Newby

About

Ryan Newby has been cosplaying since 2017. He discovered his love of cosplay while working as a techie for competition theatre working on props, costumes, and sets, and decided to pick it up as a hobby. He began his cosplay journey as a charity costumer with the Star Wars clubs, and has since branched out into general cosplay. You can follow him at okieviking, Okieviking Cosplay, newbsters.

Q&A

How did you get into cosplay?
Back in high school, I wanted to make a custom Clone Trooper from Star Wars. While researching it, I found the Mando Mercs Costume Club and learned about cosplay and charity costuming.

What inspires you to cosplay a character? 
I love getting to portray characters from my favorite franchises. I also love interacting with people and having matching cosplays with my friends.

What advice would you give to someone new to cosplay or wanting to get into it?
Start small and work your way into it. Do simple cosplays and try going to a small con for a few hours to see how you like it. Don’t be afraid to ask friends for advice or about their costumes. Cosplayers love talking about their craft. 

Who are your inspirations for cosplays? Makers, cosplayers, artist?
Adam Savage is one of my biggest cosplay influences. My cosplay friends also regularly inspire me to do and be better. 

What do you do with old cosplay? 
I recycle my old cosplays or give away what I can’t use. I always keep something from it as a memento, though. 

Whats your favorite cosplay memory? Favorite con?
Probably meeting and talking to Adam Savage about my Mandalorian cosplay. 

What are you most excited about in Making Legends:Cosplay Culture?
Getting to introduce cosplay to people who may not have eve.'πnπ known it was a thing. And engaging with the community is something I love doing.