Welcome back for the conclusion of our chat with Tayliss Forge, one of the ten contestants on Steampunk’d, from GSN, the Game Show Network. Steampunk’d is the first steampunk reality show to be broadcast on cable television.
Part one can be read here.
Part two can be read here.
Airship Ambassador: What suggestions do you have for people who are thinking of applying for a possible season 2?
Tayliss Forge: If you are hoping to be on the show, be prepared to be emotionally and physically worked like you’ve never been before. I was lucky enough to work with a group of supportive and creative artists this season. I do not know what future seasons may hold. Most importantly, be kind to cast and crew. Creating good and personal bonds is the most powerful tool you have to being on top.
Photograph taken by Simply Colorful
AA: Now that the show has aired, what comes next for you?
TF: Creating more costumes, attending conventions, and going to school for sewing are still in my future. I have been self-taught with all my costuming and I plan to get a real education on how to sew and draft patterns. I’m really excited to begin working on that.
AA: It’s going to be wonderful to see what you come up with next after all of that. Looking beyond steampunk, what other interests fill your time?
TF: There are things other than steampunk?! Just kidding. Overall, I’m just a big geek. I enjoy playing video games, board games, and dungeons and dragons. I also enjoy watching anime, singing, 3D printing, and attending comic conventions.
AA: How do those interests influence your work?
TF: Playing video games and playing dungeons and dragons really influences my character creation and costume design. I love putting fantasy elements into my work and creating back stories for all of my characters.
Photograph taken by Simply Colorful
AA: There’s only so much time in a day – what interests don’t you have time for?
TF: I like playing violin, but it’s not easy for me to get the time to practice. The other things that I don’t have time for are countless, but I regret not being able to play more than anything else.
AA: What other fandoms are you part of?
TF: Anime, star wars, and gaming are some of the biggest fandoms I’m a part of. I was president of anime club at my high school and have been attending anime expo for the past six years. It’s really fun talking to people who have similar interests and that’s why I attend conventions, to find those people.
AA: Are there people you consider an inspiration, role model, or other motivating influence?
TF: The League of STEAM was one my biggest inspirations when I started steampunk design. It is amazing to me that all of their weapons are functional and I hope I can have work like that someday.
Photograph taken by Simply Colorful
AA: What has been your greatest challenge?
TF: One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face is working through my self-consciousness. I was made fun of a lot growing up for being different. I preferred playing video games over shopping and lacked the coordination to be an athlete. People made fun of my height, paleness of my skin, the way I dressed, etc. It really hurt growing up. It took me years to realize that I can overcome my self-consciousness and I have so many people to thank for that being possible.
AA: It can certainly be a tough experience for those of us who grew up being taunted, teased, and ostracized for being different and truly unique, but sometimes we also find that such negative experiences also give us the drive and motivation to keep living our life in our own way. Our successes can then be inspiration to others around us. Any final thoughts to share with our readers
TF: Never give up on something you’re passionate about. Find people who support what you love and ignore people who only bring negativity to your life.
Thanks, Tayliss, for sharing all of your thoughts. We look forward to hearing about your next projects!
Keep up to date with Tayliss‘ latest news on her Twitter feed.
Also, check out her exhibit page at The Steampunk Museum.
Airship Ambassador 