We are pleased that the artist Fauxbias Forge took the time to answer a few questions for us. She is well known for her insanely detailed and realistic cosplays and makeup transformations, especially GHOST-themed. So, we wanted to have a look behind the scenes.

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Hello Fauxbias! First, we must start with the very essential question. How did you discover Ghost und how did they catch your interest?

My brother, Justin, has helped shape my music interests. When he handed me a burned CD in 2011 and said, “Check these guys out. They sound like a Satanic Blue Öyster Cult,” I knew I was about to listen to something really special. They were, and still are, unlike any band I’ve ever heard. Additionally, I believe becoming involved in the lovely fandom has kept me far more engaged.

You are a published photographer and a makeup artist. What led you to these professions?

Both of these things happened organically over the course of my life. My mom and dad gave me my first camera when I was a little kid, and I’ve been interested in make up since I was a child.

There was never a methodical plan to go in these directions. One thing led to another, with various opportunities, and here we are! And I’m so happy to be here.

When and why did you start doing cosplaying/ makeup transformations? I must confess I’m not an expert, but your transformations are always really stunning. You have a great sense for the fine details of faces and you can implement them perfectly.

Thank you! That is incredibly kind of you to say. My first OFFICIAL cosplay was the Fauxbias (Foe-bye-iss) Forge character in 2019. After seeing Tobias Forge’s iHeartRadio appearance in what felt like a hilarious mixed-cosplay of himself + Copia, I felt compelled to recreate that character. It’s taken off from there.

However, I’ve been doing transformational makeup since about 2011, and have always tried to create detailed Halloween/Event costumes.

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How do you come up with your ideas for makeup transformations and cosplays? Do people suggest things to you or do you just get an idea yourself and run with it?

MUSIC RULES MY LIFE. Music is involved with daily mundane tasks like getting dressed for work… cooking, brushing my teeth, driving…

It would be an understatement when I tell you that music is what inspires my ideas for cosplays. I’ll be listening to a song, and for some reason that song will hit me that day. It’s usually something about the lyrics – and from there my mind will make connections between the lyrics and perhaps a movie or tv show I’ve watched. Or maybe the lyrics will remind me of something I’ve heard a celebrity say.

I tried to stay organized by making a list of cosplays I wanted to do, but I’ve found that the key is I just need to be in a specific mood, have several free hours… and sometimes something fun happens!

What is your process when creating a look? Walk us through the steps please (for example drawing concept art, making a list of the needed items, doing makeup trials etc).

I know a ton of cosplayers/artists who create sketches, do trial makeup, make lists… I admire them for being so organized. That’s just not me. To dissect my own steps.. I most likely start by feeling inspired by a song. That song will spark some connections to characters/celebs/musicians… who would perform this song? Why? How? I’ll narrow it down to one character, then I will look at images of their iconic looks. I’ll purchase (or pull from my closet) wardrobe pieces and wigs. I’ll find detailed illustrations of the person’s face so I have a guide for the makeup. Once I have what I need (these steps can take several months because I have a full-time business, and a family), I’ll set a date to do the makeup/cosplay. Once in awhile that date won’t work, and maybe the thrill is gone, too.. so it will get pushed off to a later date, or abandoned. Honestly, this is probably the reason why I don’t typically tell people what I’m planning to do. I fly by the seat of my pants.

Do you make all your own costumes, and if so, what in your background has given you the ability to produce stuff like this?

I have an immense amount of respect for people who are able to make their own costumes. I’ve never been crafty and screen accurate, but I get as close as I can by purchasing items that have similar colors, shapes, and textures. If you look at the clothing I’m wearing, it might as well be the “wish.com” knockoff version of whatever I’m cosplaying. I think I focus more on the makeup transformation, and performance. 

Which part is your favorite of cosplaying? Where do you struggle the most?

I’ll start with where I struggle. I struggle with depression, and not having the energy or motivation to follow through. You should see the abandoned list of wild cosplay ideas I had. No more lists. It’s all in my head. I struggle with Instagram shadowbanning my account if I happen to use music that has a copyright. I struggle with trying to keep things new and fresh, and not settling into doing the same thing over and over. I want to keep things fresh so I don’t get bored and distracted. As for my favorite part about cosplaying/makeup… it’s been the friends and connections I’ve made during the last few years. The love and support from this community is overwhelmingly delightful, and I’m forever grateful. 

You explore a diverse list of themes in your cosplays and photoshoots: macabre and goth aesthetics, glam, femininity, darkness… Where do you feel the most comfortable? What would you like to experiment with next?

Hello, darkness… my old friend. I am 100% MOST comfortable doing goth/macabre looks and aesthetics. I was a goth kid, through and through, so you will always find just a touch of darkness in my work. However, I’m looking forward to breaking away from that for awhile this year as I experiment with retro vibes. 

As we already know Liz Fenning and Justin Andrews, the actors from the Ghost music videos and chapters are dear friends of you. Would you reveal to us how you got to know them?

Ha, yes. I haven’t thought about this in awhile. I think my best-friend Olivia helped me find Justin Andrews after I finally watched the Dance Macabre music video. I believe I had made it a personal goal to do a photoshoot with him. I thought, “That’s a handsome dude. He would be a great model.” I hadn’t worked with a lot of male models, and wanted to expand my portfolio. I contacted him via my personal IG account and we casually chatted for a few weeks about Queen, other music, and weed. After awhile, I asked him if he’d like to shoot. We’ve become good friends and have created fun art together over the past 2 years. Thanks to Justin showing Liz my photography account shortly after our first meeting, I was able to get in contact with her. We’ve created a ton of beautiful work! She’s an immensely sweet person, an amazing model, and has introduced me to her friends. I’m looking forward to what the future brings for Justin and Liz. They’re great people.

You went to a M&G with the Cardinal dressed as “The director”. I really loved it. It was legendary. You looked terrific! How did he react and what did he say?

THAT WAS SUCH A FUN DAY (and night). I met so many incredible Ghost fans that day, and have made long lasting friendships. I don’t remember everything that transpired with the Cardinal, as I was extremely TERRIFIED and couldn’t wait for that M&G to be over… but from what I remember and from what my friends recalled: I walked in and he said, “Well, hello!” We held hands, and I think I candidly said (to Tobias, not Cardi), “I’ve been listening to Ghost since 2011, and I’m so proud of what you’ve created over the years. You’ve really got something wonderful.” He didn’t seem to know how to reply — he hesitated. His voice went to normal Tobe voice, and he said, “Thank you.” My friends Olivia and Cortney told me that Cardi was watching me walk away, and (I didn’t hear him say this) he called after me, “You look really good!” Olivia said he was still watching me walk away as she came in, and she startled him. That part of the story always makes me laugh. I can’t wait to meet him again, and hopefully remember the entire interaction.

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What is your favorite Ghost cosplay you’ve done so far?

I was about to answer “Fauxbias,” but that’s more of a Tobias cosplay. If I had to choose, I’d say Papa Nihil, or Seestor. I’ve done several versions of both of those characters, including creating fan-made music videos.

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Who do you want to cosplay in the future? What ideas do you have for new projects?

I typically keep plans close to my chest, because sometimes things don’t always work out, or it takes a long time to get around to it. I guess you’ll just have to wait and see. But really… please do hang around. I’ve got some fun stuff in mind.

Do you also go to conventions?

Many many many years ago, I went to a convention. Due to a generalized anxiety disorder, I realized that massive crowds in close proximity aren’t my thing. These days, I prefer to get dressed in cosplay and go down to the convention area without actually going inside. There’s always so much going on outside— I don’t even need to be in the halls. Perhaps I’ll try again someday, though… if conventions in the USA are ever a thing.

Do you have role models for cosplay, photography, or in general in life?

I’m constantly inspired by so many artists and cosplayers in the community. I’d say my biggest cosplay inspirations are Justin Andrews (he’s an actor, but he gets really into our cosplay shoots!), Cumbermatch, Olivia Mercury, and Cardinal Copier. My biggest inspirations for photography are Josie Bunnie, and Rat Majesty. My role model for life is our Lord Jesus Christ. Kidding.

Do you have any warm words for beginners, who want to start with cosplaying, that you would like to give them?

