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LM: Hard to pick one; there’s something I’m proud of in each one, and then other things I later think I could do better in each.  I love my Catwoman, Frost and Kitana, as well as my leaf work on Poison Ivy and claws on Lady Deathstrike. I put my heart into all of them and try to get every big to small detail I can in the costume, as if this is what you would see if the character was in front of you. Sometimes I add something a little different to make it mine. I know I probably sound a little crazy [laughs].

CA: On average, how many hours of labor go into making each outfit? How much does it cost you?

LM: Hard to mark a time on it, I try to fit as much as I can with my other daily activities. I just know not at nearly as much time as I like to. Some costumes have taken me a week, to 2 weeks, to a month or 3, depending on the costume, and are there weapons or wigs to mess with as well. I try my best to shop around and find a nice fabric at a fair price.

CA: Which Cons have you attended in costume?

LM: San Diego Comic Con, Austin Comic Con, Dallas Comic Con, Wizard World TX, Comicpalooza, Ikkicon, Anime Matsuri, Astuicon, and Onicon. Most of them multiple times. A lot of Texas cons…and probably some others.

CA: How do all of these Cons compare to one another? Which are your favorites to attend and why?

LM: They all seem to have a very laid back feel. Some are more intense then others. I love seeing the different costumes and artists and what activities are going on. My favorite con so far would be San Diego Comic Con- it’s like a whole different world.

CA: What are some of your most memorable moments in costume at a Con?

LM: Hmm… Seth Green and Tyrese Gibson asked to take a picture with me at Comic Con, as well as a few wrestlers.

CA: Ever had any weird or awkward encounters with fans while on the Con floor? What happened?

LM: let’s see… I’ve had run-by huggings and interesting requests, such as when I was dressed as Catwoman someone asked if I could whip them with my whip [laughs].

CA: Have you met any of the creators of the characters you’ve depicted while in costume? What was their reaction?

LM: I’ve seen a few of the comic book artists in person and taken pictures while they draw, but I’ve never spoken with them due to fear of seeming too fan girlish & bugging them [laughs].

CA: Which costumes do you plan on debuting in 2011?

LM: Kitana of Mortal Kombat 9, Zafina of the Tekken Video Game, Lady Deathstrike, and something Terminator. 🙂

CA: What comics are you currently reading, and who are some of your favorite characters?

LM: I’ve actually went back to my old Catwoman comics (purple outfit). Batman and Catwoman I guess would be my main favorites. I have many.

CA: What do your friends and family think of your cosplay?

LM: They’re really supportive, and seem to enjoy seeing what I can create next.

CA: What do you do in “real life”?

LM: Job-wise or just in general? Job- acting, voice acting, modeling & promos, graphic/visual art.

CA: What acting/voice acting gigs have you booked? How about modeling shoots?

LM: Voice – small roles with Adv Films like the anime Magikano, and a few local anime indies. Acting – several commercials like Walmart, Feista, and Reebok shoes. Some TV, and I’m about to start filming for the feature film Katy Nation.

CA: Tell us more about your visual artist side and what you create.

LM: I’m always challenging myself and seeing what else can I create. I do a lot of fantasy and mythological looking digital art, as well as just simple retouching (as a note, I do not retouch my own photos; just don’t like to unless it’s just a background i’m adding [laughs]).  the last projects I made were a demon in a fiery cave and a mermaid underwater. One of my friends that models came over and I took pictures of her in a swimsuit, and then I turned her into a fish digitally. One of my next projects will involve something a little reptilian…

CA: Which martial arts do you study?

LM: Mixed Martial Arts, but Karate mostly. I was learning stunts for film with a stunt director, as well as Capoeira & Gymnastics, but for now that is on pause and I hope to return to it.

To check out more of Lana’s work, visit her official site, her Facebook page, and Twitter feed!

Be sure to view past editions of The Cosplayer Spotlight!

Andy Liegl
andy@comicattack.net