In addition to his Hugo-nominated work as an author, Dr. John L. Flynn is also a Master Costumer. He studied costume design in college, and designed and produced the costumes for several theatrical productions of the Patapsco Players in 1978, 1979 and 1980. John entered his first costume competition later that year, and won several prizes at Sci Con in Virgina Beach. From 1980 to 1987, he earned enough competition wins to be promoted from Novice to Journeyman, and finally, to Master Costumer. He entered his final Worldcon competition in Atlanta in 1986, and won the Best in Class for his recreation of Robby the Robot from "Forbidden Planet" (1956). A few months later, John entered his final Regional competition in Philadelphia, and won Best in Class for his Rocketeer, inspired by the popular comic book by Dave Stevens. For a complete list of John Flynn's competition wins, click here.

Early in 1985, while planning Costume Con III, John Flynn, his costume partner Dorsey Rogers, and Marty Gear came up with the idea of forming an organization for costumers. The group would meet regularly to share ideas, help run convention masquerades, establish guidelines for competitions, and provide fellowship for like-minded individuals. Together with Kathy Mayer, Patricia Hammer, Bobbi Gear, and several others, they formed the Columbia (Maryland) Chapter of the International Costumer's Guild. Marty Gear was elected as the first President; John Flynn served as the Vice President, and Dorsey Rogers acted as Treasurer. One year later, when John was elected President, he expanded the role of the ICG, and helped to create organizations in Virginia Beach and New Jersey. Now the International Costumer's Guild spans the wide world with chapters in many different cities and regions.

John Flynn retired from costume competitions in 1987 to pursue his blossoming career as an author. Although he continued to produce Renaissance costumes to wear at Society for Creative Anachronism or simply SCA events or Science Fiction/Fantasy costumes for SF Fandom, he has remained an inactive member. John continues to love costume design and masquerade parties, and suited up as Hollywood's favorite archaeologist Indiana Jones at the 2007 San Diego Comic Con.

This website is devoted to the work of a Master Costumer--John L. Flynn.

Home - Website Introduction.

Film & Television - This page showcases John Flynn's costumes that were inspired by Film and Television.

Historical - This page features those costumes John Flynn produced from different historical periods.

Science Fiction & Fantasy - This page shows John Flynn's costumes that were original ideas or ones taken from science fiction and fantasy themes.

Sketches - Sketches from some of John Flynn's costumes are presented here.

Competitions Won - This page features a complete list of John Flynn's competition wins.

Dr. John L. Flynn's Writing Site - This link takes you back to John's writing website.

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