Cosplay and modeling are closely linked, let’s be honest cosplayers are in high demand at cons and not only re their costumes on point, but their poses are too. Lauren B is at the pinnacle of both. We are honored that she took time out to answer our questions.
You’re a fantastic model and cosplayer, which came first, the cosplay or the modeling? And what prompted you to start doing both?
Cosplay was my first love 🙂 I’ve been dressing up since I was young and just never grew out of it. My real first time cosplaying came when the Game of Thrones show was announced. I was a huge fan of the ASOIAF book series so I jumped at the chance to create a costume and perform as my favourite little dragon queen with my real-life leather clad Drogo in tow 🙂 the thrill of getting to perform as a character I admired gave me boundless confidence. As a then 8 year Renaissance faire performer, it was the perfect cocktail for performance, creation, and glorifying my favourite fandoms. Modeling came organically as the confidence bloomed.
Which characters do you tend to gravitate towards and why? And which cosplay is your favourite?
I gravitate towards characters I already have an established relationship with, generally. Characters I really love or have shaped me as a person, like Leeloo or Red Sonja! I also tend to pick characters for conventions that I love that also have big personalities since performance is such a huge part of cosplay for me. I need to be able to change my voice, the way I walk, how I interact. My favourite cosplay is a toss up between my Classic BTAS Harley Quinn (she’s just too much fun and means a lot to me *does voice impersonation* and Tiny Tina from Borderlands 2. I get a full transformation with these two girls and I absolutely love it.
What sort of things do you look for in images that you really love?
Modeling images must make me feel something. I love the telling of a story and the combination of composed art and luck that happens when a model and a photographer get together. I value images with intense light and soft features. I especially love images that harness the power of fantasy and creativity.
What for you have been the most challenging images to create, and which have been the most enjoyable?
At first it was difficult for me to pose completely nude. Like most geeks, I was bullied in my youth and have undergone some trauma that had caused me to view my body in an unhealthy way: I never really thought I was pretty or sexy. Getting naked and shooting was incredibly difficult, vulnerable. However, my nudes and implied nudes have been the most liberating for me, as I’ve combated the anxious inner monologue of my mind and created beautiful art. I’ve taken my power back from childhood abusers and have created a greater sense of self within this art form. When I started my Onlyfans, I got an even bigger taste of my own blooming self confidence. I can’t thank my supporters enough for all that they have unknowingly done for me in that regard. That confidence has allowed me to unabashedly style myself for every shoot, really leaning into my alternative style and helping me to create the brand little goth Lauren always dreamed of!
What has been the most memorable reaction / comment to your images?
It boggles my mind when a supporter sees an image and personality messages me about how my journey to confidence and self love has inspired them and how they can truly see my personal growth when they look at my early cosplay images and then look at my current modeling images. It is beyond humbling, and these relationships and connections are the whole reason why I’m public my art, my workouts, and my mental health. There are people out there watching, and you never know how your journey will help another reflect on theirs.
In cosplay, what characters would you like to play but haven’t yet done so?
I’m a huge Betsy Braddock (Psylocke) fan, but I fear donning her spandex or latex. How could I possibly do her justice? I used to read the X-Men comics and think to myself how emotionally and physically strong Betsy was. She was always willing to sacrifice herself or her power for her friends. I admired that and I put her on a pedestal. I would also love to cosplay Tira from Soul Calibur, I think she’d be so fun!!
When cosplaying, in playing the character, do you find you end up with very different images?
The images I get of my characters are absent of Lauren. When I’m in character, Lauren doesn’t exist. It’s like therapy for me. When I shoot a cosplay, I’m not thinking of my modeling angles, I’m thinking of how the character would pose. Character photography is my most favourite.
What has been the nicest thing a fan / follower had said or done to/ for you?
I am always honoured when folks comment with “Tina in real life” or something along those lines. It means I’ve done my job, I’ve made them smile. I love bringing fictional characters into our world. In the case of modeling images, I am always honoured when someone comments on my confidence “you’ve come a long way” or “I love that true smile”. I’m not just a clothes (or lack thereof) hanger. I’m a person with deep emotions and I adore when people see more in an image than just the assets.
What has been the most challenging costume to make and why?
Leeloo from the 5th Element. I worked on the confidence and body for her for over 14 years. I hand-coloured a blonde wig orange and still haven’t quite gotten to the point of perfection I want for her orange suspender outfit. She’s a huge piece of my life and I want to do her justice. My mind keeps getting in the way.
If someone sees you at a con, what’s the best way for them to ask to take a picture of you?
The best way to get my attention for pictures is to aim the camera at me or ask. Don’t be sneaky about it, like when I’m eating or bent over. If you want a picture WITH me, ask, especially if you want to put your arm around me or want a custom pose. Just please be respectful: if you wouldn’t want it done to you, don’t do it to me! It’s as easy as that!
You can follow Lauren here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/95percentlauren
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