Paradisaea

Model Interview
Paradisaea:- Model, designer, multi talented beauty. Creating designs only the daring dare to wear!

So, the question that everyone just has to ask in an interview: What made you decide to give modelling a shot?
Back when I was about 15 (11 years ago... ouch), I saw an image of a fetish model on a magazine cover. It was at that point that I realised there was actually a thing such as alterniative modeling. I remember saying to my mum "I want to be a fetish model" and her looking at me like I was nuts.



Who/what is your inspiration?
Back then, being that it was these people who drew my attention to it, I would have said I aspired to models like Morrigan Hel, Mistress Persephone, Masuimi Max and the like... but now that I've seen what else the whole modelling thing has to offer I am far more content in just striving to achieve the things I come up with in my own mind and making decent images with other people. I'm not saying I don't aspire to be a better model but I don't really aspire to any particular individuals any more. That's not to say I don't seriously admire others' work though because I do.


What was your most interesting shoot to date?
I'd have to say my shoot with Marc Blackie that involved toplessness and dead animals was pretty interesting! Very enjoyable too!


Where do you see yourself and your modelling in 5 years time?
I have no idea. I'd like to think I'd still be doing the odd bit here and there, but if my career goes the way I hope it will, I may not have enough time to do much!


So many models have side projects, do you have one? Or would you like one?
I am designer, taxidermist and artist so I've got plenty of projects on the go at all times. I am, however, going full time as a self-employed jewellery and accessory designer this year so that is the main one. I will be ploughing all of my time and energy into Sacré Coeur and my other creative endeavours.


Okay, let's talk news, how are you coping with the economic climate? Have you had to cut back on shooting/clothing/travel?
I am one of the lucky ones in that I can safely say, thus far, I haven't been too affected by it personally. However, of course I haven't been frivolous so where spending money is concerned, I have been a bit more careful. I'd say the only thing I've really done/bought less of is shoes and clothes... which is tragic and needs rectifying asap!



Have you ever been unfortunate enough to have a bad experience with a photographer?
No bad experiences per sé.... though I have had somewhat persistent advances by a photographer who's work would be familiar to quite a few people. It's annoying because I like them a lot and would love to work with them again... which is why I have stopped short of telling them to fuck off and just tried to kinda ignore it.



How do you respond to jealous low life who hide behind the internet to only say mean things to bring you down?
On the rare occasion I have had to deal with anything of the sort, it's usually been a case of initial (very mild) shock that someone has taken the time to behave in such a manner and honestly believe that it comes off as anything other than petty jealousy, then enjoyment in totally ignoring it thus not offering the reaction they were no doubt awaiting.



What is more important to you: Getting paid, or getting exposure?
My modelling has never been about either. I'm not vain enough to crave exposure and I've never had any illusions of turning it into a job or career. If either come my way as a consequence of what I do for enjoyment then great! But for me, it's about art, fun and making friends.



Everyone knows that a model has to feel sexy and comfortable with themselves. When do you feel at your sexiest and most comfortable?
When I've got my make-up done really nicely, interesting hair and clothes/props that take me a little closer to my fantasy ideal world that exists in my head ;) Corsets and heels are always a winner where feeling sexy is concerned.



We know that you are only human! With that in mind, what is your most embarrassing moment on set and off?
Nipple slips on set with Catherine Day were pretty fun. I was TRYING to model an overbust corset but my boobs were having none of it.



What is your pet hate for photographers?
Overbearing ego and the opinion that a model is 'just a model'.



What is your pet hate for models?
Overbearing ego and obsession with which names they've shot with. That last point actually goes for photographers too. I know it's good exposure and an accomplishment etc... but it's not the be all and end all. There are plenty of models and photographers out there who nobody has heard of yet whose work is outstanding.



Sometimes, you just gotta learn some lessons in life the hard way. What do you think has been the most valuable lesson you have learnt along the way in your modelling journey?
There will be days when you look at the work other people are producing and where they're getting with it and wondering why the hell you bother.... especially when people just show up out of nowhere and are all of a sudden top of their game. It's natural and it's not exclusive to modelling and photography... the trick is to turn it round and use it to better yourself and further what you do. The day you feel you can no longer do that is the day you stop altogether.



