Cosplay Corner Episode #70: Jemma Funge

If you’ve been following The Cosplay Corner for some time now, you would know that the women we feature usually use cosplay as a stepping stone into the world of modeling. But what happens when you take a beautiful model-turned cosplayer and dive into her world? Jemma Funge has modeled on and off for six years. She also studied Photography for three years so she is both passionate about modelling and photography. Read below for the full interview…

You do a lot of shoots with pretty unpredictable props like smoke bombs! How are you able to capture the essence of a good photo with such unpredictable elements surrounding you?

Jemma: I have done some very interesting photo shoots, such as having to get into freezing cold lakes in not much else than a swimming costume but I quite like the fact I can always push myself because I want to get the best out of the shoot. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I always try my best.

How was your Halloween photoshoot?

Jemma: I [was] doing a photo shoot soon before Halloween in a derelict building with animal skulls and dream catchers, so that photo shoot [was] a bit darker than what I’m used to, but I love things like that so that could fit perfectly with Halloween.

It goes without saying you are crazy beautiful. As a model how has this helped you as a cosplayer? Did it make you more comfortable behind the camera?

Jemma: Aw, Thank you. I think my look suits most things, or I would like to think it does anyway. If I didn’t model anyway I might not of gotten into Cosplay modelling, so I think it definitely helps that I am used to being in front of the camera and I love becoming a character.

You are also open to shooting nudes as well. What are some particular unique cosplay photos that could benefit from a shoot like this that the world hasn’t seen before?

Jemma: I do shoot nude yes, I feel the body can be a piece of art if approached in the right way. I am a huge fan of body painting, I’m yet to be painted though but I am looking into it for future shoots. I would really like to cosplay a female version of Silver Surfer, Mystique from X-Men and Chitara from Thurndercats, these are just a few because the lists is endless.

This could go hand-in-hand with portraying powerful sexy women in games as well. Who is on your to-do list?

Jemma: On my to do list, the next character I will be doing is Revy from Black Lagoon, I’m really excited for this one as she has a couple of guns, and chicks with guns are hot! For the rest..you will have to wait and see

As a recently newer cosplayer, what kinds of things have you experienced thus far that caught you off guard?

Jemma: The main thing that has caught me off guard is obviously not knowing as much as experienced cosplayers, so I don’t know as many characters as some others do, but I’m learning. Apart from that I’m just enjoying getting into it and since i’ve modelled for 6 years I’m used to dressing up and working with props.

How would you cosplay someone like…Wonder Woman or Catwoman…an overexposed costume, and taking it and owning it for yourself. How would you approach this project?

Jemma: I’d approach costumes such as Catwoman by probably first of all making sure I have the right outfit down to every single detail and I would like to somehow help out with the making of the costume. I would make sure I did some research on other people who have cosplayed her to get some ideas (without stepping on anyone’s toes) and also make sure the photographer was aware of how to approach it so we can all work together to get something unique.

What are some of your favorite Anime films?

Jemma: I haven’t watched too many anime films as such, I tend to stick more to video games and films but I have watched some and I really love some of the characters. One of my favorites even though I am new to it, is Spirited Away.

What upcoming cons or events can we expect to see you at through 2012-2013?

Jemma: I was going to go to MCM in London this month but I can’t go anymore which is a massive shame, I was going to go as Kailenna. I hope to go to some in the near future.

Lastly, what perspective advice can you offer up to new cosplayers out there?

Jemma: Advice I would give is go with what characters you really love anyway and the study what poses and how the characters act and just have fun with it really. Can’t go too wrong if you just have fun and enjoy cosplaying.

Want to keep tabs on Miss Jemma? Follow her cookie crumb trail below:

http://www.facebook.com/JemmaFungeModel
http://www.facebook.com/SCGUK
http://www.modelmayhem.com/2645360