In our 5th installment of this Cosplay interview series, I talked to the Scruffy Rebel that is Victoria Schmidt. An English Lit student from Californey town, Victoria really puts 110% into everything she does; be it her studies, her cosplay; and, it seems, even writing a most epic reply to my interview questions! When I received them, I felt like I wanted to stand up and start a golf clap they were that good. We applaud you Miss Rebel…. bravo.
I therefore will not subject you anymore to my inferior linguistic skills and present to you: Victoria Schmidt … enjoy!
www.scruffyrebel.com
www.facebook.com/scruffyrebelcosplay
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The Person Behind the Costume
So who is Victoria Schmidt when she isn’t dressing up in costumes and looking good in front of a camera? Where are you from, Do you have a Job, go to Uni, have any pets? What does a good night for you consist of etc?
I’m a born and raised Southern California girl, and come from a really wonderful and caring family. I have 4-year old twin nieces that I dote on whenever I can. I have a Master’s in English Literature, and share my Mom’s daydream of wanting to be a perpetual student. If only!
Sadly I was laid off last November and continue to live in unemployment limbo, which has a lot of pros and cons, such as having all the time in the world to do everything I’ve ever dreamed, but with no way to afford it. It’s been an interesting year, to say the least.
A good night for me consists of the purest laziness – lounging on the couch watching TV with the boyfriend and my beloved Bengal cat. We also have a white rabbit that I’m determined to use in a Zatanna cosplay someday!
You mentioned in your email you have a lot of 501st friends over here in the UK, Ever visited Her Majesty’s Great Isles before? And are you a member of the 501st yourself?
I adore England. While there are places I’d love to visit, like Japan and Italy, I would want to go back to London again and again and again if given the chance. I’m enamoured with the culture, history, landscape, and of course, the literature of England. I’ve visited twice, once with my Mom and Sister, and then again for Celebration Europe with my boyfriend. CE was hands down one of the most amazing and special trips of my life. The UK 501st and Rebel Legions members are nothing short of spectacular and some of the best people in the Star Wars community.
Surprisingly, I am actually NOT a 501st member! Even after all these years of doing 501st/Rebel Legion events, I still haven’t put together a costume that would qualify for the 501st. I really need to sit down and just put together an Imperial outfit already, geesh!
It says in your Bio: “I’m a 20 something geek who loves, well, a lot of stuff! Movies, cartoons, TV, books, comics, etc.” If you had to choose one of these as being your main Geekism, what would it be, why and what would be your top 5 be in that area (ie. Top 5 films.)
Shoot, that’s a really tough question! I’m pretty ADD when it comes to my fandoms, I’m always jumping from one to another, or multitasking a bunch at once. I’ve always considered myself a jack of all trades, master of nothing. I’d probably lose to most people in a contest covering just one topic because I’ve devoted myself to so many that I’m not an expert in any one of them. If I picked cartoons as my main Geekism, the only thing on the list would probably be Batman: The Animated Series. So, let’s go with Films as my main Geekism so I can actually give you a Top 5! My Top 5 films, in no particular order: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Star Wars: A New Hope, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, Ghostbusters, and White Christmas. I honestly couldn’t explain to you those choices, so don’t bother asking!
You don’t mention gaming in your list, you not a gaming gal?
Nope! I’m not a gamer whatsoever. Once video games went beyond Pac Man, Mario and Duck Hunt, I was lost. I tried really hard to get into gaming in high school because so many of my friends played video games heavily. But if there’s a natural talent to be a gamer, I’ve got the anti-talent. I just suck at video games, plain and simple. I enjoy them, I enjoy watching people play them, and I love the storylines and costumes, but I’m just not a gamer. I also don’t have the time to devote to gaming, even casually. I’d rather devote all my time to costuming and reading comics and books, and watching TV and movies.
So you have a boyfriend (many geeks will be gutted about this I’m sure) does he Cosplay as well? How did you guys meet? AND how much does he LOVE your Slave Leia costume?
Yep, he is a cosplayer as well, and was already one before I met him. I met him via a very dear friend of mine, Shea Standefer. She and I had met online and were crazy in love with one another because we both love Jaina Solo. We were meeting for the first time at Anime Expo, and he was there. She introduced him to me, but I honestly don’t remember that, I was too busy being excited over meeting her! That was 7 years ago, and we’ve been together for the last 6.
