ROXY LEE GG - A FEARLESS MOTHER-HEN COSPLAYER

Now some people overcome hardships by moaning a lot. Whilst other people overcome hardships by messing about. But do you know how my great mate, Roxy Lee, overcomes this type of thing? Yep. That's Correct. Make-Up and Cosplay. Here, check out this conversation we had only the other day, whilst beating up a load of moaning old jokers.





1) What are your own origins, Roxy? Plus what path did you take in life before you got to where you are today?   I started as an athlete to be honest. I played competitive hockey and soccer since I was around 6, and that was basically my life until I was 16 to 18 years old.

Well, I wanted to be a professional athlete you see,  playing games in high school as well as performing arts. I started that pretty regularly and intensely too. I was doing four musicals a year, and took dance classes plus vocal classes on a regular basis.

I wasn't much into the geek community then, because I never had the time to sit back and get into it. But I always loved playing my brothers PC games (Like 'Unreal Tournament' and 'Dungeon Keeper') and reading his comics ('Gen13').

However, whilst I was at a College for the Performing Arts, I was in a car accident, and I had to drop out due to surgery. From then on in, a new me was born.

2) What are the most persistent comments you've received from your fans?   I have some really amazing people on my page. I try to refrain from using the word 'fan' as I do not feel I deserve to have them yet. I am working up to create a brand and business with my makeup, but until then, I just consider them acquaintances sharing in my art. 

I think the most comments I get is about my personality, and how I am outspoken and they enjoy that I don't shy away from anything. Furthermore, I love that they respect the fact I take the time to chat with all of them when I can -- that means a lot to me -- engaging with people, giving advice, and hearing their opinions. I'm not special. I don't deserve anything more than them. So why treat people as such? I'm just as human as they are. We are all here to have fun.

3) What is your ‘regular’ job? And does it in any way shape or form aide you as a Cosplayer?   My career is as a Special FX makeup artist, and I have been getting into that more and more by freelancing and working super hard. I was never trained in this profession, but I'm proud of the work I do. I am rather new to it, yet strive to be bigger and better as time goes on. 

Now I don't do a 9-5 shift because of the health issues I mentioned previously. However, I am working towards part time, so all my cosplays and such are funded by whatever I have in savings and just using whatever I have around the house.

I'm rather good with the affordable looks. And for sure my career in makeup definitely has shaped who I am as a cosplayer! All of my cosplays have some form of makeup effect in them, and is kind of a trade mark for me. I am known first and foremost as a makeup artist and then as a cosplayer. I hope. 

4) How did your friends, family, and work-colleagues first react to the news that you were a model?   I don't identify with being a 'model'. More so 'a personality' and 'an artist' of sorts. But I guess I do some modeling for my cosplays. I had done some modeling and acting before this though, so my family was rather used to seeing me in the spotlight, Ha! I grew up being that kid that craved attention and loved to act and perform, and I guess this is just another aspect of it.

My Mum is the most supportive human being I've ever known. She helps me with my costumes and shoots. Granted, my brother makes fun of it at times. But he still thinks its cool to see the shots and makeup. So I got kind of blessed with the family I have in that respect.

5) How do you decide what Cosplay costume to wear for a convention? And who makes them?   I make all of my costumes myself. Either from scratch, or I go thrift store shopping or around the house and deconstruct other outfits and piece them back together to form what I need. I sometimes purchase small items that I cannot make like contacts, hats, props etc. But then add to them embellishments. 

The only costume I have ever commissioned was my 'Mass Effect Shepard' outfit from my best friend, only because I know she is amazing at fabrication, and I wanted that cosplay to be perfect -- which it was -- I then did all the hair and makeup on my own though. 

I choose my costumes based on what I feel like wearing that day. What is comfortable. Where it is. The weather. How long I will be walking or standing in it. Some have heels. Some flats. So that's a factor. And if the pieces can easily fall off, then I do not want to do it in a crowded area. Other than that, I wake up and decide, Ha!

6) What have you learnt about yourself whilst being a Cosplay model? And were their any unforeseen obstacles you had to contend with along the way?   I've learnt that I am a rather defensive person by nature, and am super overprotective of my friends and people in this community. I am kind of known as a mother hen around these parts, Ha!

I've also learnt that I have a lot of courage to put myself out there. Feels good to feel confident and proud of something you've created. The unforeseen is just a given in any new hobby you embrace -- whether it be a popular culture or fandom -- there will always be an obstacle to face. 

I think facing the whole backlash of being a female in the gaming world is the biggest one. I am shocked that it is so uncommon for girls to know how to use their thumbs and press buttons. Men seem to think that only they can do such, Ha! We get it every day on Geek Girls. Someone trashing us for who they think we are based upon our photos. It gets old.

7) What was the best / worst convention you ever attended?   There hasn't been a worst one yet, thank God, Ha! The best is always 'Fan Expo Toronto', and until I can get to go to some more, it will always be one of my favorites. It is just so much fun. But I am looking forward to 'Niagra ComicCon'.

8) What would be your dream Cosplay gig and outfit?   My dream cosplay gig would be a live action Zoey cosplayer for the game, 'Left for Dead'. I have dreamt of that forever -- or being able to portray her in a film. 

To be honest with you, being a live action cosplayer for any of my favourite games would be a dream come true. Or to be able to become one of the first strictly cosplay makeup artists out there.

My dream outfit is a Big Sister / Eleanor Lamb from Bioshock -- working on it hehe!

9) Has there ever been an outfit you just did not like wearing? And if so, why?   Nope. Never will be to be either. I would never create something I didn't want to wear, and I would never continue to wear it if I felt uncomfortable or felt like it didn't suit me. I would never wear a costume simply because someone asked me to or paid me to do it.

I've always had to be happy with what I'm in or else what's the point? There are costumes that get a little uncomfortable after a while. Sure. Due to corsets and heels and layering. But that is just functionality, not happiness of the overall look.

10) Do you have a credo you live by?   Yes. And I say it often. 'What one person does should never directly affect how you yourself decide to live your life'. You should never be offended by another persons actions unless it personally interacts with your well being, and if it doesn't, then just simply ignore it and leave it be.

There is no reason to point out other peoples flaws or actions simply because you dislike them. There is so much else to do with your life than to waste time hurting others. Love you first and the rest will just fall into place.

Wow, Roxy! You really do have a wonderful way with word!. Don't you agree, dear readers? Good. You know what you have to do next. Please check out some of Ms Lee's wares on facebook, youtube,  and of course, geekxgirls.com. Go on. Click-Click. And remember to be nice. 

A big special thanks goes out to Jenn Leigh, GeekXGirls, Wandering Dana, and Superhero Photography, for taking such amazing pictures.