Leo Nocedo : How did you discover cosplay?
Steven Newport : My first real exposure to cosplay, before it was even really being referred to as such, was thanks to Star Trek Conventions! While conventions have exploded in popularity, back when they were small, little things held in conference rooms, people would wear Starfleet Uniforms.
Leo Nocedo : What was your first cosplay?
Steven Newport : Technically, my first cosplay was Superman! My mom made me a costume when I was just 7 months old.
Leo Nocedo : What are your next 3 cosplay plans?
Steven Newport : Well, depending on how much time and money I get to put into the suits, and since that’s not too likely right away, I’ll go with my next three hopefuls, which are Batman (Keaton), The Green Lantern, and the Black DinoThunder Power Ranger. That’s the order in which I want them, but Batman won’t be a reality for quite some time.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
Steven Newport : Yes! I can’t wait to do more. I won one once, at the very first Power Morphicon, for being Silver Guardian Leader Wes Collins from Power Rangers Time Force!
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer sewing, armor making, or wig working?
Steven Newport : Someday I hope to get good at armor making! I don’t have that particular talent yet. But its always amazing to see what people have made at the conventions I get to go to!
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to do photoshoots at cons or at specific locations?
Steven Newport : Both! Though I love getting to be in-character in specific locations.
Leo Nocedo : Is there a type of character you cosplay frequently?
Steven Newport : I usually go for the Superheroes. Most especially The Green Arrow.
Leo Nocedo : Do you have any favorite cosplayers?
Steven Newport : While I love all cosplayers, the one I really follow closely is Alyson Tabbitha, Her transformations are unreal! Like, how someone can look like both Heath Ledger and Gal Gadot, and anyone in between, that level of makeup talent is astonishing!
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most detailed cosplay you’ve ever done?
Steven Newport : Probably just the Joker, due to the hair, makeup and contacts. It’s nothing compared to what some people go through!
Leo Nocedo : What are your top 3 craftsmanship tips?
Steven Newport : Be patient!! that’s really my only tip. I am not very good at making things, so trial and error for the win.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay you’ve done?
Steven Newport : Definitely Season 5 Arrow
Leo Nocedo : What is your worst cosplay “horror” story?
Steven Newport : My girlfriend at the time and I were dressed as Lydia and Beetlejuice. It was amazing, and she is a fantastic makeup artist who helped me really get into character. In fact, a lot of my passion for cosplay stems from that time in my life. Well, as amazing as the makeup was, it was no match for the Florida heat, and within minutes it was running EVERYWHERE. I had a purple eye for hours. Like, my actual eye was fogged over because sweat got in there with makeup in it. Ah, good times.
Leo Nocedo : What’s your funniest cosplay story?
Steven Newport : At C2E2 in Chicago, I was dressed as Green Arrow and we were taking an elevator up to the rooms to get ready for a night event (one in normal clothes.) A couple of guys got in the elevator and said, “hi, Steve!” and we talked. They of course didn’t know that was actually my name, as they were referring to Stephen Amell, but we talked on the ride up. Once changed and at the next venue, there they were! We talked some more before I said, “I told you I was going to change out of the suit.” They hadn’t recognized me yet! It was a fun “secret identity” moment made funnier when they discovered my name was actually Steve.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the best in-character interaction you’ve ever had?
Steven Newport : In-character interactions are the coolest part of cosplay for me! My favorite in-character was as Star Lord of the Guardians of the Galaxy. I got to meet a little boy, no older than 4 years old, who was dressed as Thanos. I pretended to be scared of him, he pretended to fight me, and we had an awesome moment! A friend caught a photo of the moment and it is one I will always cherish.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever cosplayed with a family member?
Steven Newport : Both of my parents would dress up with me at Star Trek conventions. From a young age, my mom was Dr. Beverly Crusher, and I was Wesley Crusher (Star Trek: TNG)
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay photo of yourself?
Steven Newport : It’s one my dad took in the snow by the lake of me as Green Arrow. Though its a close call between that, and one I had taken as Captain Kirk in early 2019. I was in the best shape of my life when I was Captain Kirk and after this 2020 thing, I hope to get back there!