I’m pretty sure he could take or leave the bikini. I’m sure he appreciates how I look in it, but my being in that costume gives him plenty of grief! I get nutters about my body and how I look when I wear it. I gripe about girls wearing it wrong, and he has to carry all my stuff, keep an eye on me to make sure I’m not flashing someone my butt, and has to watch out for anyone trying to sneak a naughty up-skirt shot because I’m always distracted and oblivious to that sort of thing.
You do some non – Sci-fi style modelling, like the pinup stuff with Britt Dietz. Are you into this era of history or was it just another job?
I’m a complete hobbyist, and I don’t get paid for anything I do costuming-wise. Anything I do is because I love it, it means something to me, and I want to be a part of it.
Britt Dietz is an incredibly talented photographer who I’m very lucky to call a friend! I don’t think there’s anyone, anywhere, who loves and appreciates the WWI/WWII era more than he does. He has such a passion for that period, and has a stunning collection of authentic pieces from the era that he uses in his shoots. He adores pin-up, as do I, and he loves to take pin-up shots of any lovely ladies that are interested! Pin-up is an amazing form of art and photography and it was wonderful to experience. It’s such a different type of posing than what most girls would be used it, and it’s pretty addicting! I’m sure there will be more Pin-Up in my future.
What’s you’re goal in life, as in are you focusing on modelling, cosplaying or have you other things you want to do and achieve?
Cosplay is a passion, but also a hobby, not a career. I’ll always be cosplaying, there’s no doubt about that, but I would really like to get established in terms of a career. For some people a job is just a job that pays the bills, nothing more. I’m not interested in that, and would slowly wither and die in an environment like that. I’m after a career, something that challenges me, that’s fuels and focuses one of my passions, and that I can make my mark in! Don’t know what it is yet, but I’d like to find it soon so that I can get established and be in some amazing position 5-10 years from now.
You say you are an “Artsy/creative type” Is this based on your costume making or do you paint, draw, design, etc. as well?
That’s based on my costume making, and just my generally creative nature. I was raised by a mother that always pulled out all the stops when decorating the house for the holidays, was into toll-painting and crafts. That kind of general artistic interest is definitely in me and my older sister. I enjoyed drawing when I was younger, but I never pursued it, and even then all I did was free-hand existing images. One thing I really enjoy doing is setting up displays – the boyfriend is not allowed to touch or alter any of the display cases in our apartment, those are my babies! I love to make themed displays and decorate a room with a specific theme.
Cosplay
Scruffy Rebel – Need I ask the question of empire or rebellion then? Can you elaborate on why?
Rebellion! Realistically I’d probably be a part of the Empire – I’m very much the obey-the-rules type, and my natural instinct is to obey authority. Plus I dig those uniforms. But those in the Rebellion are the types of people I wish I was, or dared to be but lack the courage and conviction. They’re the little guy, fighting against all odds, standing up for what they believe in despite the overwhelming chance of failure.
You’re bio says you have been Cosplaying since ’99, that’s a long time compared to a lot of the other cosplayers I have seen. Are you proud of this? Also what was the first costume you wore?
I feel like I’d be proud of cosplaying for that long if I was an incredibly skilled craftsmanship by now, but I’m absolutely not! I’ve got friends who have been cosplaying for a fraction of the time that can sew circles around me. Really what I like about having cosplayed for so long is that I’ve been lucky enough to see the hobby develop SO much in the last decade. It’s really grown and changed, for better or for worse. The level of skill and talent of the average cosplayer now, I think, far surpasses that of the average cosplayer a decade ago.
The very first cosplay I did was Merle from Visions of Escaflowne. It was sewn by my Mom and Grandma, and I made the accessories. At the time I felt it was a pretty great costume, but looking back, it was pretty terrible! But I’ll never forget showing up at the convention (Anime Expo) dressed up and having people ask for my photo. I’ve never stopped since then.
Avenger Bunnies- I’ve seen these pictures around; I had no idea you were one of them! – How did that all come about?
