Conversations with Alaizabel Cray

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alaizabel Cray.

Hi Alaizabel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve loved acting and modeling since I was really young but I didn’t really have a chance to pursue it. In my 20s, I started going to conventions and cosplaying and one of the panelists had a panel that changed my life called cosplay and confidence and she happened to be a signed model and actress. It really revolutionized what I saw as being possible for myself.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road and it’s still a tough road but it’s one I enjoy all the time. Whether I’m dealing with the creepy “guy with the camera” in the modeling scene, learning to embrace my awkwardness as a model on the autism spectrum (even if other people don’t understand me), or understanding how to better market myself as a performer, I’ve had to learn to be 100% okay with being me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actress and model who got started out as a cosplayer. I pride myself on being a neurodivergent model. I mostly do print modeling (I love pinup/retro modeling, especially) and I mostly do voice acting although I’ve done some standup/burlesque/background actor work. I love any opportunities I get to do runway work, however few they may be.

At the end of the day, my goal is to give the entertainment industry a different idea of what autism looks like. I want to serve as a positive example for other autistic people, particularly those who want to see positive representation in the industry.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am not naturally a risk taker. I usually play it safe. The biggest risk I’ve taken was to decide to go out to Los Angeles to compete at the IMTA conference this year, and my fiance encouraged me to do it. I was the oldest person my agency sent and I competed against folks from other boutique agencies all over the country. Even though I didn’t get signed to a major agency like I hope I would have, I ended up taking first place in my age division in the screen test event.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @alaizabelcraycosplay
• Facebook: Facebook.com/alaizabelcraycosplay 

Image Credits
Yuki Cat Captures