Now You See Me: Interview with Jaidlyn

Some people seemingly can do everything, everywhere and all at once. Jaidlyn is a perfect example of this: she's a commentator, a cosplayer, a competitor, a streamer, and even a music teacher! How does she do it all, what is her secret? Learn from this interview!

Disclaimer! This is a transcript of the interview, so it was formatted to fit the textual article. Most of the sentences were reworded while retaining 100% of the meaning, tone, and intent.

So, you've been in the FGC for five years, doing all sorts of cool stuff like commentating, cosplaying, streaming, and being a competitive player. What got you into the FGC, and how do you manage to juggle all these responsibilities?

Well, what initially brought me in was back in 2009, just before my husband and I tied the knot. He shared a link to the Evolution 2009 stream, saying, "Check this out; it's really cool." We weren't hardcore into fighting games, but watching the Street Fighter finals at Evo that year blew my mind. The energy of the FGC, experienced through streams of events like Combo Breaker, Evo, and Frosty Faustings, fascinated us from 2009 to 2018.

In 2018, while watching a tournament, we saw an advertisement for Frosty Faustings, scheduled for the last weekend in January in Chicago. Given its proximity – just a five-hour drive – we spontaneously decided to attend. After an enjoyable weekend, we promptly registered for Combo Breaker and have been participating ever since.

Regarding managing everything, I'm incredibly fortunate to be self-employed. I run my own voice and piano coaching studio, a gig I started around 2018. This independence allows me to be flexible with my schedule. Typically, I teach lessons in the evenings, affording me the freedom to stream during the day and attend events. Whether it's creating content or preparing for competitions, I can adjust my schedule accordingly. Working for myself provides the convenience to focus on different aspects, like doing contract work for PlayStation, which involves producing several YouTube videos for them. It's all very manageable, and I feel fortunate to have this flexibility in my career.

Well, you mentioned your husband supports your choice of a career in gaming. What about friends and family? How did they react to your decision, especially considering that convincing people five years ago that this could be a serious business was challenging? Do you have any advice for those starting their career and trying to convince their parents and loved ones that it's worth pursuing?

I'm really fortunate because my family supports me a lot. They find what I do really cool, which is great. My family has always been heavily involved in the arts – dance, choir, theater, and my brother is a musician. I have a master's degree in music, and my husband is also heavily into music. We've been lucky to have support in what are often considered fringe industries. When I transitioned into commentary and things like cosplay, my parents were very supportive because it was a creative outlet that made me happy, and that's what they wanted for me. My husband, as I mentioned, has been supportive from the start. All my friends are gamers, and they think what I do is cool. I'm grateful that there's not a single person in my life who disapproves of what I do.

As for advice to those starting out and trying to explain it to their families, everyone knows their family best. Personally, it worked for me to be straightforward, honest, and upfront about it. I would say, "This is what I'm doing," and provide links to the streams I do, like Evo  commentary. Even if my family doesn't fully understand, having that transparency helps. I established an honest relationship, setting a baseline for my goals and their expectations. I kept them in the loop about my travels, like going to California or Las Vegas, so they could see firsthand what I do, thanks to my transparency about my work.

So, you've been into anime fighters like BlazBlue, Melty Blood, and Guilty Gear. What draws you to anime fighters? Is it the aesthetics or the mechanics? Why did you choose these specific games?

I do love the aesthetics a lot. There's something about the art style that really appeals to me. But I also appreciate the mechanics, as you mentioned. In anime fighters, there's more emphasis on air movement and jumping. The gameplay tends to have more flashy elements, not necessarily flashy, but there are extended combos, and each character can behave uniquely within the game's mechanical structure. I enjoy the complexity of the systems. For instance, my current focus is on preparing for Under Night In-Birth 2, which is set to release at the end of January. The system mechanics in Under Night are quite intricate compared to some other games. There's something satisfying about discovering your limits within that specific mechanical framework. I acknowledge that each type of fighting game has its mechanics, but the fast pace of anime fighters and the added air movement just resonate with me – I find it really enjoyable and fun.

Did you ever consider choosing a different game, maybe something like Project L that’s just around the corner? Can you see yourself in other games?

Oh, absolutely. I really love Street Fighter 6. Historically, I haven't been much of a Street Fighter player, but I think Capcom nailed it with Street Fighter 6. It's an incredible, accessible, and thoroughly enjoyable game. Project L, which you mentioned, I got to play the demo at Evo, and it was a great experience. My first taste of competitive play was in BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle, which has a very similar tag mechanic to Project L. I could sense the passion that went into Project L, much like with Cross Tag Battle. Another notable connection is with Battle for the Grid; some of the same people who worked on it are also working on Project L, and you can feel that shared expertise. I'm eagerly anticipating what Riot will do with Project L because I think it's in a fantastic state, and I can definitely see myself playing it.