I am Loki Bunny, and I am burdened with glorious purpose. The Avenger Bunnies is a group created by my friend Amanda Avery. She had come up with some original designs for Avengers in bunny suit outfits, and so many girls showed interest in her sketches that she decided she would make it into an actual group. We consist of an amazing and incredibly varied group of girls, and I’m so thrilled to be a part of it. You can follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AvengerBunniesInitiative
You make your own costumes with your boyfriend; How long does the average costume take you to make and have you any tips for budding cosplayers?
I really have no good answer for this one. We never work on costumes consistently, it’s generally a few hours here and there with long gaps of downtime in between, and then a frantic flurry of a few days without sleeping to finish a costume. If I actually worked on any of my costumes every day until they were finished, it would probably take around a week or two to finish any of them.
As far as tips – Give yourself a deadline to make the costume, but, very importantly, don’t stress if you don’t get done in time. There is ALWAYS another event to wear that costume to, it will not be the end of the world, and the event won’t be any less enjoyable, if you don’t finish a certain costume in time to wear to it. Also, research! And when you’re finished, research some more. I cannot stress this strongly enough.
What has been your favourite costume to date and why?
I guess my favourite costume to date would be my Ahsoka Tano costume. Both my boyfriend and I learned new techniques when it came to making it, and I always love a costume that can advance my skills in some way. I love how happy kids get when they see me, and it’s been wonderful how well received the costume has been both by fans, and even those in the industry. It’s one of the most detailed costumes I have, which maybe isn’t saying much as a lot of my costumes are fairly simply in design and detail, but I really love it.
Any plans for exciting new costumes?
I’ve always got a few costumes in the works, the questions is always – which ones will get finished?! I’d like to have a few new costumes finished by the end of the year, and two of them are: DC 52 Supergirl, and Stealth X Jaina Solo, which is a new design for X-Wing pilots in the novels.
Any Cons coming up that you are excited about or any you have just been to that you really enjoyed?
The big con season just ended for me, I’m usually done after Dragon*con. This year’s special treat was Celebration VI, especially as I had been unable to attend CV, so I was long overdue for my Star Wars convention fix. As with the previous Celebrations I’ve attended, CVI did not disappoint and was nothing short of spectacular – hugely due in part to the Belgians’ amazing sets! I doubt I can make it to next year’s Celebration Europe, but who knows, anything can happen.
If anyone from the UK was to go over to the states and go to one Con, what one should they go to and why?
That’s a tough one! The answer can vary greatly depending on what you want out of a con, but my overall answer would be San Diego Comic Con. It’s the biggest comic convention in the United States, and really should be experienced at least once…if you can get in that is, which is pretty much impossible nowadays. Otherwise the runner-up, or alternative, answer would be Dragon*Con, which is best described as a 4-day party con in costumes. It’s a wonderful social experience where everyone is in costume every day and night. It’s hands down the best convention to go to if you’re a cosplayer.
General Geek Questions
What does Geek Pride (not the awesome website and Facebook page but the way of life) mean to you?
For me, Geek Pride is just being who you are and expressing what you love without regard to what others thinks. Whether that’s dressing up in costumes, wearing geeky shirts, reading comics, being able to recite every line from Star Wars, or any other movie, etc. Being a geek is a pretty wonderful thing, in fact, it’s the best thing, and I wouldn’t want to be any other way. Be proud to be you, be proud to be geek!
You have been given one super power, what would it be and what would you use it to do?
The power to fly. I’d probably use it to never have to worry about airfare again and go to more conventions! Hah, but really, I would love to be able to fly to different destinations, to remote parts of countries, across the ocean, etc., and be able to view things from above without disturbing them.
Lord of the Rings or Star Wars and why?
My Master’s Degree in English Literature makes me feel obligated to choose Lord of the Rings, no questions asked. But I view that question as trying to pick between a great piece of literature, and a great piece of film, which really seems like a classic apples vs orange comparison, and I really couldn’t choose one over the other.
I’m a huge fan of both because they’re both amazing stories and worlds. I love the incredibly thorough and detailed world created by Tolkien, and the visually breath-taking films subsequently made by Peter Jackson. I love the actor chemistry and story that was presented in the original Star Wars film, and the amazing universe and array of characters that have developed and grown since those films through new films, cartoons, books and comics.
Anything else you want to say.
Winter is coming.