Jordan Girard is too humble to talk himself up, but I will. He’s come up with some really nice cosplay and he’s also a great guy as you’ll learn about as you read on in this week’s Cosplay Confidential!

[irp]

How did you get into Cosplay?

I’ve always enjoyed costumes since i was young, growing up it was the power rangers, batman, spider-man. I would wear costumes all the time when my parents would allow it.

How long have you been doing it?

Building my own costumes didn’t start until 2011, but since my first build I have fallen in love with the process. A lot of the time i get frustrated because I’m not very crafty or have much in the way of talent when it comes to building my own stuff but I get an idea in my head through finding generic costume items from builders and modifying them with whatever idea pops in my head to fit the character.

What was your first costume?

My first costume was of Two-Face from DC Comics Batman series, it wasn’t really based on a specific design and I kind of went on my own design. This one being my first costume I had help sewing everything together, 2 jackets, 2 pants, 2 shirts and 2 ties. My lovely girlfriend assisted with the flesh tone blending of the liquid latex and my family joined me in sewing the suit pieces together, it was a family build i suppose haha.

What’s been your favorite?

Red Hood has had the best reception and that made me very proud, by no means to i think i can contend with the pros costumers but seeing people’s reactions to my costume and getting the compliments on it made me feel really good, plus when I costume I get into character and playing a jerk such as Jason Todd was just so fun and well received.

What was the hardest costume you’ve done?

Red Hood, He is probably my favorite character from DC comics so I wanted to do the suit well. It involved lots of trial and error, the helmet came from the great company 4th Wall Design and is just perfect, so i had to find pieces of the costume to match its quality. Was about a year of tracking down items and painting and modifying to my expectations of the character.

How much time does it take to make an average costume?

I find it all depends on the character, certain characters are less time then others, but I have this sort of compulsion to match characters as best as possible. Translating into working out and transforming myself into the character for the time i’ll be wearing the costume. For example my Dark Knight Rises Bane took me 2 months to get the suit together but 6 months of exercise to match Tom Hardy’s frame for it. Where Two-Face took me 2 weeks.

How much money do you typically spend on your outfits?

Again it really just varies on what design you are looking for in your character. I volunteer as Captain America in my city for talking to classes about anti-bullying, doing charity events etc. I didn’t make the suit i bought it from UD Replicas as it was just amazing quality. That was about $1,500 roughly (not including shield and helmet) Red Hood was around $550 roughly, Bane $400, Two-Face about $85.

What makes it so rewarding?

The look on peoples face, the smiles and the joy of bringing their favorite characters to life. That’s the reason I do this, I’m a people person and I enjoy entertaining. If I can make someone’s day just by a picture or talking to them like I AM that character that makes it so rewarding.

Do you have a regular group you partner up with for costumes?

Not really no. When I do Captain America my good friend Dave joins me as Iron Man, but I don’t affiliate with one specific group. Not yet anyway, I’m open to the idea.

What would you say to people who have thought about doing cosplay, but haven’t quite worked up the nerve yet?

Why not? What is holding you back? If its financial reason then that is a good reason but if it is purely out of fear of anything be it poor quality, being judged or uncertainty of where to begin just dive head first and you won’t regret it. The cosplay community is full of jerks (what community isn’t though) but most people are kind and generous and will be more than happy to assist you with tips/ dealing with questions you may have. This hobby is built on respect and we are one big family (albeit dysfunctional at times but family none the less)

Do you have a website people can check out more of your costumes?

Right now I don’t. I was apprehensive about making one as I don’t find myself very enthralling as a costumer. I don’t think many people would follow me to be honest haha, but again I’m open to making one. If people have any questions or wish to contact me they can do so at my cosplay email avengedcosplay@outlook.com. or find me on instagram @windsors_first_avenger