Cosplayer Interview

Cosplayer of the Week: Jamie Mcpherson

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.

840 Views

NocedoPhoto Media Group is an innovative and creative consortium that unites photographers, writers, cosplayers, event promoters, vendors, costume and prop makers, and other creatives under one roof to use their collective skills to maximize their distribution and presence on digital media platforms. Their goal is to create a well-rounded and successful network for all involved.