Comic Books Magazine

Vanessa Wedge – Featured Cosplayer Interview

Posted on the 29 January 2016 by Comicscritic @comicscritic

Vanessa Wedge

Vanessa Wedge as Jubilee (Photo by Glen Co Photography)Vanessa Wedge as Jubilee (Photo by Glen Co Photography)

There are many talented models and performers who bring their love & enthusiasm to dressing up as their favorite characters. Comic Book Critic will occasionally 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 is:

Vanessa Wedge from Calgary, AB, Canada

Vanessa Wedge as Lady Sif (Photo by Plutopia Productions)
Vanessa Wedge as Lady Sif (Photo by Plutopia Productions)

Vanessa Wedge from Calgary shows that she’s capable of doing many things, and she does them well. From crafting costumes and modeling to playing bass and singing in a band, she’s channels her creativity for everyone to see.

Vanessa managed to find some time for the interview in her busy schedule. Find out a little more about this extremely talented musician, model, and cosplayer.

Vanessa Wedge as Silk (Photo by Plutopia Productions)
Vanessa Wedge as Silk (Photo by Plutopia Productions)
Vanessa Wedge as Silk (Photo by Plutopia Productions)
Vanessa Wedge as Silk (Photo by Plutopia Productions)

Why did you decided to start cosplaying & when did you start?

I started cosplay in 2003. I was always creative and artistic as a child, and I loved playing dress up, and fashion. So when I found photos of people dressed as characters from games and anime I liked online, I had to try it too.

Vanessa Wedge as Princess Jasmine (Photo by InsomniaArt)
Vanessa Wedge as Princess Jasmine (Photo by InsomniaArt)
Vanessa Wedge as Tifa (Photo by Plutopia Productions)
Vanessa Wedge as Tifa (Photo by Plutopia Productions)

What made you want to do more cosplays?

Luckily when I started, there was an anime con in town. Otafest was pretty much the only event I knew about. Having at these that con, and meeting people that were also interested in cosplay really kept me going.

Vanessa Wedge as Marceline the Vampire Queen (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Marceline the Vampire Queen (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Marceline the Vampire Queen (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Marceline the Vampire Queen (Photo by Adam Woz)

Which was the most challenging of your costumes to make?

Lulu from Final Fantasy X

What video games do you find yourself playing the most?

Final Fantasy VIII

Vanessa Wedge as X-23, Marvel vs Capcom 3 version (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as X-23, Marvel vs Capcom 3 version (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Laura Matsuda (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Laura Matsuda (Photo by Adam Woz)

Did you grow up reading comics and do you read them now?

I didn’t really have comics when I was a kid. I do now though. I’m an X-Men fan, but I love other series like Saga, and Fables for example.

Vanessa Wedge as Jubilee (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Jubilee (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Chun-li, Street Fighter (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Chun-li, Street Fighter (Photo by Adam Woz)

Did you consider yourself a nerd or geek when you were younger, and do you do so now?

I was totally a nerd when I was a kid. I never wanted to fit in. Still don’t.

Vanessa Wedge as Rocket Raccoon Marvel vs Capcom 3 version (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Rocket Raccoon Marvel vs Capcom 3 version (Photo by Adam Woz)

You’re in a band called They Look Like Cougars. Could you tell us a little about the band?

Super fun nerdy-alt-rock. I play bass and sing back up. Look us up on iTunes. Our EP is on there!

Vanessa Wedge as Bloodborne Hunter (Photo by Aran Wilkison-Blanc)
Vanessa Wedge as Bloodborne Hunter (Photo by Aran Wilkison-Blanc)
Vanessa Wedge as Bloodborne Hunter (Photo by JwaiDesign Photography)
Vanessa Wedge as Bloodborne Hunter (Photo by JwaiDesign Photography)

Who are some of your musical influences?

Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Ninja Sex Party

Vanessa Wedge as Elektra (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Elektra (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Elektra (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Elektra (Photo by Adam Woz)

How do you find the time to play in a band, model, cosplay, and do everything else?

I’m always pretty busy, but I manage. I have a morning job, band practice once or twice a week in the evening. Everything else in between.

Vanessa Wedge as Psylocke (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Psylocke (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Psylocke X-Force Shunya Yamashita Kotobukiya version (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Psylocke X-Force Shunya Yamashita Kotobukiya version (Photo by Adam Woz)

So what do your non-cosplay friends think of your cosplaying?

They think I’m super creative and talented. I don’t think they completely grasp how nerdy it is.

Vanessa Wedge as Scarlet Witch (Photo by DMacStudios)
Vanessa Wedge as Scarlet Witch (Photo by DMacStudios)

If you could only do either fashion modeling or cosplaying, which would you choose and why?

I think I’d keep cosplaying. It’s a huge creative outlet for me.

Vanessa Wedge as Maya from Dragon Quest Heroes (Photo by Aka Maple)
Vanessa Wedge as Maya from Dragon Quest Heroes (Photo by Aka Maple)
Vanessa Wedge as Satsuki Kiryuin - Kill la Kill (Photo by InsomniaArt)
Vanessa Wedge as Satsuki Kiryuin - Kill la Kill (Photo by InsomniaArt)

If you could pick one motivating factor that makes you keep coming back to creating new costumes and cosplaying, what would that be?

Every step of cosplay keeps me coming back. Finding a character that I like. Constructing the costume. Modeling it, and sharing the photos with fans. Each part of it brings me joy.

Vanessa Wedge as Lady Sif (Photo by Plutopia Productions)
Vanessa Wedge as Lady Sif (Photo by Plutopia Productions)

What’s one of your most memorable moments while in costume?

The day I met Danny Sexbang while dressed as Danny Sexbang.

Vanessa Wedge as Rocket Raccoon Marvel vs Capcom 3 version (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Rocket Raccoon Marvel vs Capcom 3 version (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Silk (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Silk (Photo by Adam Woz)

Do you have other cosplayers that you admire?

I really like Joanie Brosas. She does what she wants and doesn’t put up with people’s crap.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out?

Be yourself, do what you love.

Vanessa Wedge as Psylocke (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Psylocke (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Psylocke (Photo by Adam Woz)
Vanessa Wedge as Psylocke (Photo by Adam Woz)

Do you currently have any works in progress?

At this time, I’m just finishing up my Boa Hancock from One Piece. Mostly just planning shoots for Red from Transistor and a Final Fantasy VII group.

Vanessa Wedge as Bloodborne Hunter (Photo by Micktography)
Vanessa Wedge as Bloodborne Hunter (Photo by Micktography)

What does the future hold for you?

Probably going to be a rock star.

Vanessa Wedge as Silk (Photo by Plutopia Productions)
Vanessa Wedge as Silk (Photo by Plutopia Productions)

Thank you Vanessa for allowing us to know a little more about your interests. We look forward to seeing more of your work and hearing your band in the future.

Vanessa Wedge Links

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Storenvy

Photographer Credits

JwaiDesign Photography

Aran Wilkison-Blanc

Micktography

Adam Woz

Aka Maple

Plutopia Productions

InsomniaArt

Glen Co Photography

NERD BLOCK: Comic-Con, Delivered Monthly. Join Now. Geek Tested. Nerd Approved.

DMacStudios

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