From geek-chic wannabes to how to create your own cosplay outfit, Rochelle Anne is the girl to ask if you want to know what’s happening in the nerd world.
With a lifelong admiration for comic artists and classic videos games, Rochelle Anne knows what it takes to make it in the geek world.
So what does she think of the girls PRETENDING to be geeks and what conventions might you spot her at this summer? We asked her all this and more.
JHS: What is the costume you are most proud of cosplaying?
The costume I am most proud of is Kitana from Mortal Kombat 2011 (a.k.a. MK9). Mortal Kombat was the first fighting game I ever played as a kid, and I loved it. I thought the characters were so cool, and I always said I wanted to grow up and be just like Kitana, since she was my favorite. I didn’t know that you actually could, and I’m happy to say that I fulfilled a childhood dream!
JHS: We’re coming up on some big conventions this summer, do you have a favorite to attend?
My favorite convention will always be San Diego Comic-Con. Even though it’s getting more and more crowded every year, there’s no other convention near me that has all the things I love in one place. I always have fun and enjoy my time there, even if most of the time I’m waiting in line with friends. In fact, SDCC is where I met my first cosplay friends. They’re the ones responsible for me really getting into cosplay, and I would never have been able to do anything without them!
I also love SDCC because I get to meet the writers and artists I’ve grown to admire from being exposed to so much of their work. Reading comics is my favorite hobby, so that’s why most of my costumes are comic-based. I was so happy when I got to meet Craig Kyle and Chris Yost (the creators of X-23). Craig came up to me as I was doing a photoshoot outside of the convention as X-23, said he had to take a picture with me, and told me I did a great job on the details! It has been my favorite fan moment to this day.
JHS: What advice would you have for someone that had a character they wanted to cosplay but had no idea how to construct one of their own? How should they/did you start?
I had some awesome friends teach me by helping me make my first few costumes. I also had no idea how to start, but asking people for help is one of the best resources you have. After you learn the basics of everything, it just takes time and practice. Every costume has its unique characteristics, so you really learn how to be creative when you decide on how you’re going to bring it to life. The only thing I’d say to avoid is just settling for normal clothing that “somewhat” looks like the outfit.
Just jump in head first and start putting things together, because you’ll never know what you’re capable of unless you try!
JHS: We did a piece a while back about “20 signs a gamer girl isn’t really a geek“? Do you have any thoughts on girls that are “posers” or any direct signs where a guy should be able to tell a difference?
I do have a very strong opinion on this. Ever since geek things have become “hip,” there have been many girls claiming that they’re geeks to seem cool. If the girl is actually trying to get into the geek culture and is genuinely interested, I love it. It makes me glad to see that more people appreciate the things we appreciate.
Conversely, if the girl is just plain pretending because she wants attention, yet isn’t really interested, it annoys me to no end. Unfortunately, life is full of people like that, so we either have to ignore them or call them out on it. For example, if a girl says she’s a huge fan of Batman and knows everything about him, ask her to name all of the Robins. Or all the Batgirls. But with that approach, you can only quiz them on things they claim to know. It’s not really fair to judge otherwise, because not all geeks are fans of the same things.
JHS: Are you able to cosplay “full-time” or do you have a day job? What would be the perfect occupation to balance what you do? (e.g. Pro gamer, wardrobe designer, etc)
I’m currently applying for medical school to be a pediatrician, and I’ve been trying to get a side job in my field of study for the past year (with no luck). I would love any science-related jobs because I have such a passion for it, but one of my dream jobs is being a science consultant for Marvel or any other comic book company. There have been so many instances where I’m reading a really good story arc, but something is said that makes absolutely no sense scientifically, and I throw my hands up in frustration.
An example of this is in Marvel’s Secret Invasion story arc, when Deadpool gets captured by the Skrulls. They decide to clone the DNA for his healing factor into some Skrull soldiers, but they presumably explode because of this. Deadpool explains that his healing factor “gives him more cells for the ones that cancer kills.” Hold that thought. As someone who has worked in a cancer research laboratory, I know that cancer is defined as the unregulated growth of cells (you know, how you get tumors).
I sat there going, “YOU MEAN THEY GAVE HIM CANCER ON TOP OF HIS CANCER?!” But yes, I would absolutely love to help them out with that kind of stuff!
To follow Rochelle Anne and keep up with her cosplay over the convention season, make sure to subscribe to her facebook page and check out her website on Deviant Art.
Paul Nyhart – who has written 879 posts on The Jace Hall Show.
Paul Nyhart has been the Head Editor and Writer of JaceHallShow.com since Season 3. He began his career as a sports announcer, segueing into the world of voice-over and film production. Send all tips to Paul@HDfilms.com

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