And finally, what would be your dream collaboration?
Oh god... so many. I'd love to work with a team on a fetish shoot similar to the high end ones that got me into this thing in the first place. Maybe something like Hair and MUA by Robert Masciave and Bea Sweet, Wardrobe by Lacing Lilith and/or Mother of London and shot by someone like Love the Void or Silent View. If I could chuck a couple more models into the mix I don't think I'd be able to choose myself... but saying that, Lauren WK from the states is waaay cute so maybe her ;)

Model Interview
Mademoiselle Boo:- Retro, pin up, classic and a beautiful person inside and out!

So, the question that everyone just has to ask in an interview: What made you decide to give modelling a shot?
I wanted to have the opportunity to meet new people, dress up, have fun and play a different role.



Who/what is your inspiration?
I take inspiration from things around me and in my life, I also take it from work of models and photographers I see have done, theres so much visual stimulation to inspire great works



What was your most interesting shoot to date?
Being fully naked, all be it high heels and a top hat in a certain someone's front rooms with another model wrapped in electricians tape ;)



Where do you see yourself and your modelling in 5 years time?
I'm hoping to have travelled more, worked with more amazing people and done a wider scale of different genres spanning more than just Pin up and what I've already done



So many models have side projects, do you have one? Or would you like one?
I'm a retro hair stylist, book me ;)



Okay, let's talk news, how are you coping with the economic climate?
Have you had to cut back on shooting/clothing/travel? deffinately, mostly due to a lot of the photographers I want to work with being quite far from me :( My hours get cut back many weeks and I just don't have the money to spare to put all my usual efforts into what I love doing



Have you ever been unfortunate enough to have a bad experience with a photographer?
Yes, I once spent a bit of money [petrol], time and effort and felt like I'd gained nothing from it



How do you respond to jealous low life who hide behind the internet to only say mean things to bring you down?
Work harder to build a better portfolio, get a brilliant rep and get more amazing photographers interested to work with me and I think the experience and images speak for themselves at the end of the day



What is more important to you: Getting paid, or getting exposure?
exposure, the more known the more photographers show interest, then you have an endless list of amazing and fun shoots to attend! However getting paid would be nice so I can afford to travel to all these shoots!!



Everyone knows that a model has to feel sexy and comfortable with themselves. When do you feel at your sexiest and most comfortable?
When I've got the right outfit on and my hair and makeup are up to my standard, if I feel confident in my look I feel sexy and want to show that off



We know that you are only human! With that in mind, what is your most embarrassing moment on set and off?
Travelling to a group shoot where you've never met any of the models and you're not entirely sure whose actually coming, turning up at the train station and being stood looking lost hoping someone might recognize you and ask if you're doing the group photoshoot. I also have an odd sense of humor and it can be arkward when people don't get me and theres just an arkward silence



What is your pet hate for photographers?
Lack of communication, I don't mind waiting for whatever reason but as long as I'm kept informed. And when some act like you're too insignificant to talk to



What is your pet hate for models?
again when they treat you like you're far too insignificant for them to speak to you because they're more well known.



Sometimes, you just gotta learn some lessons in life the hard way. What do you think has been the most valuable lesson you have learnt along the way in your modelling journey?
Not to let anyone take advantage of your time and effort, even if they are a world class photographer, you've taken time out of your life and taken time to make effort for them



And finally, what would be your dream collaboration?
I'd love to do a shoot with Elena Kalis but I did an small underwater shoot recently and my word it was hard, all respect to the models she uses! Most of the young children to! But there are many photographers and models I'd be honoured to work with.

Model Interview
Ivy Midsomer:- model, icon, Satanic Slut, singer and all round inspiration!

So, the question that everyone just has to ask in an interview: What made you decide to give modelling a shot?
A friend of mine was stufying photography when i was 16 and asked me to model for her,i got hooked!




