#FeatureFriday with Alexandria the Geek

Today I'm so lucky to be able to share an interview with Alexandria the Geek. She was one of the first cosplayers I followed when I started my journey and watching her grow is so inspiring and I've learned so much from her. Read the interview below!

How and when did you get into cosplay?
I started attending SDCC in 2010 as a normal attendee for a few years before I entered the cosplay scene in 2013. I was incredibly inspired by the cosplayers at the time and seeing everyone’s passion for characters gave me the courage to join the cosplay community.

How did you come up with your cosplay name?
Well, my father named me after the library of Alexandria and when trying to brainstorm a cosplay name I wanted to stay true to myself. I ended up essentially playing with “Alexander the Great” and altered it to Alexandria the Geek.

What do your friends and family think of your hobby?
Originally, they were not super excited for me to partake in this hobby. My parents did not think this was something I would continue to do and therefore didn’t invest much interest in it thinking it was “just a phase.” Over time though, they came around. My dad had always attended SDCC with me, so when he when he went while I was in cosplay he was shocked at the response. I believe he realized how much joy I gain from it, and how it has molded me into the person that I am today.

If you're still cosplaying in 10+ years, do you think it will have an effect on your cosplay choices, or the characters you choose to portray?
I’ll be in my mid-thirties by then so honestly, I’m not sure what the future holds! I know for a fact I cosplay characters I personally feel connected to. (However, I am guilty of cosplaying a character I was not fully interested in originally, simply because the costume design spoke to me or I felt it would challenge my skills.) 

I know I have currently pulled back from attending conventions already simply because I have enjoyed creating the costumes and doing photoshoots more than stressing out and traveling for conventions.

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
I love to read. and my other main hobby is traveling/scuba diving. I have been traveling with my family since I was young, and I have been scuba certified since I was 13 years old. Outside of that I am a pharmacist intern working towards my Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

How do you choose your next cosplay?
I know it is a cliché, but characters usually speak to me. Sometimes my boyfriend suggests a character he wants me to do that compliments his character, or some of my good friends and I cosplay in a group if we all are attracted to a character in the group.

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
Steff Von Schweets was the first cosplayer I followed when I was attending conventions. She inspired me to get into the hobby. With absolutely no skills in the field, she made me feel like I could do anything and for that I am eternally grateful.

​What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?
I am currently working on my cosplays for Wondercon this coming April. Queen Hippolyta from the new Wonder Woman film, Emma Cullen from Magnificent Seven, and Susan from a comic book called Badassical.

What is your dream cosplay?
Oh boy, this is a tough one. In regards to a cosplay pertaining to sewing, I would have to say Anastasia’s ballgown because it is what literal dreams are made of. In regards to an armor build, I want to make a new cylon suit from BSG.

What is your favorite convention to attend?
Wondercon! I have had so many amazing memories with friends and fans at this convention. Having it in Anaheim is a nice location, and is is usually the first convention I attend every year.

What is your dream convention to attend?
Probably Dragoncon. I have tons of fellow cosplayers and friends that attend it every year and I feel like it is something I need to check off of my list.

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
I don’t have really any cosplay pet peeves, but in regards to conventions… I am severely annoyed when people take a photo when I’m not paying attention or walking through a hall, or eating half out of costume. It only takes a second to ask my permission, because I can guarantee I would be glad to! This allows me to pose, fix my costume, or take a second to chat. I remember someone tagged me in a photo where I was blurry and bending over picking up trash (really?!)

Also, I cannot handle when people touch, poke, or grab my costume without asking. I know many cosplayers cram to get their pieces done right before the con; paint may not be dry, something may be fragile or held together by one thread of hope.

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
Hot glue is your friend, but is also your enemy! Hah. I have cut corners due to time crunches and I have regretted it every time. I remember for AX this past year, I hot glued my leg armor together for Wonder Woman and as I was walking out of the parking lot, one leg just felt apart and I was devastated.

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
It doesn’t matter your skill level, if cosplay is something you want to get involved in, do it! My first cosplay was done on my step-mom’s sewing machine with a cheap Halloween wig and clown paint. And you will always keep improving; there’s always new techniques to learn… PERFECTION IS UNACHIEVABLE.

Where can we find you on all things social?
Facebook: Alexandria the Geek
IG: @Alexandria_thegeek

Photos provided by: Schou Photography, JustCoz Photography, and Katie Jean Photography.

Such an amazing interview and I can totally relate to her on so many levels. I loved reading it. Go follow her on social media, and if you know anyone who deserves an interview, just shoot me an email!