Cosplay Spotlight: Tanya Tate

Tanya Tate , this is your week in our COSPLAY SPOTLIGHT!!

Why do you cosplay?

Before 2009, it was never something that crossed my mind. I always had a love of “live action” superheroes, from TV and movies, but while I lived in England it never translated into me wearing the costumes. In 2009, I happened to be in San Diego for a shoot and it just happened to be the same week as San Diego Comic Con. I was blown away. The whole city was taken over by geekdom. Right there, I wanted to be a part of it. So, I made plans to come back the next year.

What was your first cosplay?

The first time I cosplayed was at San Diego Comic Con 2010. I bought an Emma Frost costume online and I still remember how anxious I was when I stepped out of the car in it. But I felt my confidence grow with each step closer I got to the convention center. There really is something special about SDCC.

Do you make your own cosplay costumes, if so, which ones, and how long does an average costume take to make?

I design them, but hire someone to make them for me. When I first started, I bought a few online, but even those I had to have altered by a seamstress. I have this great shop in Hollywood that will make the costumes and then I have someone find my accessories.

Who is your favorite character to play?

It depends. When I get a new costume, that becomes my favourite. Lately I have been doing a lot of Julie Newmar Catwoman and Lady Titan, my own creation.

Amongst animation, comics, movies, or video games, what is your biggest inspiration for cosplay?

Superheroes. I’m also a huge fan of live action superheroes from TV and movies. So, Catwoman from the Batman Tv show, Cathy Lee Crosby Wonder Woman from the TV movie and Electra-Woman from the TV show are great examples of that. My Invisible Woman costume is a hybrid of the one from the Fantastic Four movie and the one Pamela Anderson wore in Superhero Movie. If I was a brunette, I would love to cosplay as Lynda Carter Wonder Woman or Joanna Cameron Isis. Otherwise, I look to comics. Emma Frost, Arisia Green Lantern.