Do you believe it lives up to the hype? I mean, considering you've had a chance to play it, and acknowledging that it's in beta, is the excitement in the community justified?

I do think so. I was fortunate to have a coaching session with one of the staff members, and I loved it. It was a great experience. I had an hour of playtime, and honestly, I could have kept playing for much longer. There's a lot of love and care being poured into the game, and it's evident. They actively seek feedback by going to events, playtesting, and the team working on it includes some of my friends, which is really cool. It's a team known and respected within the fighting game community, and I think that lends a lot of trust to what Riot is developing with Project L.

Let's talk about cosplay. What do you enjoy the most about it, and are there any challenges that people might not see, something only you would know?

Sure. Before COVID, I was heavily into acting, doing professional or semi-professional work, especially in children's and musical theater. Cosplay lets me tap into those acting skills, but what I love the most is the actual crafting process. I enjoy tactile arts, like styling wigs, dyeing them, sewing clothes, working with foam, painting - those hands-on aspects are really satisfying. The creative process is what I truly love. And then, being able to embody the finished product and see the reactions on people's faces when they recognize the character - it's special, whether they love or don't love the character. It's a unique form of recognition after a long creative journey.

Now, about the challenges, you end up learning a lot about things that just shouldn't go together or unexpected chemical reactions. For example, I once tried to spray paint Styrofoam, not knowing that the chemical reaction would melt the Styrofoam, and it had a terrible smell. That was an early lesson, and now I understand why people use EVA foam instead. Even though Styrofoam is cheap, EVA is more durable. You also learn various sewing methods and explore different materials you never thought you'd encounter. There's always something new to learn, and you never know what it's going to be.

I mean, regarding challenges, personally, I think that cosplay requires a lot of bravery and confidence, especially for girls. I've never tried it myself, but I love the idea of preparing a costume. Once, we had a costume party at work with a Marvel theme, and I decided to be a female version of Loki. I was excited about preparing the costume, doing the makeup, everything. But when it came time to actually dress up, I got so nervous. I was afraid of what people would think, hesitant to leave my apartment, and even nervous about taking a taxi to work. I kept thinking about changing my clothes. It made me realize that this might be a common challenge for people starting in cosplay who are afraid to put themselves out there. What advice do you have for those who lack confidence?

That's a really good point because cosplay does expose you on a level that feels uncomfortable. Putting yourself out there in the things you've created makes you very vulnerable. For me, what helped the most was meeting people within the cosplay community and forming friendships fairly early on. Developing relationships and staying connected with them over the years meant that when we attended events where we knew we'd be cosplaying, I had a group of people in the same boat, ready to support each other. Having that camaraderie is invaluable. At events, even though we may be competing against each other, there's a sense of unity. My advice would definitely be to make connections because you're not alone. Nobody is isolated in the cosplay community, and everyone is willing to share advice and tips. Being surrounded by people you feel comfortable with, or at least those doing the same thing as you, helps you feel less alone and supported in your cosplay choices.

Let's discuss something I've talked about with other women. We previously touched on the male-dominated nature of gaming and art. Many women feel they need to prove themselves more than men, dealing with imposter syndrome and working extra hard. Do you ever experience imposter syndrome, and if so, how do you manage it?

Imposter syndrome does creep up sometimes, especially when I get selected for an event, and I see all these incredible people I'll be working with. I start questioning if I truly deserve to be there and feel the need to work extra hard to maintain it. I try not to frame it as a competition between men and women, although I know it's a reality. Personally, I've been fortunate to have support from both men and women in the industry. I don't see myself competing with a specific gender; it's more about the talent pool. I've had positive experiences within the community and have built a supportive network around me that celebrates successes and helps me through challenges.

For me, preparation is key in combating imposter syndrome. I study a lot, take extensive notes, and review tournaments. I do my own commentary reviews a few days after an event, assessing what I did well and what could be improved. It provides perspective and helps me overcome self-doubt. Studying game mechanics, understanding player storylines, and having reference materials, like notebooks for each event and game, contribute to my confidence. During live commentary, I can quickly access relevant information, making preparation a crucial factor in easing imposter syndrome.

You mentioned being fortunate to have supportive friends and family, but dealing with internet trolls and haters can still be challenging. I noticed you closed comments on the PlayStation series video. Seeing this, I wondered about the potential toxic comments on Reddit after this interview. It's surprising that such negativity still exists. How do you handle this, and what advice do you have for those who might be affected by haters, especially when starting out?

That's a great point. When I first started, any negative comment would throw me off. Now, I understand that people will say things, and I focus on doing my best regardless. Early on, a comment about my appearance or voice would affect me. The advice I can give is to take it with a grain of salt. Let it roll off initially, then revisit it later. If the comment still upsets you, address why. For instance, if someone criticizes your voice, think about whether you were hired for that role and if others appreciate your style. If it's about your appearance, consider it as constructive criticism. Without letting your ego get in the way, objectively evaluate the comment. Looking at things later and not taking them too personally helps build resilience.