Leo Nocedo : What are your go-to stores for cosplay materials/full cosplays?
Steven Newport : I have gotten a couple of nice suits (for the money)at SIM Cosplay. That’s where Flash and The Hood (Arrow) came from. Fabrics usually come from Joann if I am making something, but like a great many on a budget, I tend to look around for whatever deal I can find! I pieced together my Red Turbo Ranger costume from a handful of sellers and ended up making my own belt for it.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy pre-styled wigs or style your own?
Steven Newport : I try to get pre-styled wigs if I can, but I also don’t have the issue the way many characters might!
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever had someone mistake you for a different character?
Steven Newport : No, but that does remind me of a funny story about a time I wasn’t dressed up for a con, and was wearing jeans, a dark gray shirt, and my brown leather jacket. More than one person complemented me on my Dean Winchester outfit that day!
Leo Nocedo : List all the cosplays you’ve done.
Steven Newport : Star Trek (over eleven different Starfleet Uniforms!), Silver Guardian Wes Collins (Power Rangers Time Force) The Joker, Beetlejuice, The Hood (Arrow Season 1-3), Green Arrow (Season 5-7), The Spectre (Arrow Season 8) The Dark Archer of Earth X (Arrow), The Flash (CW), James Bond, Flash Gordon (movie), Mighty Morphin’ Blue Ranger, Red Zeo Ranger, Red Turbo Ranger, Star Lord and Captain America. With hopefully more to come!
Leo Nocedo : What’s the biggest con you’ve cosplayed at?
Steven Newport : C2E2 in Chicago
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer cosplaying characters with props, or characters that you don’t need to carry a prop around all day?
Steven Newport : Props are always a good idea in theory, right? Most of my characters have them, in some form. Star-Lord has blasters and maybe a helmet. Any Power Ranger, that helmet is going to be a prop you carry at your side 98% of the time. I finally got a great bow to use as the Green Arrow, but it is quite heavy!
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever lost a cosplay piece at a con?
Steven Newport : Luckily not so far, knock on wood!
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever bought a cosplay piece at a con?
Steven Newport : I have! I bought my Red Turbo Ranger helmet at a convention and later decided to turn that into a full suit.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to cosplay solo or in a group?
Steven Newport : There is nothing more epic than getting a group together. I can go either way, but when we get a full team together its the best. Like, Arrow, Supergirl and The Flash, its just more exciting when they are all together. It also makes for my favorite photos!
Leo Nocedo : If you had a chance to meet your all-time favorite cosplayer, what would you say to them?
Steven Newport : I’d probably just say, “awesome job!” and ask for a photo if they were in costume.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever done a cosplay panel?
Steven Newport : Only from the audience!
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy or make cosplays?
Since my talents are quite limited, I usually buy costumes when possible. I would love to have more time to practice creating garments.
Leo Nocedo : If you could tell your past self anything about cosplay, what would you say?
Steven Newport : Start saving money now! LOL
Leo Nocedo : What is your ultimate dream cosplay?
Steven Newport : I’d love to be a VR Trooper. Most people don’t remember them, but their armor was so awesome. Like stronger-looking Power Rangers.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult cosplay you’ve ever done? (Craftsmanship, wearing of, etc)
Steven Newport : Rangers, for two reasons. One, there’s no place for ANYTHING on that suit, so you need someone with you at all times. Two, the helmets are one of the most important parts of being a ranger, and they’re really hot after more than a couple of minutes. If your breath fogs up the visor, its a lot like wearing glasses in 2020.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult character makeup you’ve done?
Steven Newport : Since I usually do masked heroes, I have to say The Joker. But I can’t take full credit there, I had help with some of the makeup!
Leo Nocedo : What, in your opinion, makes a cosplayer a “pro” cosplayer?
Steven Newport : To me, its someone who really promotes themselves as such and has a big following. I don’t think its about who has the money or who looks the most like the actor, more about the mindset and how hard people work at it.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite part of cosplaying?
Steven Newport : Getting to pretend to be someone amazing. And seeing someone who loves your character come up and want a photo.