Who/what is you inspiration?
I love horror and history so alot of it comes from there but always work better to music,




What was your most interesting shoot to date?
Bizarrre magazine with this really wierd guy who thought he led a sex cult,luckily i only had to pose with him!



Where do you see yourself and your modelling in 5 years time?
Oooh i dunno,im working in a lot of films and with the band at the minute aswell as my modelling but a career in any field would be ideal,
I'm looking to go more into the fetish side,i've got a big thing happening in april can't wait!




So many models have side projects, do you have one? Or would you like one?
Yep i front all girl rock band, Choker




Okay, let's talk news, how are you coping with the economic climate? Have you had to cut back on shooting/clothing/travel?
It's a bit tight at the minute but the works still coming in so i'm staying a-float,there are so many alternetive models now so the competition is fierce




Have you ever been unfortunate enough to have a bad experience with a photographer?
Not while shooting




How do you respond to jealous low life who hide behind the internet to only say mean things to bring you down?
I don't lol,
People only act that way to mask their own insecurities,i feel genuinely sorry for people like that




What is more important to you: Getting paid, or getting exposure?
Enjoying it!
But i believe both are equal in importance




Everyone knows that a model has to feel sexy and comfortable with themselves. When do you feel at your sexiest and most comfortable?
Infront of a camera all made up!




We know that you are only human! With that in mind, what is your most embarrassing moment on set and off?
Erm....i don't think i've had any yet? touch wood i wont get any!




What is your pet hate for photographers?
when there's no relationship established,I'm very professional but i need to feel comfortable and happy while shooting




What is your pet hate for models?
Not turning up!




Sometimes, you just gotta learn some lessons in life the hard way. What do you think has been the most valuable lesson you have learnt along the way in your modelling journey?
If you don't get the casting don't be too hard on yourself,there are thousands of hot ladies out there and you can't win them all!




And finally, what would be your dream collaboration?
I'd love to work with lithium picnic!
but i would like ..Me,Jane Doe Latex,Bizarre Magazine on this years covergirl comp (we can dream!)

Integra Fairbrook

Model Interview
Integra Fairbrook:- Model, creative beauty and ready to try any kind of shoot you throw her way!

So, the question that everyone just has to ask in an interview: What made you decide to give modelling a shot?
I'v been modelling just over 2 years now, and started modelling really as a way of proving to myself that i could do it; i had a really low self esteem (despite faking confidence) due to the fact i had been very ill when i was younger and would have died.i have been left with extensive scars and constant pain. Basically, i needed someone to flatter me to feel worthy. sad,i know but hey it worked!



Who/what is you inspiration?
My inspiration...thats tough. I cant say i actually do have a specific person or thing that inspires me. Surviving the day seems to be enough motivation for me really! There are plenty of models i look up to, and even who's styles iv imitated myself, but i generally get inspiration from things that have happened or places iv been, not a specific person or object. What motivates me is another question. a chance of fun, adventure (money!) and experiencing things iv never felt/done/seen before, thats my motivation!



What was your most interesting shoot to date?
I have been fortunate enough to have travelled extensively, and have met hundreds of brilliant people and fab places, iv been to multi-million pound houses in Studland (a very elite and muchos expensivos area, near weymouth) to delapidated hospitals to historical victorian houses with secret passages. One of my most interesting experiences however was running naked through woods in torrential rain with Steph from Pirate Photography, cold, but i never felt more alive!!



Where do you see yourself and your modelling in 5 years time?
I hope so! Hopefully i can quit my job and take up modelling full time sometime this year, but im not holding my breath for that; being 5"2 and a commercial model, paid jobs are harder to come by than if i was 6 feet tall. hopefully i'l finally get published too, cus thats not happened either!!



