This week’s featured cosplayer is Courtney Paige. Courtney is a Central Texas based cosplayer who is a full time mother, a model, an aspiring actress and and artist. If all of that is not enough to keep her busy, she is also a member of MENSA and is an influencer. How does she do all this while maintaining a culture in the geek world? Read on to find out.
(Danniel Slade) Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
(Courtney Paige) I am a model and aspiring actress/ rising entertainer/ artist. I joined the international high IQ society known as Mensa in 2015. I have since attended cosplay conventions at least twice hailing various star wars themed characters. My first encounter was in 2016 dressed as Princess Leia. 2017 I teamed up with photographer William Whisenhunt to get some cosplay photo action! A few posters from our shoot have been featured at www.homeofstarwars.com
(DS) How long have you been cosplay modeling?
(CP) I picked it up in 2016, so just a few years.
(DS) When did you first start cosplaying?
(CP) I first did cosplay a few years ago in 2016 as an ambassador for the Mensa society at a Geekfest convention as Princess Leia. I didn’t really know much about cosplay, but as I got more into modeling and acting I took the opportunity to have fun with some different characters.
(DS) As a cosplay model, how would you say your job differs from a typical cosplayer?
(CP) I just have more experience doing promos and photography than some of the artists who develop techniques for their character cosplays and outfits, but I could see myself becoming more involved as an actual cosplayer in the future.
(DS) Are there any achievements that you are proud of?
(CP). My fan base really grew with my first appearance as the Stormtrooper, which was done on a photo shoot with photographer William Whisenhunt and used as the main photo for my run for Miss Jet Set 2017 . I placed 6th in my region. I have been featured in Hashtag American Mag as a model and have done a photo ad for Little Caesars Pizza. I also had the opportunity to host parties with Comedy Central, Google and National Geographic with my work in the entertainment industry.
(DS) What is your favorite fandom to cosplay from?
(CP) I have recently been inspired by the Guardians of the Galaxies themes, and anything Marvel is fun. My favorite character right now is Gamora would love to do a GOG cosplay!
(DS) What do you consider your most memorable cosplay to be?
(CP) Probably the female stormtrooper I did in 2017. I sold fan posters and got 1k hits on my modeling page and even made an appearance at Bell County Comic Con.
(DS) As a Star Wars cosplayer, what is your opinion of The Last Jedi and the new Star Wars movies?
(CP) I like some of the characters, but miss the relationships from the older movies. The last Jedi had an enlightening storyline so that was cool.
(DS) What is a modeling annoyance of yours?
(CP) Getting the right makeup artists and team to help with your look, doing it by myself works well but I’ve had some amazing results working with other brilliant artists and then, some not so amazing stuff.. Its about meshing with the right team in the right way.
(DS) Have you ever had anything embarrassing happen to you while modeling for a shoot?
(CP) I recently did an underwater shoot, and I kept swallowing and breathing water, so in between shots I was choking, spitting, and burping a lot… It wasn’t pretty lol
(DS) If there was one animal you would compare yourself to what would it be and why.
(CP) I’ve made the Tiger like my totem, because they don’t hunt in packs in comparison to other big cats or animals, they are pretty independent, and I think they’re beautiful.
(JP) What is your favorite trick for taking a good modeling picture?
(CP) Practice being comfortable with yourself, I use a mirror sometimes, self awareness is key.
(JP) What was your last convention you got to attend?
(CP) 2017 Bell County Comic Con
(DS) Do you have any plans to attend any future conventions?
(CP) I hope to go to Bell County Comic Con again this year.
(DS) What does cosplay/modeling mean to you?
(CP) Being able to express elements of introversion and creativity with others in a way that couldn’t otherwise be shared… Its great to connect with other people who like the same things you do.
(DS) What do you like to do when you are not Cosplaying or Modeling?
(CP) When I’m not posing in front of the camera, or dressing up and playing make believe. I tour various art shows and show my work in acrylics, oils, and blown ink! I also write poetry. I am anticipating the release of my first poetry book this year “The Darker Side of The Rainbow.
I’ve also been developing myself as an artist /expressionist /influencer. I use Cosplay to capture the different elements of my personality and blend it into my artwork , my characters are very protagonist but slightly antagonistic at times.. I’m also writing some poetry for publication.. I’m also a full time mom, working in the creative industry allows me to be at home with my kids and make my own schedule, I’m expecting my third baby in October! I have recently done some maternity work as well! And my kiddos even got in on the cosplay fun!!
(DS) How can our audience find out more about you?
(CP) Here are my social media handles: Instagram: @courtneypaigeadams, Facebook: www.facebook.com/courtneypaigemodel, and my website is www.courtneypaigeadams.com