Steven Newport : My first real exposure to cosplay, before it was even really being referred to as such, was thanks to Star Trek Conventions! While conventions have exploded in popularity, back when they were small, little things held in conference rooms, people would wear Starfleet Uniforms.
Leo Nocedo : What was your first cosplay?
Steven Newport : Technically, my first cosplay was Superman! My mom made me a costume when I was just 7 months old.
Leo Nocedo : What are your next 3 cosplay plans?
Steven Newport : Well, depending on how much time and money I get to put into the suits, and since that’s not too likely right away, I’ll go with my next three hopefuls, which are Batman (Keaton), The Green Lantern, and the Black DinoThunder Power Ranger. That’s the order in which I want them, but Batman won’t be a reality for quite some time.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
Steven Newport : Yes! I can’t wait to do more. I won one once, at the very first Power Morphicon, for being Silver Guardian Leader Wes Collins from Power Rangers Time Force!
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer sewing, armor making, or wig working?
Steven Newport : Someday I hope to get good at armor making! I don’t have that particular talent yet. But its always amazing to see what people have made at the conventions I get to go to!
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to do photoshoots at cons or at specific locations?
Steven Newport : Both! Though I love getting to be in-character in specific locations.
Leo Nocedo : Is there a type of character you cosplay frequently?
Steven Newport : I usually go for the Superheroes. Most especially The Green Arrow.
Leo Nocedo : Do you have any favorite cosplayers?
Steven Newport : While I love all cosplayers, the one I really follow closely is Alyson Tabbitha, Her transformations are unreal! Like, how someone can look like both Heath Ledger and Gal Gadot, and anyone in between, that level of makeup talent is astonishing!
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most detailed cosplay you’ve ever done?
Steven Newport : Probably just the Joker, due to the hair, makeup and contacts. It’s nothing compared to what some people go through!
Leo Nocedo : What are your top 3 craftsmanship tips?
Steven Newport : Be patient!! that’s really my only tip. I am not very good at making things, so trial and error for the win.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay you’ve done?
Steven Newport : Definitely Season 5 Arrow
Leo Nocedo : What is your worst cosplay “horror” story?
Steven Newport : My girlfriend at the time and I were dressed as Lydia and Beetlejuice. It was amazing, and she is a fantastic makeup artist who helped me really get into character. In fact, a lot of my passion for cosplay stems from that time in my life. Well, as amazing as the makeup was, it was no match for the Florida heat, and within minutes it was running EVERYWHERE. I had a purple eye for hours. Like, my actual eye was fogged over because sweat got in there with makeup in it. Ah, good times.
Leo Nocedo : What’s your funniest cosplay story?
Steven Newport : At C2E2 in Chicago, I was dressed as Green Arrow and we were taking an elevator up to the rooms to get ready for a night event (one in normal clothes.) A couple of guys got in the elevator and said, “hi, Steve!” and we talked. They of course didn’t know that was actually my name, as they were referring to Stephen Amell, but we talked on the ride up. Once changed and at the next venue, there they were! We talked some more before I said, “I told you I was going to change out of the suit.” They hadn’t recognized me yet! It was a fun “secret identity” moment made funnier when they discovered my name was actually Steve.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the best in-character interaction you’ve ever had?
Steven Newport : In-character interactions are the coolest part of cosplay for me! My favorite in-character was as Star Lord of the Guardians of the Galaxy. I got to meet a little boy, no older than 4 years old, who was dressed as Thanos. I pretended to be scared of him, he pretended to fight me, and we had an awesome moment! A friend caught a photo of the moment and it is one I will always cherish.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever cosplayed with a family member?
Steven Newport : Both of my parents would dress up with me at Star Trek conventions. From a young age, my mom was Dr. Beverly Crusher, and I was Wesley Crusher (Star Trek: TNG)
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay photo of yourself?
Steven Newport : It’s one my dad took in the snow by the lake of me as Green Arrow. Though its a close call between that, and one I had taken as Captain Kirk in early 2019. I was in the best shape of my life when I was Captain Kirk and after this 2020 thing, I hope to get back there!
