Stacey Rebecca

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There are many talented models and performers who bring their love & enthusiasm to dressing up as their favorite characters. Comic Book Critic will regularly showcase a performer who embodies this spirit of cosplaying.

Whether it’s creating the costume from scratch, altering the appearance of an existing one, or just getting into character, these performers spend a lot of time and effort on their craft. As much as we all enjoy seeing our favorite fictional characters represented in real life, let’s not forget the behind-the-scenes work that goes into that portrayal.

One thing is for certain though, their love of cosplaying shines through in their work.

The Comic Book Critic Featured Cosplayer Interview this week is:

Stacey Rebecca from London, England

Stacey Rebecca is an alt model from London, England who found herself involved in cosplay by chance. Now that she’s entered the world of cosplaying, Stacey really enjoys creating her own costumes and coming from a modeling background helps with her character portrayals.

Whether it’s creating a Magik costume or dressing up as Tina from Bob’s Burgers, Stacey Rebecca does a great job at merging her cosplaying and modeling abilities.

Since she’s an incredibly busy person, we were lucky enough to get an interview with the beautiful Stacey Rebecca – which you can read below!

How long have you been cosplaying and what was your first costume?

I’ve been cosplaying for about 2 years now – my first costume was Psylocke, which I made for a fancy dress party. She’s now had to be retired after some wear and tear so I’ll have to remake that one!

You started out in modeling, what made you decide cosplaying was something you wanted to pursue?

I started using costumes that I’d made or adapted for other purposes on my photoshoots to just play around and do something different. I didn’t really understand that cosplay was a thing until my Mary Jane Spider-Man #601 cover shot went viral and all of a sudden everyone was referring to me as a cosplayer! It was never a decision, really – I just got sucked into it and went ‘Okay then!’

Do you make and/or design all of your costumes?

Yes. Obviously some items are easier (and cheaper) to store buy and then adapt/customize but I try to make the majority of my costumes and props. The crafting aspect is what I enjoy most about cosplay, and I love learning new techniques!

Which was the most challenging or satisfying to make?

I think Magik (new Uncanny X-Men) was probably the most satisfying, because it was 99% made from scratch. I had never created a pattern piece before and it was my first experience working with Worbla but I just made it up as I went along, and somehow it worked out really well!

What are some your favorite costumes to wear?

Magik and Psylocke, probably. They are just so kickass, and the costumes are shiny and in your face, so I always feel like I can channel my inner badass in them. Both super fun to wear!

You were at NYCC ’13 in October, have you ever attended any Comic Cons outside of the UK before?

The only other non-UK convention that I’ve attended so far was Megacon in Florida, March 2013. It was my first US con and was totally overwhelming in terms of size and crowd numbers. It was so much fun though and Florida is magical. NYCC was bigger than I ever could have imagined, but it was truly amazing. I really hope to check out the West coast some time soon!

By the tattoo on your torso, you seem to really enjoy Assassin’s Creed. What are some of your favorite video games?

Kingdom Hearts is a series that has a special place in my heart, it was a place I escaped to growing up. That’s what gaming is to me, mostly – pure escapism. I love it. It’s also why I don’t play online mulitplayer!

What are some other tattoos that you have in mind for the future?

I have a Harry Potter tattoo planned that is just awaiting funds – a big Fawkes (the phoenix) on my thigh. And then maybe something for my Mum!

Did you read any comics while growing up and do you read any now?

I only really started reading comics when I was about 18 – I was really into the Tim Burton Batman movies and was fascinated by the character, so I started picking up classic Batman books. Not much has changed since then, I am still in love with Batman and it takes a lot of persuasion for me to read anything else! At the moment I am SUPER into the New 52 Batwoman run, oh my god. I’m also slowly getting into X-Men!

Are there particular things that are bothersome when cosplaying in public?

I’m not actually that big a fan of cosplaying in public – I much prefer closed photoshoots. I’m quite shy generally and I don’t think much of my people skills, so sometimes cosplaying at conventions is a really stressful experience for me. I’m really lucky that I have a bunch of cosplay friends from all over the world now so that wherever I go there will be someone there to hang out with and make me feel at home.

What do you enjoy the most about it?

The actual crafting of the costume is my favorite part about cosplay – I just love solving problems and learning how to work with new materials. So I guess the thing I enjoy most about actually cosplaying is receiving compliments about my work, I’m always improving and honing my skills so it’s good to get some positive feedback from time to time!

What’s one of your most memorable moments while cosplaying?

It has to be the day I met J Scott Campbell, the artist on the Amazing Spider-Man #601 cover that I replicated (and am known for!) I went to see him dressed as Mary Jane and it was amazing to finally meet him and thank him for all of his support. We both got some photos on our phones of the occasion!

Who are some of your favorite cosplayers?

There are SO MANY! Masubi is one of my closest cosplay friends and a huge inspiration to me. I also love Nicole Marie Jean, Black Cat and Alexia Jean Grey. I could go on and on and on, there are so many talented ladies out there and I have been lucky enough to meet so many of them and call them my friends. I am inspired every day on my Facebook feed by so many amazing cosplayers!

Has cosplay changed at all since you began?

The whole ‘popularity’ thing is really weird to me and it does feel very competitive sometimes. I just try to keep my focus on what’s important to me – enjoying my craft, having fun with it and giving back to my followers.

You attend both Anime Cons and Comic Cons, what do you find to be the biggest differences between both of them, at least in the UK?

I’m not really into anime so I usually find the anime cons a little strange, I guess because I don’t know any of the characters or understand any of the references!

What advice do you have for someone just starting out?

Research. Google and YouTube are the best things in the world. Network! I have made so many friends this year who are so helpful and kind. Cosplayers generally tend to be super keen to share their knowledge with you – all you have to do is ask!

If you could change anything since you started, what would it be?

I’m not sure I would change anything… All my mistakes along the way have helped me to develop my skills and learn new things – and that’s the fun part for me :)

What does the future hold for you?

I’m always trying to think bigger and take on more challenging cosplays! I’m hoping to try out some sculpting, moulding and casting – something I’ve not touched on before. I love learning to work with new materials so that’s the big one for me!

Thanks for the interview Stacey Rebecca! We look forward to seeing a lot more of your cosplay and modeling work in the future!

If you’d like to book Stacey Rebecca for convention appearances, modeling opportunities, or other work – you can do so here.