Interview with Kat “Tigress” Ingersoll , Rainbow Brite Cosplayer

1: Tell us about yourself?

Kat: Wow, what to tell? I’m a tomboy geek chick. I’m married to a wonderful guy and have 2 cats. I’ve been practicing taekwondo since I was 14 and have a 2nd dan. I enjoy cosplay, video games, Magic: the Gathering, reading and writing. I’m a techno-junkie and use that in my job as an IT technician. I also own a business making custom costumes and other outfits and hope to quit my “real” job in a few years to do it full-time.

2: Where are you from?

Kat: I was originally born in Durham, NC and grew up in four different states. I’ve lived in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and all over North Carolina. Currently, I live in Burlington, NC, near Elon University.

3: What are some other animated programs you enjoy? (Video Games, Anime, Cartoons *vintage/current)?

Kat: What don’t I like? I am very much a child of the ’80s, so My Little Pony, G. I. Joe, Transformers and Voltron are quite close to my heart. I also like really old anime / cartoons like Astro Boy and Speed Racer. As for newer stuff, I tend to gravitate towards the more “obscure” stuff like Basilisk, FLCL, Ergo Proxy, Hellsing and Gankotsuou. Also recent “adult” cartoons like Aeon Flux, Venture Brothers and Metaloclypse are quite good.

4: Did you grow up watching Rainbow Brite, the TV show, or were you impressed by the movie?

Kat: I grew up watching the series and probably wore out my tape of the movie when I was a kid. In fact, 25 years later, I can still sing along with the theme songs!

5: Favorite Episode or quote you would like to share?

Kat: “Mom” is probably my favorite. Poor Murky can’t win for losing.

6: Do you have an Rainbow Brite Memorabilia from your childhood? If so, what is your favorite?

Kat: My Rainbow Brite doll has stayed with me since my 6th birthday. I used to have a Rainbow Brite pocketbook and T-shirt, but they have gotten misplaced during various moves.

7: You created a very traditional style dress for Rainbow Brite. Not often does this style of costume adapt well to adults, what are some things you did to make the costume fit, and stay true to the original concept?

Kat: I based my pattern off of one of Simplicity’s Lolita-style costume patterns, which was almost perfect for the design. Aside from the sleeves, caps and trim, I didn’t have to do much to alter the pattern. I also use a compression vest to flatten my chest make me look more like a child.

8: What is your favorite costume you have created?

Kat: Rainbow Brite is probably the one I’m most proud of, but my “Dark Knight” Harley Quinn is also one I enjoy doing because it was a completely original design that I drafted completely from scratch. Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum!

9: For the Rainbow Brite Costume: Is it handmade? Or did you use store bought items, boots, etc?

Kat: The only things that are store-bought are the wig, the boots I used as a base and the “Star Sprinkle” candy I use as a prop. Everything else was handmade.

10: What materials did you use to create your costume?

Kat: The costume is mostly Kona Cotton broadcloth. The white trim is bridal satin. I used buttons for the red dots on the neckline and the stars on the hands and boots. To make the sleeves poofy, I used fiberfill to stuff the individual sections. The belt buckle on the Color Belt is craft foam. And lots and lots of hot glue for the boots and belt! I use regular cream face paint for the beauty mark.

11: Where did you wear this costume?

Kat: I usually wear the costume to conventions, like Otakon, AWA, Animazement, AUSA, etc.

12: Were you recognized?

Kat: Oh, yes! When I debuted it at Animazement, I had no idea how popular the costume would be! I’ve never been hugged or had my picture taken so much!

13: What is your favorite part of the costume?

Kat: The fact that my skirt swirls out when I twirl around. That was an unintended touch, but a cute one that lets people see my matching bloomers.

14: What was the most difficult?

Kat: Lining up and pinning the dress to my compression vest so it doesn’t show.

15: How much would you say the costume cost in all?

Kat: If I had to hazard a guess, I would say about $100 in materials.

16: Is it comfortable to wear?

Kat: Surprisingly, yes. It can get a little hot in warm weather due to the quilted sleeves and compression vest, but I usually keep a water bottle handy.

17: Is it difficult to clean?

Kat: Due to the glued-on buttons, I can’t wash it. So after extended wear, I douse it in Febreeze.

18: Do you have this costume still?

Kat: Of course! I don’t think my cosplay fans will ever let me retire it!

19: If you could make the costume again, what changes would you make?

Kat: I would make the neckline a little higher to better hide my compression vest. I wasn’t aware that the neckline was that low and will show my vest unless I do some creative pinning.

20: Have you seen the “new” Rainbow Brite Designs?

Kat: I have and I’m not impressed. The new designs look too homogenized, when compared to the original designs.

21: Would you consider attempting this style?

Kat: I don’t think so. There doesn’t seem to be much challenge there.

22: What is another character from Rainbow Brite you would consider dressing as?

Kat: I would like to do either La La Orange or Patty O’ Green. They are fun designs that would be a great challenge to execute.

I thank you for taking the time to answer these questions, and have a Rainbow Day

Content © RainbowBrite.Co/Co.Uk /.Us 2009

Kat “Tigress” Ingersoll’s Images used with permission