How I Become Grace Jones — Tips for Cosplay

Back in 1997, Devon Cass, a photographer, makeup artist and master celebrity impersonator, wanted to share his makeup tips with the average woman. Devon can transform the most ordinary-looking opera singer’s headshot into a portrait of a high class ultra-diva that they are. He thought that if regular women could see people transformed into celebrity look-alikes, it would be a way to inspire them and teach them how to use makeup. So he published the book Double Take: The Art of the Celebrity Makeover with John Filimon, making over people to look like Whoopi Goldberg, Robert De Niro, Judy Garland, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Howard Stern — and I am Grace Jones!

His approach in Double Take is so detailed and helpful! First pages of my chapter contain my “before” picture and an interview.

Next, Devon does an in-depth tutorial step-by-step by applying makeup to half of my face, making my features stronger and sharper.

Then he lists costume and accessories suggestions. (Her signature snarl included.)

Finally, the Double Take book shows me transformed into the flamboyant singer/actress.

As I say in so many words in the interview in Double Take, everyone has a curiosity of what it’s like to be or look like somebody else. Getting into costume doesn’t take away the other person’s soul or identity and you don’t lose yours. So October is a time to have fun and use your imagination.

When you put together your costume, remember it’s more than finding the clothes, accessories and makeup. The more you think about the character, the more specific and accurate you’ll be. Make a list like in the above photo, listing the traits that make the character unique. Get into your role.

Do you look like a famous person? Well, (cos)play-it-up!

It is the time of year to cosplay at ComicCon and masquerade at all those Halloween parties. But I happen to do this professionally as a Grace Jones impersonator! I have often been mistaken for her when my hair is short or covered, even though I am a good five inches taller. It is fun to be hired to appear at functions as the alter ego of the brilliant Jamaican pop singer and star of the James Bond film A View to a Kill.