OG Nerd: Hey Gem Thanks for chatting with me today! How have you been? And what’s new?
The Gem Cosplay: Hey!! I’ve been great, very very busy. I’m currently working on my booth and products for TRACon! Only 2 weeks away
OG: Oh that’s amazing! What have you got plans for TRAcon? Can you tell us what cosplay outfit you’re working on or is it a secret?
Gem: Of course, I can tell! I’ll be doing Shoto the vtuber on Saturday with the wonderful Bluasshen as my Vox. Sunday honestly I’m not too sure, but tossing up 2B from Nier Automata or Dva! For TRAcon I’ve got 3 new prints I’ve been working on, Kiriko, Jett, and Vox. They look great, can’t wait to share them!
OG: That’s gonna be awesome! We can’t wait to see it! Share it with us when you can! So TRAcon what’s your favourite card game you play or collect?
Gem: I’ve actually just started getting into Magic the Gathering and have been loving it, the art is absolutely gorgeous. Right now I’m more of an arena/online player.
OG: Oh cool cool! Magic has been around for a few decades now I think and it’s just bigger than before. So obviously you’re a cosplayer.. how long have you been cosplaying and how did you get into it?
Gem: I have been cosplaying for 14 years, since 2009! At the time I was really getting into anime, I would look at fanart a lot, and then one fateful day I saw cosplay. I didn’t even think about that being something I could do. I was immediately obsessed and researched as much as I could about it. I then worked with my mum to make the Lucky Star uniform for my Japanese Language class’s festival.
OG: Wow! You’re literally a veteran! What do you love about cosplay and which cosplay is your ultimate favourite?
Gem: I think for me the magic of cosplay is becoming these characters you adore so much, and also getting to flex all of your creative muscles. It takes your life from the ordinary to the extraordinary! I find it an extremely fulfilling career.
Oh gosh favourite? I feel like I have to say Shoto or Komaeda. But looking back definitely 2B as well, it’s one of my most iconic. So hard to pick just one!
OG: Yeah I bet! How many looks have you created so far in your 14 year journey?
Gem: Oh gosh. Too many to count. It’s gotta be in the 50’s at this point.
OG: 50?! Wow! That’s pretty insane! Do you create most of them or get it sourced somewhere?
Gem: For the first 10 years of my cosplay journey I was making 95% of them. However, since then, I have found cosplays to be FAR more expensive to make than buy. I usually go with the most cost-effective option, but I will be crafting more as this year goes on, I’m excited!
OG: Yeah that’s fair specially with the number of outfits you’ve been churning. You’ve been around to give some sound advice to people who are new to cosplaying. What are your top 3 tips?
Gem:
1. Don’t take cosplay too seriously. At the end of the day, we are all people just wearing wigs! There’s nothing to be scared of, be proud and confident of yourself and your cosplays.
2. If it’s your first cosplay focus on something simple. A school uniform from an anime is a great pick. That way you can focus on the wig and makeup, the costume is good to go!
3. Tease your wig, spray with hairspray, blow dry and then brush it out. This will give your wig more volume, eliminate shine, and stop tangles at a con!
OG: Those are great tips! Speaking of makeup and wigs.. do you do youtube videos about them or have been inspired by someone online? Im assuming not everyone knows how to get those right
Gem: I’ve made a few Instagram and TikTok short videos on how I do my wigs, I really should do more! I used to do streams on Twitch where I would fully get ready in cosplay, or style a wig, sew an outfit, etc. showing that process was really great and I should definitely do more!
But for now I’m planning on doing more content on Instagram and TikTok of my process.
OG: Yeah perfect! I feel like a lot of people will definitely appreciate that! Anyways thank you very much for chatting with me and I’m sure we’ll see you in the next con or chat again on another feature😊
Gem: Anytime! Thanks for having me 🙂
Photographer credit:
Dva: Bee.Anchor.Photo
2B: Redscarf
Shoto: P Club Pics
Komaeda: Kre8tive Freedom
