Talking Cosplay with Lena Leather

Talking Cosplay with Lena Leather

I first talked to Lena back in like 2012 or so. Lena was part of an alternative model group that I knew some of the members. As I observed, I saw Lena tend to always gravitate more towards the cosplay field and I’ve seen her do some really cool costumes and take part in quite a few comic cons and such. I thought chatting about cosplay would be fun so we got to connect recently for this tattoo community project.

Ricky - So today, we're talking with Lena Leather. I've sort of known Lena since like 2012 I think it was. Lena was an alternative model based out of Knoxville, but she has always had more of hand in cosplay. She's really put out some killer work and her daughter even does some insane cos-play stuff. How did you get focused on cosplay?

Lena - Well I’ve been attending conventions since I was about 15/16 starting with the big one San Diego Comic Con. However cosplay wasn’t nearly as big back then so I was able to watch it grow and see the art into and well one day I bought my first costume. The costume felt like it was almost made for me and I just knew it was something that I needed in my life.

Ricky - Wow, that's pretty freaking cool. Starting off convention life with SDCC? What's your favorite memory from it? What was your first costume?

Lena - Honestly it was all work back then. My dad had about three different booths I would work one and have to run back and forth from the others when supplies ran out. If I’m being honest it’s one of my least favorite conventions. They really lost the meaning of the whole Comic convention it’s like the Walmart of cons, over crowded and everyone is rude. I found my first costume at Mega Con in Florida. It was the Arkham City Harley Quinn. It was on display for a costumer but surprisingly in my exact measurements so it felt like fate.

Ricky - I can definitely see what you're saying. I've mainly been to tattoo conventions, but in the past year or so I've paid more attention to the big comic cons because of doing toy photography too, and SDCC has so many exclusives that come out. The hype in the collectibles community and even in mainstream media with shows like Big Bang Theory. I could see where that type of atmosphere could blossom. That is killer that the Harley was in your perfect measurements and everything. I've seen some debates in cosplay, between making your own costume and buying it. Do you do both?

Lena - I do both but I lean more into buy pieces and customizing what I can. I like to put my own spin on things and my sewing skills are lacking. So some stuff I make, some stuff I buy. I don't want cosplay to be a job, I want it fun so if I can find the right pieces to portray the character, be comfortable, and have fun then I 100% will do that every time.

Cosplay Model - Lena Leather - Photo - TRD Photography

Ricky - I think that's the best way. It's nice to be able to have things that we do for just the sake of having fun. How do you pick characters?

Lena - I always go with what I love. Occasional I will do a costume that a friend suggests but I normally just base it on what characters I love and have a connection with.

Ricky - What are some characters that you gravitate towards? What would be your ultimate character you want to do in the future?

Lena - I gravitate towards the stuff I loved as a child. A lot of older disney characters call to me. I think if I could do any character however it would be a tie between a Baseball Furies from The Warriors, or maybe humanized Bianca from The Rescuers.

RIcky - Dude that would be sick. I could def see you nailing a Bianca. So finally a question about tattoos. You and I were talking when we were shooting and you talked about not having as many tattoos as some of the other alt models back in the day. You still have several. With your tattoos, and then your piercings, how does being alt fit into the cosplay scene? Do you worry with trying to cover up your ink and remove piercings for certain characters?

Lena - In the beginning when I first ventured into it for a lot of the DC stuff I did it was fine. I didn't worry till I put on my Tinkerbell and thought wow I'm going get crap for this. Eventually I just said who cares and I realized the only bad comments I ever get are the occasional rogue d-bag on the internet. Children love my Disney costumes and they don't notice the tattoos, they just see Tinkerbell and it made me stress less.

Ricky - It's pretty freaking cool how kids see things man. It would be so nice to be able to have grown ups with kids eyes and their acceptance. Speaking of kids, you've got a little cosplayer on your hands don't you?

Lena - Yea she took a turn with it I never expect and couldn't be prouder. I started picking her outfits at first with Deadpool and Hit Girl. Those ended up bigger than expected. Then she started picking princesses and Star Wars characters. Then the fateful day she watched the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre and it all went to Horror from there.

Ricky - Ahahaha. Well geez Ma, she can have a lot more fun with horror. You were telling me about her Leatherface dance at our shoot. What's the next thing you guys are gonna be doing cos-play wise?

