Interview with Jen Eyre

Amazing Cosplay

In April 2019, we attended Star Wars Celebration and had an amazing time. While the wife and I did most of the convention together, we did do a couple of things on our own. I went to the Cosplay Contest and had a great time. It’s amazing how much work goes into making a great cosplay.

I figured I would reach out to a few of the cosplayers to learn how they approach their craft. Jen Eyre won the needlework contest with an amazing Padme dress. The detain of her work that went into it was breathtaking.

Our Interview with Jen Eyre

What first got you interested in cosplay? How long have you been cosplaying?

I first started cosplaying at DragonCon in 2016. A friend I knew from community theatre had introduced me to LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) and friends I met LARPing introduced me to DragonCon! I’d been making costumes for theatre and LARP for years, so I was excited to challenge myself with making screen accurate cosplay costumes.

What is the hardest part of cosplaying for you?

Fitting all the costumes I want to wear into my schedule and my suitcases!

What are the three most essential things to have with you when cosplaying at a convention?

In costumes without pockets, a way to carry things. Other than that, a room key, a way to securely attach your badge while still being able to hide it in pictures (I have a slim lanyard I loop around a belt in the back, or double safety pin inside jackets or vests), and a phone.

What was the best cosplaying advice you have received?

Always leave yourself plenty of extra time between photo shoots. Changing costumes (and hair and makeup) always takes longer than you’ll think.

Plus, you often have to budget in plenty of time getting stopped for pictures on your way to the location.

What is the one piece of advice you would give cosplayers?

Compare yourself to yourself, and not to other people. Be satisfied by noting your own growth and progress, and not by trying to feel “better” than anyone else or trying to be the “best” version of a character.

There are many great communities dedicated to supporting people building certain characters. Sharing your resources and knowledge and helping others build the characters you’ve built is so much more satisfying than hoarding your knowledge and jealously guarding some imaginary status of being “the best.”

What is your favorite cosplay? Why?

I’m going to cheat and pick my two favorites!

My classic Senatorial Leia is my favorite to wear when trooping because I love how excited little girls are to see Leia! I also cherish interactions with older girls and women who grew up seeing Leia as a hero. She was the reason so many of us fell in love with Star Wars, and was so important to us at a time when strong female heroines were few and far between.

At conventions, Cruella de Porg is my favorite to wear because of the reactions when people realize what she is. It usually takes people a minute to register, and both people who love Porgs and those who hate Porgs get a kick out of it! It is such a fun costume to wear!

What was the hardest cosplay to create? Why was it so hard to make?

My stormtrooper was the hardest because it was the first time I’d ever worked with hard armor. I usually challenge myself in some way with my sewing projects, but in that area I’m always building on a pretty solid skill set. With the armor, I was starting from scratch. Fortunately, there are a lot of great resources available to help. The other challenge was that trimming stormtrooper armor requires a lot of upper body strength. I had to go slowly so my hands and arms didn’t quit on me!

What cosplayers do you look to for inspiration?

I’m not sure I can point to just one cosplayer. I feel most inspired by the groups of cosplayers who work together to support each other and help each other with their builds! On Facebook, there are groups for almost every character or fandom you can imagine. I love following what everyone is working on and seeing how quickly people jump in to help when there are questions.

How has cosplaying affected your daily life?

I probably wouldn’t keep my hair quite this long if it weren’t for cosplaying Princess Leia!

In all seriousness, the biggest impact is that I’ve made so many friends in the Star Wars and cosplay communities. I’ve learned so much from them, from sewing techniques to hair and makeup tips, and have gotten to have so much fun with a giant amazing community of nerds!

Where would you direct someone who has never cosplayed to start?

First, decide on your goal!

Is it screen accuracy and/or membership in one of the Star Wars fan costuming organizations? Great! Start with your local fan group!

To have fun and meet other people who appreciate the character? Great! Look for one of that character’s groups on Facebook!

How did your education prepare you for cosplaying?

I have a degree in English and a Master of Arts in Teaching. My formal education taught me how to conduct detailed research! While I focused on literature and education in college, now I research obscure costume details and construction techniques!

What do you look for in a photographer when you are cosplaying?

I look for a photographer who does amazing things with light.

What upcoming cons will you be attending?

Fan Expo Boston and DragonCon

Where can people find you online?

I share patterns and tutorials on JenEyre.com. On instagram and twitter, I’m @JenEyreCosplay. You can also find me on Facebook.

You can catch Jen at Dragon Con this weekend!

Some of Jen Eyre’s Costumes!!!

Senatorial Leia by Robbins Studios

Holdo and Qi’ra at SWCC by B. Marchulaitis Photography for Nerd Caliber

Fireside Padme and Hoth Leia by Dan Tooine Studios

Ceremonial Leia by GCF Photography

Cruella de Porg by Bryan Humphrey https://www.facebook.com/MSwaC/ or

Imperial Staff Officer by Hero Dreams Imaging