Meet Faye

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Faye a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Faye, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only one in the room that look like me HAS to be the reason for my strength. It has to be my reason for for doing my best–not just to make my ancestors proud, but to set a good example. Throughout history, so many different types of people have faced hardship for their looks just because they don’t fit into a certain, made-up standard–I cannot abide by that. Cosplayers on Instagram are too rampant with digitally editing their faces–so many hooked noses turned button, and so many other facial features completely alienated from the original. I’ve met very few Jewish cosplayers on my travels, and it’s solidified my goal of representing my them, myself, and my love for one’s distinctive features. Unstandardized features need to be loved and celebrated across the board despite the origin. If I’m the only one who looks like me, that’s okay, because I know this isn’t a struggle exclusive to Jewish people. In this, I find a connection with almost everyone.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Faye, a Jewish cosplayer from New York who loves art and social commentaries. I’m an art teacher and a guest cosplayer at many conventions. When I’m not teaching art classes, I’m doing art as a hobby–my hobby being glorified dress-up that I played as a child. Makeup artistry and costumery has become an incredibly fulfilling creative outlet, with a bustling, fast-paced environment and ample opportunities for art appreciation.

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Since 2022, I’ve been cosplaying frequently at conventions. I’ve paneled at Colossalcon East, judged at CradleCon, and guested as an industry professional at AnimeNYC. Through my online presence, I’ve organized my own cosplay conventions consisting of 10-20 attendees. I’ve used my platform to show my love for people, animals, and fine art, bringing fun and skill to cosplay through my unique lens. My biggest inspirations stem from pop-culture involving The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Game Grumps, My Hero Academia, and more…

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I aim to use my skills and talents to uplift my interests within this hobby and find a way to combine work and play into one. I love colorful, dramatic photos–usually self-shot. I draw upon Cindy Sherman as inspiration, as well as impressionist, pop art, and Renaissance art. For cosplay, my biggest joys in my journey are wig styling/making, makeup artistry, and photo editing–this skill set helps make my artworks expressive, vibrant, and compelling.​

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My college professors assisted me immensely in finding and viewing fine art within cosplay. They were always fully enthusiastic about my cosplays and ready to jump in with both feet as soon as they heard about what I do. Without them, I wouldn’t have realized that not only is cosplay art, but artists like Adrian Piper have been doing cosplay as fine and performance art long before I wore my first wig.

My teachers placed me within an environment where I could study the history of and develop my cosplay as well as improving it in the context of my current peers by using their education and support. They’re responsible for me using my cosplays in the gallery exhibits for my senior projects classes.

There’s nothing as empowering as a learned art teacher who wants to see you grow.

Image Credits

Party Poison Cosplay: @mixedlightphoto on Instagram
Catwoman Cosplay: @mixedlightphoto on Instagram