Philip Odango is an award-winning designer, producer and director whose videos have amassed over 10 million of streams on YouTube, and has crafted costumes for celebrities such as Mindy Kaling and Danny Trejo. Philip began cosplaying in 2004 and has since been an invited guest, presenter and cosplay contest judge all over the world, using his platforms to help others discover their creative self-expression.  As a creativity coach, Philip helps artists uncover and understand what may be preventing them from making their most authentic work. He equips them with tools to understand their creative process more clearly so they may reengage with their creative work and develop a strong, sustainable and nurturing creative practice.

 

His passion for crafting first cultivated with directing community theatre, where his love of spectacle and visual storytelling evolved into sewing over 300 costumes. Since crafting his first cosplay of Edward Scissorhands out of garbage bags and pizza boxes in 2004, Philip has designed and displayed numerous costumes across the world. His "cosplay your way" approach is inspired by diverse and vibrant creators, ideas and communities he has met all over the globe. 

 

With a keen eye for style and craftsmanship, Philip has established himself as both a tastemaker and influencer continually inspiring those around him. He is highly-sought internationally for partnerships, television series, and branded collaborations. He shares valuable insights through classes, workshops and panels with conventions, universities and makerspaces worldwide. He has been featured by The New York Times, Star Wars Magazine, Threads Magazine, Sew Daily, Forbes, Business Insider, GQ, Marvel, DC, Disney, and SYFY. Since 2017, Philip has served as a global ambassador for SINGER™ Sewing Company, and founded the "Bros Who Sew" campaign to encourage the craft of sewing. Brand collaborations include Warner HBO, Amazon, Michaels, FISKARS™, VELCRO™ Brand, IKEA, Plaid Crafts, Mehron, Kryolan Makeup, Cosplay Fabrics and JOANN Stores. 

​

Philip owns a project management and creative consultancy, and leans into 20 years of marketing, theatre, event production and community engagement experience to author the Cosplay Professional Development Series of books to empower aspiring cosplayers. He completed Harvard Business School's Sustainable Business Strategy program and has certifications in inclusion and diversity. He serves on numerous advisory boards and is a grant panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts. His philanthropy includes Operation Smile and the arts.

​