Lena - Well I have a guest spot at Marble City in Knoxville coming up then Ill attend Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC. I think I'm going with Catwoman for at least one and if I'm lucky Mad Madame Mim. Maybe bring back Roxanne since its one of my personal favorites.

Emberlin however is going to be Ash from the Evil Dead. Hopefully I can talk her into her Carrie also.

Cosplay Model - Lena Leather - Photo - TRD Photography

Ricky - That's so cool. What's it like getting to connect with your kiddo with doing cosplay?

Lena - Its amazing. You get people who come up to you and say "wow I love your costume" then you see their view pan down and it automatically goes to "OH MY GOODNESS I LOVE YOUR COSTUME THAT IS SO AMAZING" and of course she eats it up. It helps keep her social and fearless which I never was as a child.

Ricky - That's awesome! How are times different when you were a kid to how it is for her? What do you think has made the difference?

Lena - I feel like there is more accessibility to just about anything. You have more role models for all sorts of people and it helps find someone you identify with. The fandom communities have grown which is also helpful so you can meet people and interact with those who share interests.

Ricky - I think so too. It seems that with social media, there's literally communities for people that are into so many different things. Plus it's like comics and fandom type things have grown to be so much more mainstream than when we were kids. What's a lesson that you've learned that you'd like to pass on to her?

Lena - Don’t be a gatekeeper. You can like things differently than other people or know more or less than others. It doesn’t make you or them any less of a fan. It’s about having fun and if it’s not fun then what’s the point.

Ricky - Hell yeah! Words of wisdom dude! One last question - what's your best memory from a con and what's your most embarrassing memory?

Lena - I think actually seeing Emberlin go up and take part in the costume contest with her Leatherface is probably one of my favorite memories. She looked proud and and had fun everyone was a winner and they all received a prize. I also met my boyfriend at a convention after party not a memory from the show itself but still a good memory. Not a lot of embarrassing memories but there was a few shows I’ve been too where people I had with me noticed some people hiding behind poles and pillars to take inappropriate photos my backside while in the Black Canary costume. I understand some of my costumes are provocative but that still isn’t cool considering how many others they were probably doing it to and who knows how old the victims could have been.

I also just want to point out while there are creeps out there I’ve met some of the coolest creators and artists out there and am proud to be able to call them friends.

Ricky - Oh damn! That's pretty messed up man! That brings up a good point. What's the proper etiquette for people to come up to snag a photo. Let's face it, at a con you've got people wanting pics. Whether they are fans of your character, or dudes that want a pic with a provocative looking Black Canary...how should they approach and act getting a pic?

Lena - I think the biggest thing is just to be cool about it. If you want a photo just say “Hey I love your costume can I get a pic?” Simple as that when it’s busy you have people just gesture with their camera which is fine too. Just be polite, ask if you mind the arm around you and never bring it lower than the waist. If we’re dressed up we know there will be people wanting pictures just make sure you know your boundaries and if you feel like someone crossed it don’t brush it off. Let security know or if you think it was a misunderstanding tell them “hey man back off not cool”

Not everyone is a predator but not everyone is going to respect you and your boundaries.

Ricky - Very smart and well said dude. It's what should be common sense but sadly a lot of people don't respect those boundaries. Where can people follow you on social media?

Lena - Facebook page is Lena Leather you can also find me on the GeekxGirls page. I also enjoy Instagram for more everyday and cosplay life on @lena_leather

Ricky - You rock dude! Thanks so much for talking to us about cosplay and life.

Lena in everyday wear… Photo - TRD Photography - Kodak Tri X film

I really hope you enjoyed this interview with Lena talking a little bit about life and a lot about cosplay. As always, this project I’m trying to come at it from a documentary type style, sharing as many stories and personalities from the tattoo community as I can. Not all viewpoints are my own. If you enjoyed this, let us know, and share away. I’ve been overwhelmed from the feedback so far on these stories and I can’t wait to bring you some more.

Ricky

A Tattooing Dad - Interview with Kenneth Chope

A Tattooing Dad- Interview with Kenneth Chope

Ricky - Hey Kenneth, I really enjoyed meeting you and getting to talk to you abit at our shoot. Give us a little introduction to our readers and tell them a little bit about who you are in a few sentences.

