Cosplayers quite often have something unique that lets them stand out from the rest. But, Houston resident, Mariana Lowery not only cosplays but does extremely detailed and beautiful face and body paintwork on herself and others. She also does face painting at festivals and shows that have made her a fan favorite at different venues. I had the opportunity to conduct an email interview with Mariana and learn about how she got started and her enjoyment of being part of the Houston nerd community.
What was your inspiration to begin cosplaying and doing body makeup?
I started drawing when I was 6 years old, and my mom loved doing crafts, so she encouraged me to develop my love for drawing, and painting. Well, that lead to me doing makeup on all my girlfriends in high school. Years later a dear friend asked me if I could do face painting. At that time I was painting murals, and after thinking about it for a bit I realized that it was the same as painting a wall, just that my wall was much
smaller and it moved!! So I said yes! and well, long story short: that started the most wonderful journey into doing Face Painting for birthday parties, and events, Special FX for Halloween and body painting for cosplay!
When you do face painting at a festival or convention or some other type of show which customers usually more appreciative the kids or the adults?
I would dare say BOTH! The kids are super excited to see how cool I made them look, but the adults appreciate that I can recreate an almost exact copy of their favorite character on their arm with all the details.
You have been to quite a few conventions over the years, so do you think from your perspective as a cosplayer and attendee that conventions have become better for fans or have the kind of become indifferent towards the fans?
Personally I feel like conventions are always striving to be better for the fans, I wouldn’t say they’re indifferent AT ALL; because they have a whole team doing their best to make the convention run smoothly, they place a lot of effort for there to be lots of content that is relevant to the attendees, and activities to entertain all ages! I actually love Cosplay Chess and Fandom Karaoke!
Having worked with the Star Wars Enthusiasts of Houston and with the charity work they do in the Houston Community, do you feel it’s important for fans to give back to where they’re from?
ABSOLUTELY!! I actually would say the entire world should do this! It fills our spirits as individuals to do something for a stranger, if you do a volunteer activity with friends it will strengthen the friendship bonds, and give you a sense of purpose! Also if you volunteer in a Cosplay, everyone you see smiles at you because you’re dressed as a character they either know or love! and having the power to bring a smile to a stranger is priceless! it makes giving back worth every effort.
Will the new Fandemic tour coming to Houston, do you think it’s good for the nerd community and for Houston to have a new convention in town that appears to be on a steady footing?
I personally think so!! I sometimes feel like there aren’t enough activities where we can
enjoy the company of so many individuals who have similar interests! So to me the more conventions the merrier.
What is the funniest or silliest request you’ve gotten from a child since you started doing the face painting, what has tickled you the most?
I think the funniest request wasn’t from a child, it was from an adult!! She requested me to face paint a Cheese-Burger! And she made sure to request it fully loaded with tomatoes, lettuce, and sesame seeds on the bun!! It was so funny.
Mariana Lowery will be attending Fandemic at the NRG Center in Houston, TX, September 14th-16th. Come to see her and all of the terrific cosplayers and fan groups attending.