I've experienced this myself. Someone once commented during a stream that I needed chapstick because my lips were dry. To their credit, they were right, but now I can laugh about it. Initially, it felt devastating. The more you can objectively assess comments, let them roll off, and return to them later, the better you'll handle such situations over time.

You've already mentioned your involvement in mentoring at Evo and Combo Breaker, fulfilling the dreams of many in the community. What's next for you? What are your plans for the next tournaments and titles?

For the next tournament, I've applied for Frosty Faustings, and I should be hearing back about that usually in late December or early January. I plan to continue applying to events like Combo Breaker and Evo because they are truly spectacular. I've been actively involved in the PlayStation Open Series and would love to continue working with them. It's an excellent platform to showcase the community with free-to-enter tournaments and great prizes.

Looking ahead, the immediate upcoming event is Frosty Faustings in January. Beyond that, I'll keep applying to various events. We're currently experiencing a renaissance with the emergence of new games like Street Fighter 6 and MK1, with Tekken 8 on the horizon, Project L, and Under Night In-Birth 2 releasing. With more events supporting these games and community interests, I'll keep an eye on opportunities to contribute.

If you could choose your three favorite female representatives in the FGC, who would they be? It could be players, community members, creators, managers – anyone.

Oh, there are so many. First and foremost, it has to be Persia, Samantha Hancock. She was the first woman in FGC commentary that I ever saw, particularly in Marvel. She's still active in Marvel and has transitioned into hosting as well. She has accomplished incredible things and has been an amazing supporter of mine. She was one of the first people who made me realize that this was something I could do, and when I decided to pursue it, she was right there supporting me. I think that's really great.

Three, golly.

I would have to give a shout-out to UMISHO, a high-level Guilty Gear player. She's incredibly inspirational. At only 22 years old, she exploded onto the scene and won Evo 2022 in her first year of playing Guilty Gear. She has made a name for herself and continues to grow. As a young competitor, whether male or female, it’s sometimes hard to cope with pressure. If you look at UMISHO, you see what she can achieve when she puts her mind to it. Her resilience is noteworthy and inspiring. I've enjoyed watching her grow within the community, becoming an incredible individual supported by many. UMISHO's mom and I have even become friends, which is really cool. I appreciate the support she receives, similar to how I'm supported by my own family. She keeps making waves, and I think that's great.

There are several women on the production side who have been spectacular. I'm trying to think of specific individuals from the women I've worked with on the PlayStation broadcasts – they have all been great. I've collaborated with many women producers, and they have been fantastic to work with. Oh man, it's hard to pick just one more to highlight; there are so many people I'd want to acknowledge.

Of course, Romanova is a huge inspiration for both cosplay and commentary. She's definitely up there. Another person behind the scenes is MeloDe, a significant figure in the Chicago scene and has been working with ten/o Productions, one of the teams that does Evo. She's an incredible person, and I'm really happy that I get to know her and work with her. Razzo is another player who I really respect, constantly breaking the mold, just like UMISHO. For cosplayers, my friend Mel was one of my very first cosplay friends. She keeps getting better at her craft and is very supportive of the fighting game community, finding her place within it. She plays a lot in mystery game tournaments, where you get thrown in and play different games, and she does really well with them, which is awesome. It's been great getting to know her and having her support as well.

It's amazing how supportive the fighting game community is, especially among women. When I spoke with other girls, there's a lack of toxicity, and everyone seems eager to help each other. People like Sherryjenix helping with visas, Anya supporting the Mexican scene – there's a strong sense of mutual support. It's evident that you all want to help each other achieve dreams and turn them into reality.

Absolutely, it is great. I actually forgot to mention one more person, Rick "TheHadou" Thiher's wife, who goes by Eidelonn. She is incredible, handling a lot of volunteer running and staff oversight for events like Combo Breaker and Evo. What makes her even more remarkable is that they have a fairly young child, around three or four years old, and she remains deeply involved and instrumental in keeping things running smoothly. I find her incredibly inspirational.

Let's imagine the perfect future in the FGC, especially for women. What would that look like?

I think we're already making significant strides. When I attended my first event in 2018, there were not many women represented, even in the audience. Now, we see women headlining commentary, contributing to high-level production, and excelling as competitors. There's growing support for all women across the community, with both female and male counterparts providing encouragement. In an ideal scenario, I want more positions filled with women who excel at them – camera operators, production staff, competitors, and audience members. I want women to feel comfortable and not encounter barriers in the space, where our common goal is to play or discuss fighting games. Achieving that level of comfort would be truly great.