Kenneth - My name is Kenneth Chope. I’m 38 and i reside in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I currently work as a tattooist at White Wizard and have been doing it 3 years. I’m a full time artist as well as a full time father. My love of comic books is what made me go after becoming an artist and also the reason i got into the tattoo chair.

Ricky - Hell yeah man! I didn't realize comics was one of the things that inspired you. Are you a DC or Marvel man?

Kenneth - Honestly a DC fan. The heroes seem more normal and less powers. But I lived vicariously through them as a kid and found my place as a young artist trying to recreate them on paper and failed time after time miserably. My favorite comic book character today is Tattoo. a marvel character who can make their tattoos come to life and such.

Ricky - That's awesome! I'm more a DC dude myself. I don't think I've heard of Tattoo. Reminds me of a dude that showed up on Arrow at one time that he could use his tattoos as weapons to assassinate people. Are you stoked to see Endgame?

Kenneth - I am. I’m ready for it as we all been waiting what feels like an eternity for its release. I’m just hoping for a fight between Thanos and Hulk. Although, I have been thinking Hulk is actually Loki or another character that may have assumed Hulk’s form. But then again I tend to go down the rabbit hole thinking of plots and where the franchise will go in the future.

Tattoo Artist - Kenneth Chope - TRD Photography

Ricky - That sounds alot like my oldest daughter reading up on all the theories about what's happening and why Hulk wouldn't come out in Infinity War. You mentioned fatherhood. How many kids do you have? Are they into comics as well?

Kenneth - I only have one child currently and she’s just starting her comic book collection and she collects walking dead comics. My daughter is my life though and as a single dad I try my best to teach her about everything I can. We both share quite a passion for the arts and she’s just starting her first attempts at trying to draw her own comic book artwork.

Ricky - That is awesome that you guys are able to connect with art and comics. We talked a little bit about it at the shop, but being a single dad and a tattoo artist, how has that been?

Kenneth - Well both of them separately would be great but its a struggle to juggle them both. I love what i do but i work a lot of nights so we tend to see each other every moment I get. My daughter., Acia tends to come to the shop and spend the evenings with me. She will draw while i lay down some lines. These days its much easier but I didn’t have her full time while i was going through my apprenticeship. This last year I got full custody and have been making an effort to teach her in my downtime how to do different styles of art. She says she wants to learn to tattoo in the future and honestly I would love her to learn and be able to do so but as a career I would like her to find something more stable. It’s not that we don’t make a decent living but its hard work. Every hour we work we have three hours of drawing time that week. Every artist is different but I hardly am seen without my iPad drawing or sketching away trying to come up with my next piece to show off. The artist market is competitive and there are quite a few tattooists but people forget that we all have our own styles. The hardest part though of the job is the other artists, we all have to get along but yet were all so different. In many studios artists can build each other up and help each other but some studios they just break each other down and try to scare each other off. But its like any job these days where the competition will try to take down those they feel are a threat. Honestly i try my best to stay out of it all but the shop gossip happens everywhere.

Ricky - I can totally get that. With our kids we want them to achieve great things and let's face it, sometimes people look at some careers and see the glamour and not the hard work and bullshit that goes on behind the scenes at times. We talked a little about art and the competition. It would be a lot more pleasant if we could help change the mentality that we all compete. Art is subjective to the viewer. If we could all push each other to be the best we can be, they'll be a market of people that like what we can offer. How has tattooing changed your life?

Kenneth - Interesting question!!! I used to wake up and put on a shirt and a tie and go to work 12 hours a day as a restaurant manager trying to make ends meet. Now iIm 7 to 8 hours a day or more in the shop and able to just be myself. Sure we still have to censor ourselves and remember we run a business but now my suit is my skin and i’m out here bearing it all to see and putting my skills on the line to see if i can make it in the competitive art field. I love waking every day and creating. At first it was hard but these days it gets easier and easier and i’m developing my style. Looking back i was too afraid to be myself and open up in the restaurant world trying to be a corporate puppet. But now it doesn’t matter. I just kinda do as I please with respect to others and create what I want. Though there are still stigmas when I draw dark art. People are starting to break down the stereotypes that went with tattoos we all saw when we were children.

Tattoo Artist Kenneth Chope - TRD Photography

Ricky - It's such a feeling getting to create and be yourself. What are some of the stereotypes you've encountered with being a single dad that's a tattooer? What about some of the ones based off the kind of art you create?