Leo Nocedo : What are your go-to stores for cosplay materials/full cosplays?
Steven Newport : I have gotten a couple of nice suits (for the money)at SIM Cosplay. That’s where Flash and The Hood (Arrow) came from. Fabrics usually come from Joann if I am making something, but like a great many on a budget, I tend to look around for whatever deal I can find! I pieced together my Red Turbo Ranger costume from a handful of sellers and ended up making my own belt for it.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy pre-styled wigs or style your own?
Steven Newport : I try to get pre-styled wigs if I can, but I also don’t have the issue the way many characters might!
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever had someone mistake you for a different character?
Steven Newport : No, but that does remind me of a funny story about a time I wasn’t dressed up for a con, and was wearing jeans, a dark gray shirt, and my brown leather jacket. More than one person complemented me on my Dean Winchester outfit that day!
Leo Nocedo : List all the cosplays you’ve done.
Steven Newport : Star Trek (over eleven different Starfleet Uniforms!), Silver Guardian Wes Collins (Power Rangers Time Force) The Joker, Beetlejuice, The Hood (Arrow Season 1-3), Green Arrow (Season 5-7), The Spectre (Arrow Season 8) The Dark Archer of Earth X (Arrow), The Flash (CW), James Bond, Flash Gordon (movie), Mighty Morphin’ Blue Ranger, Red Zeo Ranger, Red Turbo Ranger, Star Lord and Captain America. With hopefully more to come!
Leo Nocedo : What’s the biggest con you’ve cosplayed at?
Steven Newport : C2E2 in Chicago
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer cosplaying characters with props, or characters that you don’t need to carry a prop around all day?
Steven Newport : Props are always a good idea in theory, right? Most of my characters have them, in some form. Star-Lord has blasters and maybe a helmet. Any Power Ranger, that helmet is going to be a prop you carry at your side 98% of the time. I finally got a great bow to use as the Green Arrow, but it is quite heavy!
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever lost a cosplay piece at a con?
Steven Newport : Luckily not so far, knock on wood!
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever bought a cosplay piece at a con?
Steven Newport : I have! I bought my Red Turbo Ranger helmet at a convention and later decided to turn that into a full suit.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to cosplay solo or in a group?
Steven Newport : There is nothing more epic than getting a group together. I can go either way, but when we get a full team together its the best. Like, Arrow, Supergirl and The Flash, its just more exciting when they are all together. It also makes for my favorite photos!
Leo Nocedo : If you had a chance to meet your all-time favorite cosplayer, what would you say to them?
Steven Newport : I’d probably just say, “awesome job!” and ask for a photo if they were in costume.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever done a cosplay panel?
Steven Newport : Only from the audience!
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy or make cosplays?
Since my talents are quite limited, I usually buy costumes when possible. I would love to have more time to practice creating garments.
Leo Nocedo : If you could tell your past self anything about cosplay, what would you say?
Steven Newport : Start saving money now! LOL
Leo Nocedo : What is your ultimate dream cosplay?
Steven Newport : I’d love to be a VR Trooper. Most people don’t remember them, but their armor was so awesome. Like stronger-looking Power Rangers.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult cosplay you’ve ever done? (Craftsmanship, wearing of, etc)
Steven Newport : Rangers, for two reasons. One, there’s no place for ANYTHING on that suit, so you need someone with you at all times. Two, the helmets are one of the most important parts of being a ranger, and they’re really hot after more than a couple of minutes. If your breath fogs up the visor, its a lot like wearing glasses in 2020.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the most difficult character makeup you’ve done?
Steven Newport : Since I usually do masked heroes, I have to say The Joker. But I can’t take full credit there, I had help with some of the makeup!
Leo Nocedo : What, in your opinion, makes a cosplayer a “pro” cosplayer?
Steven Newport : To me, its someone who really promotes themselves as such and has a big following. I don’t think its about who has the money or who looks the most like the actor, more about the mindset and how hard people work at it.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite part of cosplaying?
Steven Newport : Getting to pretend to be someone amazing. And seeing someone who loves your character come up and want a photo.
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