So many models have side projects, do you have one? Or would you like one?
My 'side project' is working full time as a medical receptionist at a GP's surgery! Im hoping to take up Capoeira, a brazillian form of Martial arts (Eddie Gordo from Tekken. legendary!!), so hopefully if i get good at it, i can cut some shapes on a shoot sometime :D



Okay, let's talk news, how are you coping with the economic climate? Have you had to cut back on shooting/clothing/travel?
Luckily for me i managed to come out unscathed from this whole economic shit tip. i,unlike the majority of people,actually started working full time at the end of the year. Just got to save for the future now, which im useless at! My bank account is a tardis. As soon as my wage comes i find lots of pretty things on the internet and *poof* its all gone...



Have you ever been unfortunate enough to have a bad experience with a photographer?
iv had quite an awkward experience before, so much so, i got a little paranoid that the dry spell that followed was something to do with him, and what he may have said after the shoot. Fortunatley everyone else iv worked with was absolutley lovely.



How do you respond to jealous low life who hide behind the internet to only say mean things to bring you down?
I seem to attract numpties. Posting on Modelling forums is usually met with 'Yet another model who's trying to change the modelling industry.you're too short, deal with it bitch'.
-someone who i never spoke to in my life actually said that to me when i asked how to promote myself effectively to corsetiers and alt fashion sites/stylists etc. thankfully everyone else who actually read what i wrote defended me, so theyre not all bad (the best bit was, she was about 5"5 and had done 1 or two shoots and had posted really tacky pics of herself she'd shot herself on a webcam as her port, so go figure!). usually the idiots,bad models and jealous folk are like neon signs- quite transparent,and very noticable!!
But other than that, i try not to scream 'OMG SOMEONE'S WRONG ON THE INTERNET!' and get offended by it.



What is more important to you: Getting paid, or getting exposure?
Exposure.Dont get me wrong, paid shoots are great but im not dependant on it because i have a job for that. I'v only been published once, and iv made it my mission that this year i will aim at getting published SOMEWHERE. im bored of doing a shoot that goes nowhere except someones port that few ppl will see. i have to get the exposure to attract the paid shoots, so maybe one will follow the other.



Everyone knows that a model has to feel sexy and comfortable with themselves. When do you feel at your sexiest and most comfortable?
Iv never felt sexier or more comfortable with myself than i have in the last 2 years. Iv had a lot of issues with my body in the past which just dont bother me since i became a model. I just dont care. Im happy with myself, my height weight etc etc, and i know that i (not to blow my own trumpet) have a body and figure to be proud of, and if someone else isnt, then its their problem.Fuck 'em.



We know that you are only human! With that in mind, what is your most embarrassing moment on set and off?
My most embarrasing moment was probably doing my 1st nude shoot. id been modelling 2 months, and not only was it my 1st paid shoot, it was my 1st nude shoot, and was very very self concious about what may be said. either way, managed to get over the embarrasment and eventually worked with the photographer late the next year.Off set,where do i begin. im constantly walking into things, falling over, saying stupid stuff or getting caught pulling daft stunts by bosses...



What is your pet hate for photographers?
Togs who send loads of PM's asking to work with you, setting dates and times for a shoot, being all narcicistic about models who dont show up or cancel at the last minute and then THEY never contact you again, or cancel/rearrange the dates at last minute.Or say you're their fave model, have loads of ideas and promise you  the earth, then dont produce.



What is your pet hate for models?
Diva's. i know its a common complaint, but you get so many models who think theyre above you, or think its ok to send a person they've never met before abuse for asking for advice.



Sometimes, you just gotta learn some lessons in life the hard way. What do you think has been the most valuable lesson you have learnt along the way in your modelling journey?
my most valuable lesson was that life's too short to carry upset and hurt through your life. just get on with it, get over it and be happy, for fucks sake!! the world would be a lot happier place if people stopped blaming others for their probs.
'my dad used to beat up my mum, so now i take crack!' fuck that, perhaps u shouldnt use someone elses bad behaviour as an excuse for your own life to go down the pan. if its that bad, do something about it instead of going into a pit of self destruction and bringing yourself and the others around you down.



And finally, what would be your dream collaboration?
I'd love to do beauty work for Loreal or something. something big. something id get recognised for. Id love that :)

Rudigo

Model Interview
Rudigo:- