Location: USA
Links: Facebook | Twitter | Storenvy

SMC: Why did you start cosplaying?
Alexa Karii:  I started cosplay unintentionally. It was more the Internet that classified me as a cosplayer. I always loved doing self portraits and a lot of times I would create images of me as some of my favorite comic book characters.  From that I got thrown into a set of “top female cosplayers”. It just kinda went from there.

SMC: What was the first convention you cosplay’d?
Alexa Karii:  Anime Boston was my first convention i cosplayed at. At the time i had no idea what cosplay really was other than dressing up so i went as a store bought Rikku from Final Fantasy.

SMC: What has been your most memorable convention moment?
Alexa Karii:  When i was a guest at Florida Anime Experience i remember after my panel about cosplay as therapy, I had some people come up to me and  tell me how they also suffered from their own issues. They found that even if they did not do cosplay they could use another source of art or personal talent to help overcome their issues. Cosplay is my way of overcoming issues and I want more than anything to let others find their own strength through their own creations.

SMC: What is your favorite thing about cosplaying at a convention?
Alexa Karii:  Meeting new people and hearing their stories. Everyone is so different and amazing. You never know who you will run into or meet. Some of my closest friends i have met at conventions. Alot of times you will be able to inspire people with your cosplay as well. Bringing a smile to someones face is most definitely the best part of cosplaying at a convention. I think it all comes down to when my cosplay can do for someone else rather than what can I get out of it.

SMC: Where can fans expect to see you next? (2015 Schedule?)
Alexa Karii:  As far as I know unfortunately due to a big move don’t have the ability to go to too many cons but I will be at PAX East for sure! Best way to keep up with my con goings is on social media.

SMC: What cosplayers inspire you?
Alexa Karii:  To be honest I can never find an answer to this question because I don’t really see myself “inspired” by cosplayers. I see myself more inspired by the character art and creation. That’s not to say I don’t find other cosplayer amazing and talented but my main inspiration would have to be the hard work and effort creators put into character design Without that where would ew get the awesome things to cosplay!

SMC: Which is your favorite cosplay you’ve created?
Alexa Karii:  I have two favorites. I break my costuems down into two categories: hand made and machine made. Prior to knowing a ton about cosplay I would sew everything by hand. I means EVERYTHING. My Edward Kenway costume would all under my favorite hand made costume. That whole costume was had stitched. Although it looks rough i think it fits well with the grimy aspects of the character and gave me some ability to hide my rookie mistakes. My favorite machine made costume would have to be my Ryoko from Kill la Kill. It was my first time making a whole costume custom patterned and sewn on a sewing machine.

SMC: What cosplay are you best known for?
Alexa Karii: At the moment I am not too sure. I know a lot of people know me for my own dark version of Harley Quinn. People might also know me for my Assassins Creed cosplays as they have been featured many times, even by Ubisoft.

SMC: If money was no object what would be your dream cosplay creation?
Alexa Karii:  I really have no idea! I don’t really let myself think that big because then I get greedy! But in reality I have a hard time dealing with things I know I can’t achieve at the current moment. I like to always focus on the can do’s rather than that “what if’s”. It’s a personal choice! And I totally get this is hypothetical but I honestly have no answer!

SMC: Do you have any new cosplays currently in the works?
Alexa Karii:  I have so many! An original Harley Quinn, and Original Poison Ivy, a human version of Dragonair (pokemon), Rikku, Female Humanized Volibear (League of Legends), Female Debonair Ezreal (for PAXEast), Female Booster Gold and so many more!

SMC: What do you do in the real world for a job? (Be specific as you like)
Alexa Karii: In real life I sold electronics on commission. It’s awesome and I loved it but since I moved I am currently looking for a new job. To make ends meet till then I stream video games on twitch and viewers donations help me pay rent and in the future get back into making new cosplays. I try my hardest to keep making cosplays but without a solid income at the moment that just isn’t always an option.

SMC: What is something your fans may not know about you? Other hobbies?
Alexa Karii: I love archery and fencing. I am pretty awesome at both. When i was younger there was an archery competition and you had to hit the bullseye to get the dollar pinned to it. They didn’t think anyone would get and and I did. Mind you a dollar seemed like a lot to a 12 year old.(back when soda was 50 cents) In middle school, gym class introduced me to fencing. Little did I know i would end up being really good at it and winning almost every match. Its still something i love!

SMC: What part of “geekdom” is you favorite avenue of entertainment (i.e. comics, movies, video games, anime, etc?).
Alexa Karii:Video games and movies. I find it just is a bit easier for me to really grasp and get into when I really enjoy something from them!

SMC: Any favorite TV shows, movies or cartoons?
Alexa Karii: Favorite TV show has to be Smallville. Favorite movie has to be The Matrix! Favorite Cartoon would be Danny Phantom or Hey Arnold!

SMC: What is your gaming system of choice?
Alexa Karii: I am a Sony girl so Playstation!