Meet Krista...
Krewe du Who: Why do you cosplay, or what do you like the most about it?
Krista Reed: I’ve loved dressing up since I was a child. I mostly enjoy the work that goes into making costumes. I like challenging myself and learning new techniques. I have learned something new with each one. Being able to take a step out of the daily routine and be someone else is also really fun.
KdW: How many costumes do you presently own?
KR: As of right now I have 6 completed. I have a few that I am currently working on including a version of Ace from Curse of Fenric and a Jawa from Star Wars.
KdW: What makes a costume one that you want to recreate?
KR: I like doing characters you don’t see very often, and ones I can relate to.
KdW: Do you belong to any costuming groups?
KR: I am a member of the 501st Legion (SL-81431), Louisiana Super Hero League, the Colonial-Cylon Alliance, and Krewe du Who.
KdW: Do you attend any of the larger cons such as DragonCon in Atlanta?
KR: The largest cons I have been to are Wizard World and Comicpalooza. I really prefer small cons. You get to hang out with friends more at those because there isn’t as much chaos.
KdW: What was the best experience you've had in costume?
KR: There have been quite a few. I did a toy drive in the mall before Christmas last year with the 501st and Rebel Legion. I was dressed as Maris Brood. A little girl told me she liked my costume best out of all the others there. Another was someone recognizing me as Ace. The man I spoke with had met Sophie Aldred and said he thought I would make her proud.
KdW: While in costume have you met the original actor that you're playing tribute to? If so, what was his or her response?
KR: I was at Comicpalooza over Memorial Day weekend. I was dressed as Zatanna. My boyfriend and I were walking out in the corridor when Claire Hamilton, the voice actress of Zatanna for DC Universe Online, stopped me to take a picture with her. I was very flattered because she complimented my costume and wanted to put the picture on her fansite.
About DOCTOR WHO...
KdW: What do you like the most about Doctor Who?
KR: The show has stood the test of time. 50 years of amazing stories that remind you what it means to be and feel human. You get to see the universe through the eyes of this wonderful character - that's what the series really boils down to. I also love astronomy and history, and the show has loads of both.
KdW: Have you been involved with Krewe du Who before?
KR: I have not done anything official yet. My first event will likely be the series two card run. I missed NOLA Time Fest due to work and was really sad about it.
KdW: Why Ace?
KR: Ace had a certain fire about her that I love. She’s fun, adventurous, and not afraid to take things into her own hands. We also have very similar interests. While researching the badges, pins, and patches on her jacket, I discovered we have a lot in common. She loves NASA, motorcycles, and music. Which are all things I really enjoy too. Oh, and there’s the fact she loves blowing things up. ;)
KdW: Please describe what it took to make this costume.
KR: Some very nice person listed almost all the things on her jacket online. So many, many, many hours on eBay were spent bidding and searching. Finding the screen accurate pieces proved to be difficult at times. For instance, the Blue Peter badges are extremely rare. I lucked up and found one on eBay. My boyfriend replicated a second one so I could have the other one I needed. The “ACE” patch on the back I made from stiff felt after I made a pattern with paper. I made a few of those made before I got that right! Haha!