Meagan VanBurkleo

Cosplay: Japanese term short for “costume play.” The act of dressing up in costume as favorite characters from anime, video games, movies, music, etc. Often cosplayers are seen at conventions or festivals celebrating some aspect of “nerd culture.”

About Me: I have been modeling for some time now – over five years. In that time I have learned a lot about the industry and about myself. What have I learned? I have found that while modeling may be a career for some people, it is a passion for me. I will be frank here. I have no desire to craft a future from modeling. I am not interested in posing for money or even for fame. What my experience in front of the camera has taught me is a passion for art.

In the last year or so I began to realize this. I realized that I was no longer interested in doing mainstream work – that I wanted to push myself to see what type of images I could help create. That is when I discovered cosplay. Being a nerd my entire life, cosplay was a perfect outlet for me to express myself. I found it a challenge to not only create my costumes, but to try and embody a character in an attempt to reach perfection.

About You: As I mentioned, I am not interested in money or fame, I simply want to make stunning photos. For this reason I don’t take photoshoots lightly. Usually I begin preparing for them months in advance. I spend hundreds of dollars and countless hours on my costumes, scouting locations, and searching out the best talent for the shoot. I put unprecedented work into the final product, and as such, am looking for photographers, makeup artists and hairstylists looking to do the same. I see every photo as a collaboration between artists with equal say in the final product.

My Policy: I work for free, and as such, am looking for individuals who are willing to do the same. Photographers – I understand that you spend countless hours doing post-production. Makeup and Hair artists – I realize your kit needs to be maintained. However, my costumes cost upwards of $400 each, and I bring them to the table. My hope is to find others willing to lend their talents in a similar fashion. If we all go into shoot with this in mind, I believe we can achieve phenomenal results. In addition to the above, I also require a minimum of ten photos from any given shoot. As a degree-holding graphic designer myself, I realize how much work goes into processing photos once they are finished. I don’t require that every photo be worked on extensively – the majority can be raw. Because of the work that goes into my costumes, a minimum number of photos is needed to document them correctly.

Future Projects: As of right now (Nov, 2008) I am taking a small break from modeling. I have a dozen or so costumes in the work that I hope to debut in the spring. Winter is a perfect time for me to work on them and get ready for the convention season. That being said, feel free to contact me with any proposed ideas in the mean time (I am willing to craft a costume if the concept is solid) and we can start planning for when it thaws. When it comes to your concepts, I am up for almost anything – except implied or explicit nudity. I work for a national magazine and as such want to keep a level of professionalism. I love makeup, special effects, animals and working with other models. So go ahead! Propose something.

Well, I hope this was not too dry. Trust me, I am a fun-loving and passionate individual who just wants to express herself. I look forward to meeting you!



If you are looking for more information, my “Professional” bio is below:

Meagan is a nerd of many faces. Ever since Lara Croft entered her life, she knew that video games had the ability to profoundly impact lives. Her love of video games, fostered by her two brothers, grew year by year until it became the passion that it is today. Lara Croft was not only important in her love for video games, but it was also her catalyst into the comic world. Seeing her first Tomb Raider comic cover hooked her to the world of comics. She is a huge fan of Top Cow comics, as well as Aspen Comic titles. Despite loving newer and darker titles, the classics such as Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman still hold a place in her heart. Anime and Japanese culture are also budding interests for Meagan. Her love for video games, comics and anime naturally lead her to grow an interest in cosplay, which is her newest addiction.

Currently, Meagan spends her days working for Game Informer Online, the website corresponding to the number one gaming magazine in the nation, Game Informer. She has the privilege of attending industry events, covering news, conducting interviews and brainstorming/executing features. In addition to her daily work, Meagan is also dedicated to furthering the issue of video-game accessibility among journalists and developers alike. She continually reports accessibility features to her readers via video-game previews, and has additionally given a lecture on the subject to the Minnesota chapter of the Usability Professionals’ Association.

On the side, she also devotes her time to a geek-culture blog – The Girls Entertainment Network– which is dedicated to ushering in more females to the video game and comic industry, among others. Here she has gained experience on camera as well as off, and has found to enjoy both thoroughly.

Outside of her professional interests, Meagan is also a long-time model, having worked for over five years around Minnesota and neighboring states. She is also dedicated to further arts, such as illustration, photography, and sculpting. She is currently slated to have one of her video-game related sculptures in an 8-bit themed art show.

Just to prove I can do some of that "normal" modeling too!

Exotic Compulsion Runway Model
KQRS Classic Babe- December 2005
The Zone Hot Chick of the Day July 2005!!
93X Hot Chick of the Day, June 28th!!!
Purology Hair Model: April 2005
Speed Options Model: www.speedoptions.com
Nextel Promotion/ Allstar Hockey Game: 2004
Care Bear Promotion/ Target 2005 Expo: 2004
Scooby Doo 2 Promotion/ Movie Theater: 2004
Scooby Doo 2 Promotion/ TV Spots: 2004
Hydrogear Waterbottle Promotion: 2004