Steven Manning
About
Steven Manning was born and raised in Norman Oklahoma, Steven Manning works in healthcare analytics, but his passion is costuming and supporting the cause of the 501st Legion. He has been actively costuming since 2017 and has been an officer with the Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion since 2020. For Steven, costuming provides a form of artistic expression and community as well as a means to give back through time and money to local charities.
Q&A
How did you get into cosplay?
I got into cosplay at my wife's encouragement. We are both big Star Wars fans, and she was a member of a local Star Wars fan club called JediOKC. I started attending meetings with her and discovered that people were using their love of Star Wars to benefit local charities, namely Spencer's Children's Hospital. She helped me make my first costume, a Return of the Jedi Y-Wing pilot, and it has just grown from there.
What inspires you to cosplay a character?
Most of the characters I've cosplayed have been those I've had an affinity for since I was a kid. For whatever reason, those characters really drew me in, and as an adult, it allows you to capture a little of that childhood wonder. I also usually choose characters whose faces are completely obscured by a helmet or a mask, as that allows me to take on the persona of the character and make that interaction with guests at events more memorable.
What advice would you give to someone new to cosplay or wanting to get into it?
I'd recommend that they get involved with the local cosplay community. There are a lot of clubs and organizations, as well as Facebook groups, that specialize in various fandoms or genres. Get to know others, see how they put together their costumes, and attend events and conventions just as a handler. You'll learn a lot, build a network and support system, and find the niche you want to cosplay in.
Who are your inspirations for cosplays? Makers, cosplayers, artist?
My costuming inspirations are the local members of the 501st Legion. These folks build movie-quality costumes and then turn around and use them to do charity work and put smiles on faces at events. Seeing someone's newest costume often inspires me to plunge again into a new kit. Luckily, in the Star Wars costuming world, there are makers worldwide producing amazing kits and components for just about any character you might want to do.
What do you do with old cosplay?
I have yet to retire a costume, so I'm still suiting up in all my costumes throughout the year. However, once something is past its prime trooping days, I intend to put them on mannequins at the house.
Whats your favorite cosplay memory? Favorite con?
My favorite Con is hands down, SoonerCon. My wife took me to that event, which really cemented my desire to get involved. It's the one event each year here in Oklahoma where the entire community makes a big appearance. My favorite SC would have to be 2023, as the Garrison and JediOKC unveiled our Kah'Maloo experience for the first time, and it was so fun to be a part of it.
What are you most excited about in Making Legends:Cosplay Culture?
I'm excited for people to learn more about cosplay culture and everything we do besides just the cosplay itself. The community, the charity work, and all the fun we have while giving back.