About Me!
Hello! My name is Mac (Anna Kate) Ryan. I'm a current senior at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL, earning my BA in Theatre with a minor in Animal Studies. For as long as I can remember, my mom has always called me a "drama queen." Videos of me singing into a Barbie Island Princess Microphone toy in front of the fireplace as a little girl have always backed up my mother’s words. And once I stepped foot onto a stage at the age of six, I knew I was destined for the dramatic arts.
I've been sewing since I was a little girl, but I got the costume bug after taking my “Design Basics” class in the fall semester of my sophomore year of college. This class outlined the principles of backstage theatre through costumes, set, and lighting while exposing students to drafting and design projects with enforced research. Although it was fun to immerse myself in learning scenic design and architectural lighting, I was overwhelmingly compelled by the costume design lessons. I gained the itch to work in our college’s theatre department. To calm my new enthusiasm, I joined my college’s costume crew the next semester to gain experience in machine sewing and costume research. Then I was asked to be the makeup designer for my friend’s production of “The Bacchae,” which is where my design career skyrocketed!
A Visionary Storyteller From Concept to Production
My acting experience has given me a different perspective on design and production. It's the actor's job to portray a character through their words, mannerisms, and attitude. However, I firmly believe it's crucial for the costume designer to further interpret a character's inner emotions, history, and ideals through self-expression in fashion, creating a bridge between the actor and the audience and connecting them to the show’s story. As I stand right now, my professional goal is to build an imagination that my childhood self would be skipping along in. That said, I want my career in costumes to help shape characters into their true selves, from a design and technical standpoint.
My Favorite Creative Hobbies
When I'm not working on costumes, I enjoy...
Crochet
I first got into crochet when I made a beanie hat as a birthday present. Now, I enjoy crocheting new projects such as fashion accessories, plush toys, and practical home goods!
Crafts
On the weekends, you can often find me scrambling together a craft project to use for college parties and raves! I often find it satisfying to clash my sense of style with garments I find at thrift stores.
Cosplay
Since middle school, I've been cosplaying fictional characters at conventions near me! My notable cosplays include Mt. Lady from the anime "My Hero Academia," Ankha from the "Animal Crossing" game series, and Raven from "Teen Titans."
Personal Projects and Fashion Style
Many of my colleagues and friends have told me that my style is a mash-up of "Stevie Nicks" meets a fairycore/hippie aesthetic. Although I love to dress up outside my comfort zone, especially for fun occasions, I aim for my style to be a whimsical breath of fresh air that lets others breathe in comfort and inspiration!
