cosplay story?
Jamie Mcpherson: Was dressed as Taskmaster for Costume contest at Fanboy Expo. Former Wrestler April Hunter was one of the judges. During my presentation, I turned to her, flipped the cape and bent over asking, “Do these wrestling trunks make my ass look big?
Leo Nocedo : What is the best in-character interaction you have ever had?
Jamie Mcpherson: Another toss-up. Adam West and Burt Ward really liked my Penguin and commented at the photo-op. Last month, Kevin McNulty and Lee Arnsberg said the same thing about my Mr. Gibbs at the photo-op. Lee said I looked more like “Mr. Gibbs” than Kevin did.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever cosplayed with a family member?
Jamie Mcpherson: I feel many of my cosplay friends ARE my family
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay photo of yourself?
Jamie Mcpherson: I dunno. Maybe the one from the Orlando Sentinel at Megacon one year with my photo as the Penguin
Leo Nocedo : What are your go-to stores for cosplay materials/full cosplays?
Jamie Mcpherson: Online, flea Market, thrift store, and yard sales.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy pre-styled wigs or style your own?
Jamie Mcpherson: I prefer to use my own hair. However, just upgraded my Fiend/Bray Wyatt, and finally bought a wig.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever had someone mistake you for a different character?
Jamie Mcpherson: Several times. No biggie. I have seen people get REALLY upset when called the wrong thing. I am just having fun
Leo Nocedo : What is the biggest con you have cosplayed at?
Jamie Mcpherson: So far, Megacon. Dragon Con and San Diego are on the bucket list
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer cosplaying characters with props, or characters that you do not need to carry a prop around all day?
Jamie Mcpherson: Depends. Usually props make the icing on the cake. However, I do not like carrying things if I am also there to meet guests or get comic books autographed. My cosplay for that day will reflect.
Leo Nocedo :Have you ever lost a cosplay piece at a con?
Jamie Mcpherson: I believe most of us have.
Leo Nocedo :Have you ever bought a cosplay piece at a con?
Jamie Mcpherson: Yes, but not for that weekend’s cosplay. Stuff for future cosplays.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to cosplay solo or in a group?
Jamie Mcpherson: Both.
Leo Nocedo : If you had a chance to meet your all-time favorite cosplayer, what would you say to them?
Jamie Mcpherson: I did meet Ya Ya Han before. Honestly, do not remember what I said, other than maybe praising her work.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever done a cosplay panel?
Jamie Mcpherson: No. I do not believe I am good enough to “rate” yet.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy or make cosplays? Bit of both.
Jamie Mcpherson: Most of what I have are pieced together.
Leo Nocedo : If you could tell your past self-anything about cosplay, what would you say?
Jamie Mcpherson: Lose weight and stay in shape. It get hot and tiring out there.
Leo Nocedo : What is your ultimate dream cosplay?
Jamie Mcpherson: Hmmmmm. Maybe a good solid comic book version of the Vision
Leo Nocedo : What is the most difficult cosplay you have ever done? (Craftsmanship, wearing of, etc.)
Jamie Mcpherson: TASKMASTER. So many pieces and props. The quiver originally stuck out too far and hit things when I turned. Several layers, and was hot, hard to be heard through the mask. Visibility was an issue too.
Leo Nocedo : What is the most difficult character makeup you have done?
Jamie Mcpherson: Let us see. Either my Lobo , my “TSA Zombie” , or Worf-Klingon with the liquid latex stuff.
Leo Nocedo : What, in your opinion, makes a cosplayer a “pro” cosplayer?
Jamie Mcpherson: Someone who is paid and makes a living from it, or is able to supplement his or her income. There are some very good “Semi-pros” out there that I have had the pleasure to meet.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite part of cosplaying?
Jamie Mcpherson: Leaving reality behind and being someone else for a few moments. Sometimes, life is really hard and it is hard to be yourself.
Leo Nocedo : Make up your own question!
Jamie Mcpherson: My own question? Ok-Why are there not a lot of photos of you. I really do not think that I am very photogenic.
Cosplayer Interview
Cosplayer of the Week: Jamie Mcpherson
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