Conversations with Janine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janine. 

Hi Janine, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a little girl, I always enjoyed playing dress-up. It was such an adventure to pretend to be my favorite Disney princess, power ranger, or superhero and escape to their world for a little bit. I didn’t realize that people of all ages enjoy creating costumes and dressing up until I discovered the world of Cosplay (costume+play). About five years ago, a friend asked me to dress up as Moana for her daughter’s birthday. I have big curly hair, so I wouldn’t need a wig, but I had to figure out the rest of the costume! I quickly searched online for some premade adult costumes and some of the prices were ridiculous. I worked nights at the time, so I started searching more and more in my spare time and eventually found some great resources for making the costume myself. I used inexpensive fabric, Velcro, fabric glue (I can’t sew at all!), and a handmade stencil for some of the details. In total it was about $45 and after that, I was hooked! The joy that I found from creating something myself and bringing a character to life has opened up a new passion of mine as well as introducing me to a whole community of creatives and fellow cosplayers. From this growing passion of mine, I have made lifelong friends and have had an opportunity to be a judge in a few local competitions and speak in panels related to cosplay! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest issues, not only in cosplay but in today’s society, is the struggle to have a healthy body image. We are constantly exposed to a huge platform flooded with beautiful images of people. Whether or not their images are altered or photoshopped, it puts this idea in our head that if we don’t match up to this standard of beauty, we are considered to be inferior to them. This struggle also comes out in cosplay because, if you’ve seen any comic book, you’ll notice most costumes and suits are very tight or exposed. There’s a handful of trolls and bullies online that will criticize a cosplayer for not having the same physique as the character they’re representing. Accuracy is not the point at all when it comes to cosplay. In my opinion, the point is to have fun and feel empowered. One should be able to cosplay any character regardless of gender, race, body type and not feel criticism from others. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a full-time nurse and a part-time cosplayer! I enjoy creating costumes either from an online shop, commissioner, goodwill or crafting myself from foam or other inexpensive materials. I am most known for my Rogue cosplay from X-Men and Moana. I have grown in my crafts and have learned from other fellow cosplayers tips and tricks to bringing a character to life. I am not an expert in the slightest. There are so many amazing cosplayers who are foamsmiths, sew intricate pieces, fabricate their entire cosplay, and incorporate lights into their pieces. I am nowhere near that talented! I’ve learned to adapt and find simple pieces and making it easy to cosplay! I try to encourage others when they say that they want to cosplay, but feel like they aren’t talented enough. You don’t have to be an expert! I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned and I’m proud that I’m able to encourage others to give it a try. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
As a nurse, I experience with my patients some of the worst and most vulnerable moments of their lives. The pandemic not only made me more appreciative of my career, but it also put a lot of things into perspective. Our time on Earth is precious and limited. It would be such a shame to look back on life and think “what if.” We should be doing whatever it takes to be happy, even if it’s something that may seem unconventional or strange to others. During my job training, I learned of a healthcare worker who collected statements from their patients in a piece called “The Five Regrets of the Dying.” The first one resonated with me and it says this: “I wish I had lived a life true to myself and not a life that others expected of me.” 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j9lives/
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Image Credits
Ryan Sims Photography
Tristan Dudine Photography
FD Sedano Arts
Nate Takes
MC Illusion Photography
Operation Shutter
8 Bit Fusion Graphics