Victoria: How long have you been costuming?
Lucid: Ive been sewing my own costumes since 2002 but was putting together costumes from found items back in 1998. My first costume was Mileena from the original mortal Kombat game. I was part of a martial arts demonstration team and we all dressed as the characters for our fight skits. I bought a purple dance leotard and cut up purple tights for the "boots," gloves, and face mask. I was pretty much hooked after that.
Victoria: Where did you learn how to sew?
Lucid: My grandmother taught me how to hand sew when I was little so I could make dresses for my stuffed animals. I was in the 8th grade when my mom bought me an inexpensive sewing machine and she showed me the basics. I learned a lot from a course I took in college. The rest has been a lot of trial and error.
Victoria: What advice would you give to people who want to learn how to hand stitch and use a sewing machine but dont know how? Where can they learn?
Lucid: Definitely take a class. Working on your own and trying to teach yourself is a good start, but Ive learned most of the really important stuff from watching someone else. Its a great way to learn how to take care of your machine and keep it running smoothly, getting the basics down, learning the little tips and tricks that make projects easier, and its always nice to have someone who knows what theyre doing answer questions and point you in the right direction.
Victoria: Youve done many versions of Poison Ivy. How many have you done and which one is your favorite?Lucid: Oh man... I think Ive done 6 variations of Ivy: two Classic, two 1950s style, a spring time Ivy, and a Disney Princess Ivy. While I have always loved the classic Ivy, Id have to say the 50s Ivy has been my favorite. Its sassy without showing too much and I adore period fashion. But I will say I still cant get over wearing the giant princess dress. I dont care what anyone says, big dresses are fun!
Victoria: What are your thoughts on Ivys costume in the New 52?
Lucid: I really like the New 52 Ivy. Its a completely different look for her and thats what makes it interesting. Ivy is one of the few characters that doesnt have to be canon to get the love. I have seen so many versions of her out there. I get excited going to D*C (Dragon Con) because of the giant Bat Family shoot. Seeing all the variants of Ivy and how everyone does her differently is the best! It shows shes more personality than costume. I am currently planning another 4-5 incarnations of Ivy, including the New 52 look.
Victoria: What is the most complicated outfit you have ever created?
Lucid: Id have to say the costume Im working on right now probably takes the cake on that one. Yuuko Ichihara from xxxHolic is a character known for her lavish lifestyle, so this incorporates a lot of different elements - from a traditional Japanese kimono to hand beading, creating custom appliqués... Im even trying my hand at props making, which is a first for me. Ive learned a lot from previous costumes that I can use for this character. I was thrilled to figure out a way to make the obi into the shape of a butterfly! I love being able to learn new techniques to use on future projects.
Victoria: What costumes do you have planned for the future?
Lucid: Too many. But I think thats par for the course with costuming. Im currently planning on re-working "Femy" (gender bent Gambit), Black Canary, other seasons of Ivy, and a few more I havent quite hashed out the details for as of yet.Victoria: In addition to being an accomplished costumer, you have also appeared in a comic book. Can you tell me about that?
Lucid: Ive been fortunate enough to meet some of the most wonderful people at conventions. I met Chris and Alan Hebert, creators of Hb Comics, at Wizard World Philly a few years back and Im so fortunate to say weve become good friends. I was flattered and humbled (and really excited, I wont lie) when I was asked if they could use my likeness in their comic called Lazerman for one of the member so the villainous Diamond Gang, named Pearl. They debuted the issue with Pearl this year at Philly and surprised me with the character as a standee on their table! I surprised them by creating the costume for Pearl for the con. I may sound like Im geeking out, but its so cool seeing your face in a comic book!
Victoria: Where can people contact you and view a port of your work?
Lucid: Im a horrible self-promoter. I can be reached via my Facebook personal page or my Fan Page and email: Lucid Cosplay (lucid.cosplau@gmail.com).
