Cosplayer Of The Week: Mark Newport
10SHARESLeo Nocedo : How did you discover cosplaying?
Mark Newport : In 2003, I went to a convention caled FX2000 with a friend who showed me cosplay.
Leo Nocedo : What was your first cosplay?
Mark Newport : Star Trek Federation Captain Kirk maroon Uniform
Leo Nocedo : What are your next 3 cosplay plans?
Mark Newport : I have 1 star Wars, 1 DC villian and 1 Dream cosplay to make.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
Mark Newport : I have been asked for decades to, but no. I started for doing charity events. That was my contest to see smile on people’s faces.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer sewing, armor making, or wig working?
Mark Newport : I use to sew, but my blindness got worse. I can hand stitch but I prefer making armor and weapons.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to do photoshoots at cons or at specific locations?
Mark Newport : I enjoy both, being with good people and also action shots are very rewarding and self esteem building.
Leo Nocedo : Is there a type of character you cosplay frequently?
Mark Newport : I enjoy doing Hawkeye from Avenger movies. Being the character who is norm worth no powers and a has a family. But being a Ghostbuster with your own charity group is a lot of fun.
Leo Nocedo : Do you have any favorite cosplayers?
Mark Newport : Not really as guests for cons. But I admire the people I meet and the exchange of ideas. I admire how hard they work to bring their fiction to reality.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most detailed cosplay you’ve ever done?
Mark Newport : I do the movie and TV series Star Trek Klingon. I am covered in layers of cloth, leather and latex. It is hot and very detailed.
Leo Nocedo : What are your top 3 craftsmanship tips?
Mark Newport : a. be patient when creating
b. expect mistakes and learn to improve
c. Most important tip.. Never be afraid to ask for help or advice, You can never run without walking first.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay you’ve done?
Mark Newport : Wasteland Ghostbuster..
Leo Nocedo : What is your worst cosplay “horror” story?
Mark Newport : I was at Megacon a while back. My cosplay was my Klingon and when I was about to leave, the soles of my boots pulled away from the material. I had to look tough but slide walking to go to my hotel. As the boots were slapping up and down.
Leo Nocedo : What’s your funniest cosplay story?
Mark Newport : It was short, but I left as Hawkman for the first time going to Megacon. As I was half way there, my belt flew off and wings tipped. A friend yelled,” Looks like Birdman is ready for the pool.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the best in-character interaction you’ve ever had?
Mark Newport : Star Trek Fed Captain Kirk at Megacon. I was standing for a sec when I felt a tug on my leg. A small boy maybe 2 or 6 years old, cosplayed the little boy from Stuart Little, asked for a picture, So I knelt down next to him and told him he looked awesome. He replied ” thnk you sir” So I asked where his parents were and he pointed to his dad. I had the child stand next to me and we both pointed to the sky. As we were holding the pose, I saw the father in tears. I think it was something he always wanted as a kid. I walked over and shook his hand, and told him to kee p being the hero for him.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever cosplayed with a family member?
Mark Newport : A few times over the years with my Daughter Skylar. The last one was myself as Batman and she as her hero Harley Quinn from SS. I made her props for her.
Leo Nocedo : What are your go-to stores for cosplay materials/full cosplays?
Mark Newport : JoAnn Fabrics, Thrift Stores , Ebay, Procosplay
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy pre-styled wigs or style your own?
Mark Newport : I try to not wear wigs, bc having a small neck makes me look funny. But for Mad Eye Moody, I bought a wig, cut and styled it.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever had someone mistake you for a different character?
Mark Newport : Many time Hawkeye has been called Green Arrow or Robin Hood..I think the Kevin Cosner movie.
Leo Nocedo : List all the cosplays you’ve done.
Mark Newport : Batman, Shazam, Killer Croc,Two Face, Hawkman, Vigilantte, Green Lantern, Captain Kirk( various styles) , Klingon, Cardassian, Section 31 Guard,TOS Romulan, Jedi, Bounty Hunter, Biker Scout Trooper, Hawkeye, Hulkbuster, Iron Man, Dr. Strange, Cyclops, Wolverine,Captain America, Flash, Indiana Jones, Beast, Robocop, Dr. Alan Grant, Swashbuckler, Pirate, Victorian Vampire, Ghostbuster, Kraven, Western Gambler, Mob Boss, Sub Zero, Captain Cold
Leo Nocedo : What’s the biggest con you’ve cosplayed at?
Mark Newport : Megacon
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer cosplaying characters with props, or characters that you don’t need to carry a prop around all day?
Mark Newport : A little of both. depends on the props or who I am hanging with.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever lost a cosplay piece at a con?
Mark Newport : I have been lucky enough to never lost a piece of cosplay.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever bought a cosplay piece at a con?
Mark Newport : No
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to cosplay solo or in a group?
Mark Newport : I like having someone to partner with and done solo. But friends make it more fun.
Leo Nocedo : If you had a chance to meet your all-time favorite cosplayer, what would you say to them?
Mark Newport : I have quite a few times with several ppl. I tell them Thank you and and just talk.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever done a cosplay panel?
Mark Newport : I have never done a panel, been asked but never felt I am good enough to be on one. It’s sounds silly, but from all I have done, I stll lack self confidence,
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy or make cosplays?
Mark Newport : A little of both. It just depends on the Character.
Leo Nocedo : If you could tell your past self anything about cosplay, what would you say?
Mark Newport : We are all equal, we all struggle. but when you see the first smile of acceptance , it’s all worth it.
Leo Nocedo : What is your ultimate dream cosplay?
Mark Newport : Predator , like Storm troopers, they are always enjoyed by many.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult cosplay you’ve ever done? (Craftsmanship, wearing of, ect)
Mark Newport : Klingon bc it does not breathe, Hulkbuster and Robocop bc it requires a lot to transport and a good friend to help get it on and off.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult character makeup you’ve done?
Mark Newport : Klingon and Cardassian is the hardest. Flesh tone to prosthetic to skin.
Leo Nocedo : What, in your opinion, makes a cosplayer a “pro” cosplayer?
Mark Newport : Nothing.. I think no one is a pro, bc we are always trying to better. Especially always learning new ways to build and make things easier.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite part of cosplaying?
Mark Newport : Satisfaction that you made somone happy, brought a few smiles, being recognized, asked to join others in pictures and mostly peeling everything off and falling on the bed. LOL
Leo Nocedo : Make up your own question!
Mark Newport : Can Cosplay be hurtful and discouraging?
Yes, no matter how much you do, some people will be toxic, in front and behind your back.They will make fun of you challenges, skills, looks, and loves. And it will never change no matter how many posts try to up life negativity. But as long as you feel you did your best, there will be others to support you and push away the others who probably ( to me) are jealous, envious, maybe alone or just plain rude. If you have a good heart and a friend, or friends, you have the power to shine.