Kenneth - People think of us as unemployed and feeding off the government while its honestly the opposite. We work hard and enjoy the art. I have had someone ask my daughter who I was and why she was hanging out with a delinquent. We get stares when we are out in public. But i also get praise these days from a lot of mothers telling me its really cool i raise my child to be without bias or stereotypes. I want her to have an open mind and not fight her teachings from when she grew up.

As for my artwork i love to draw the dark side quite a bit and would love to send you a few reference pictures but because i drew a ram skull or rams head. I’m automatically considered satanic when its just another image. Honestly i think people put to much stock in images and beliefs but that’s my opinion. As an artist i’m just trying to move forward and draw a bit of everything.

Ricky - That's really cool man! I think it's important to raise our kids to be open minded and to really evaluate and think things through to know what they believe. These days so many believe what they are told and those telling it take advantage of that. Where would you like to see our society be in the next five years?

Kenneth - I would like to see society accept the people they see around them. Stop holding beliefs before people and to start recognizing the fact we can all learn from each other. Its time we as people help each other out weather it be an ear to listen a shoulder to cry on or even just a simple hello. People need to stop being afraid of others so much and start getting to know each other. I’m part of a beard group called The Bearded Villains and our local chapter the Smokey Mountain Bearded Villains and our goal is to break down the stereotypes of bearded and or tattooed men and to show what kind of great things we can do through charity and brotherhood. Its really a great group of guys but because how we choose to look others judge us and treat us differently. So the founder Von Knox set out to do just that and break the stereotype.

I would like to see equality for all though and to see a barrier against negativity. Maybe see this country united instead of divided.

Ricky - I think that is really cool man! That is definitely a noble goal! I want to thank you for taking the time to sit down and talk with us. Where can people find you online to check out your work?

Kenneth - Thank you so much for your time as well. It was honestly great meeting you and i cant wait to watch this grow and become something amazing for you. I have watched your work for years and I support other artists in their endeavor.

My work can be found on instagram or facebook @tattoosbythecaptain or tattoos by the captain at white wizard. You can always call me as well or come by the shop my number is listed on the sites.

Thank you again and man your work is truly badass, Keep up the work and i hope to see it evolve into an amazing project. See ya along the way!!

Tattoo Artist Kenneth Chope - TRD Photography

I sincerely hope that you enjoyed this interview and story. This project is especially dear to me as I love sharing people’s stories. My goal with this project is for it to be more documentary in nature. So as a disclaimer, the words and ideas that some of the people I interview may not always reflect my views and takes on things. I feel we can learn a lot from people if we open our minds to different views and takes. I hope that will come across in these stories and profiles.

With interviewing various tattoo artists, as this project is documentary in nature, I have many friends in the tattooing field but in picking out an artist, do your homework. Check out the shops, check out the portfolios, and find an artist that is right for you. Thanks for reading guys!

Ink Revolution - Interview with Tattoo Artist Michael Clester of Studio 617

Interview with Michael Clester - Studio 617

IR -  How did you get involved in the tattoo industry?

Michael - I got involved in the tattoo industry at a young age, my father tattooed and I was always in the shop when he was there getting stencils put on me because I wanted to be as cool as my pops. My time tattooing didn't really start till I was 21-22 where I got an apprenticeship in my home town and it all blossomed from there really, I started in North Carolina and I'm ventured my way out here to Tennessee

IR - When we were hanging out, you mentioned that you began drawing at an early age. Having a father that tattooed, how did that influence you when you were learning to draw?

Michael - Yeah man at an early age I kind of found a passion for drawing, I think just like any other kid, I just loved doodling, my father wasn't around a whole lot  being deployed in the armed service, but my mom said I always kind of entertained my self and drawing was that outlet that kept me busy, but I guess to more answer the question I never really thought about how it affected me because I never thought I'd be tattooing for a living, but I guess I'd say I definitely found a interest in it being around it in my younger years.

IR - That's awesome man. For someone that hasn't seen your work yet, how would you describe your style?

Michael - I would say it's an even mix of new school and traditional, bold images with a new school flair, everyone has a hard time describing it and always just says it's a style of its own, but you can tell I did it lol I have my own little trade marks I like to try and put in every tattoo so you know with out a doubt I did it

IR - I'd say that's a good description. Where do you find your inspiration for your art?