Yes: Don’t ever, EVER think you can’t do this. YOU can cosplay whomever or whatever you want to cosplay (Within reason — please don’t appropriate). Anyone can cosplay, anyone can do makeup — and this is your time to flourish in a healthy outlet that helps you feel motivated, creative, and happy. Don’t let anyone mess that up for you. Lastly, please reach out to me if you need advice about something specific. I’m here for you!

How are your photoshoots organized and set up? Do you do everything yourself or do you have people, who support you?

Traditionally it’s just me and my model, but once in a while I will have a support crew if it’s a more complicated photoshoot. For instance when I did a shoot with Liz and Justin as the Joker and Harley Quinn, I invited my friends Cortney and Olivia to help. And, Liz brought her lovely makeup and hair person, Lyndsie. That was such a fun day. Things like that take a ton of planning to make sure everyone is available. 

What are the differences between transforming yourself and transforming others? Do you prefer to be the one in front of the camera or the one behind it?

I’ve always preferred being the photographer, but in my downtime I enjoy doing the makeup transformations and cosplays for myself. I won’t typically do fully transformative makeup on other people because it takes HOURS, and I mean HOURS. I save that type of tedious work for when I have extra time. I do LOVE taking photos of people who are willing to do cosplays, though. 

If you had the opportunity to do a photo shooting with Papa/Tobias how would it look like? Where will you do it, how would you style him, and what will you try to convey in the photos?

Oh, wow! I hadn’t given this much thought until now. I hope this can happen someday… I’d love to do a shoot of Papa playing with marionette dolls. Each doll would look like a prominent Ghost character. Maybe Papa Nihil, and Seestor. I’d try to convey that Papa is truly the director and has everything under control. Tobias has mentioned he’s a “control freak”, so this might touch that topic. 

I really love your video projects in the Ghost fandom. It was great fun for me to contribute a video myself once. How did you get the idea to make these fans videos?

Thank you. Those video challenge projects bring me great joy, as well. I absolutely love seeing how creative some people get with their submissions. I can’t take credit for the initial Dance Macabre project. A fellow cosplayer named Tobias Engorged came to me with the idea, and asked if I could get the ball rolling. It was to be a remake of a similar collaboration of musicians and actors who were filmed listening to Dance Macabre on their headphones. Ghost posted it in their stories before they released the actual music video. Liz was in it! 

If I’m ever in your area, what do I have to do to get photographed by you? 😉

If you’re ever in the Southern California area, all you need to do is let me know ahead of time. I’d love to work with you.

Unfortunately, life is not only nice all the time. Your family had to experience a great shock recently. Would you like to tell us about it?

My brother Justin was just diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer. Stage 4 is the most advanced stage of cancer. He’s one of the healthiest people I know, so this comes as a complete shock.  Because he’s a self-employed professional artist (@vberkvlt), famously in the metal music world, he won’t be able to make any sort of income or claim unemployment insurance while he’s battling this. As of now he has nearly zero energy to create and do the things he loves.

I am really very sorry about that. I wish your brother a fast and successful recovery. So, you have started a fundraising campaign to be able to support him financially in this emergency. How exactly does this work?

I’m running two different fundraisers for my brother.

Fundraiser 1: If people can spare some funds, they can check my Instagram bio for a link to his GoFundMe me that I’m running. If people can’t donate, it would be great when they consider making a post/story post and directing others to my profile.

Fundraiser 2: If artists like to get some amazing artwork/prints/items in exchange for a donation they can also check my profile for a list of 25+ Artists/Creatives who are offering commissions/finished pieces/items in exchange for donations to a PayPal account I’ve set up. Each artist/creative is setting their price, details, and rules.

I’m happy to support you as an artist and give away some selfmade GHOST keychains for a good cause (for those who are interested, please have a look at my Instagram account “Ghost_Band_Aids”). Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us despite this dark time, Fauxbias. I wish you much strength in the upcoming time. Our best thoughts are with you and your family.

9^th February 2021 / km

If you want to see more of Fauxbias amazing work and give her your support, please have a look at her social media accounts.

Instagram:        fauxbias.forge

If you want to support the fundraising, please follow this link:

Justin Bartlett (@vberkvkt) Fundraiser

www.gofundme.com/justinbartlettcancerfund