Conversations with Alexandria Renton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Renton.

Hi Alexandria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Cosplay was something that was always in my life before I even knew what it was. I was that kid who took Halloween way too seriously, and forgot that it was only one day…not every week. My love for movies and television ushered me toward the art of cosplay, because I wanted to do more than just watch the world from a screen, I wanted to be in that world. Cosplay really helped fufill that, and then from that I started falling in love with all the new things I was learning from crafting, to painting, to makeup and wig styling.

Funny enough, it all started around 13 years old with the Walking Dead. I remember rolling around in the dirt to weather my clothes up and rubbing coffee grinds on my jeans, painting my shirt with paints and being so excited for my first convention ever. I was nervous though, I lived in the rural south, I was sort of the black sheep of my peers– definitely a nerd (and proud!) I didn’t know what a convention was going to be like or if I’d even fit in.

Least to say, not only did I find my calling, I found my people. I had never felt so much belonging before in my life, so much so that conventions are like a second home in a way.

Cosplay became a purpose beyond hobby, it became a career that I pursued in University through Film and Television Production. I wanted to do makeup and wigs, and then I fell in love with the video production side of things, organizing shoots, setting them up, helping fellow photographers, etc. Now I sit with a Public Relations degree on top of the Film and Television production degree in hopes of working for big studios by connecting audiences more with their productions, like Marvel or Warner Brothers.

Without the people, from supportive followers to fellow cosplayers and the amazing photographers, Cosplay wouldn’t have made as much as an impact. I truly love the unity and creativity it’s not only brought out in my own adventures, but the community overall. I’ve had so many great opportunities from guesting at cons, to going international with them, from being featured in a cosplay magazine and even having my work drawn. I’m incredibly grateful and honored for everything that Cosplay has brought to me in my life, and all the people I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know and support.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Woo, has it been a smooth road? I think everyone can agree when I say the chaos of creating cosplay is not for the faint of heart. There will be moments of victory and moments where you’re questioning reality and your own sanity. It’s a very challenging hobby, but in the best way possible. There have been no regrets with anything I’ve ever worked on. A whole lot of “Man, I shoulda tried this!” or “Next time, I swear I won’t con-crunch” (aka wait to the last minute) but never a moment of “I’m done, nope, I’m giving up.”

You really learn how to overcome, adapt, and REALLY get creative. The feeling you get after finishing something, putting it on and getting the photos back or hearing your friends love for it– all those frustrations, blood, sweat and tears become a thing of the past, as if they never happened at all. It’s truly a joy getting to see one’s own or even a friend’s finished product.

As for the Social Media side of things, yeah, that’s been a whole journey in itself. It’s easy to get caught up in the anxieties of not being good enough when it comes to watching your numbers, like how many likes or followers you get. There were times when it felt like I “HAD” to post or keep up with the new trends. I started to really forget the whole purpose of cosplay at one point, when we were just here as nerds who dressed up and had fun. I often preach to others and to the day drill it in my head that the numbers and validation of others does not define the love you should have for yourself and your work. This is a hobby. Everything you do no matter how big or little, it matters, because YOU did that. Why let a like count stop you from enjoying any of this?

Comparison was also becoming a huge issue. I’ve always been super critical of my weight and appearance, ya know, so when all of a sudden a stunning model posts the same cosplay as you– it’s hard not to go “oh, they did that way better.” Envy was becoming fickle, and I had to work really hard to transform it into pure admiration.

On the flip side, without social media, I wouldn’t have had the chance to connect with so many amazing folks and see all their amazing work. So, I’m incredibly grateful for it, even the not so fun moments, but those are just lessons yet to learn.

Like I said, cosplay really challenges you to grow and adapt; this extends beyond the crafting.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize more in makeup when it comes to cosplay and have started to dive into the world of wig styling. I would say those are the two prominent things I’m known for. I really enjoy special effects makeup, I’m super excited when I get the chance to really rough myself or someone up with fake bruises or cuts, and a hefty layer of dirt. That’s always incredibly fun.

I’d say I’m most proud of my Poison Ivy– although, she’s being remade constantly. I always push myself and my creativity with that character, seeing what more I could do with all aspects of the costume. It’s really one of the first and only costumes I create 95% of by hand. She’s sewn and glued with over 3 different fake leaf patterns, where there’s over 1,000 leaves involved in the bodice alone, and the makeup is incredibly fun, too. Although, I don’t make the suit or gloves, sewing is something I’m really aiming for next in terms of taking on a new craft.

As for what I’m known for? I’m always putting my own creative spin on my characters. I love, love, love, taking an original comic design and bringing other elements of that character from different runs or media representations, or sometimes even giving them my own touch. For instance, my Zatanna, I love to add as much bedazzled bling as I can. Her shoes were painted red at the bottoms, encrusted in black rhinestones– and to me, that personal touch came with a story, she’s a showgirl and a performer afterall . I like to really show the character’s story, intentions and personality through my work, and that’s something that’s been acknowledged by friends and peers alike.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I love this question because the answer is simply another question:

Are you happy?

To me, if you can’t say yes, you’re not successful. I don’t care how much money, reach, engagement, sponsorships or costumes you have. Success is often not a linear definitive when based on a moment or object, there’s no finite moment where you can go “I MADE IT” cause guess what? There’s always tomorrow to do more, to be more, to learn more and to grow more.

Most importantly, everyone’s own interpretation of success is different based on moments or objects.

But you know what is a universal identifier of success that anyone can understand and accept? Happiness.

That should be the only factor of success that truly matters in the end. For if you are not happy, you truly are not succeeding in life. You’re simply…performing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Dork_Nugget