Michael - Cartoons, movies and anime, I love the use of vibrant colors and some of the color pallets cartoonist are using now a days, and looking at other artist work like, Timmy b, will Gonzalez, Taylor Cory and Marshall Sinclair are some dudes I look up too.

Tattoo Artist - Michael Clester - TRD Photography

IR - I can definitely see those influences in your work. What's your favorite anime?

Michael - Right now I've been jamming to attack on Titan,  Tokyo ghoul and mob psycho 100

IR - I know that Kitty at 617 is a big anime fan too. What's the best thing about your shop? You guys seem to have a good time.

Michael - Everyday is full of us being able to create art in a good environment, we defiantly have a good time there is never a dull moment here at 617. I think kris fords new convention banner pretty much sums up our shop perfectly

IR - Ha! I saw that! I'm looking forward to meeting him.. Seems like a terrific shop. Do you do work in any other mediums?

Michael - He's an awesome dude, and I've worked in earthenware clay, different paint mediums and mixed media stuff, my favorite right now are illustrations done in marker

Tattoo Artist - Michael Clester - Photo TRD Photography

IR - That's killer man! I've enjoyed seeing your illustrations lately. What is one of the most challenging things about being a tattoo artist?

Michael - The main challenge I face every day is that every clients skin is different it's never the same tattooing one person as it is another, also trying to do something creative for a client can be difficult with the images and things found on Pinterest, some people think that's the end all be all of tattoo related images which is kind of funny

IR - What has been your most meaningful accomplishment so far in tattooing?

Michael - Winning my first 3 awards, I was blown away, because when a client comes to you seeking out your work you know and so do they that you are going to give them a tattoo they will love, but having that work judged by your peers in the industry and they think it's cool enough to be awarded something is super awesome to me, I cried like a little girl because tattooing is my everything

IR - That's awesome man! To be able to be passionate about something like that, it's what it's all about man. What are your next goals that you want to accomplish?

Michael - My next goals are to travel and try to do more conventions and get my art and name out there more, I want to grow my collective of people who support what I do is my main goal

IR - That's a great perspective on things to have man! We wish you nothing but the best! I appreciate you taking the time to talk with us. Where  can people find you and your work online?

Michael - No problem man I always enjoy support  my work can be found in Instagram at miketattoo617 or on like at studio617.com and Facebook studio 617

Tattoo Artist - Michael Clester - Photo - TRD Photography

Ink Revolution - Spring 2017

By Ricky Davis in Ink Revolution

40 pages, published 5/1/2017

Ink Revolution is a tattoo lifestyle magazine. In the Spring 2017 issue we talk to Wes Collins about his Cherokee ancestry, and about tattooing in Native culture. We sat down with tattoo artists Michael Clester and Chris Allman. We talked with tattoo models Mel Lamon, Cece Sinclair, & Candice Mariee. We talked herbs with Griffin Salve, food with chef Eric Fulkerson, and a highlight on Marty Hambone Hamilton.

Tags tattoo artist, tattoo magazine, ink revolution, tattooer, michael clester, interview, TRD Photography, new school tattoos

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Ink Revolution - Spring 2017 - Now Available.

We are pleased to announce that the latest, and most likely, final issue of Ink Revolution magazine is now out and available. One of the things that I have loved most about IR over the years is getting to talk to and interview a variety of people, and hopefully take interesting photos of them. That will not be going away. I have plans to carry on interviews and such, but in a blog format and without the the restrictions of keeping it as a "tattoo magazine." I love the tattoo industry and will continue to interview artists and be a part of it, but I want to be able to share stories and opinions of people on a variety of things without worrying about how many tattoos someone has or doesn't have. Stay tuned. And go pick up this kick ass issue. 

Ink Revolution - Spring 2017

By Ricky Davis in Ink Revolution

40 pages, published 5/1/2017

Ink Revolution is a tattoo lifestyle magazine. In the Spring 2017 issue we talk to Wes Collins about his Cherokee ancestry, and about tattooing in Native culture. We sat down with tattoo artists Michael Clester and Chris Allman. We talked with tattoo models Mel Lamon, Cece Sinclair, & Candice Mariee. We talked herbs with Griffin Salve, food with chef Eric Fulkerson, and a highlight on Marty Hambone Hamilton.

Tags ink revolution, tattoo, tattoo photographer, tattoo model, tattoo magazine, trd photography

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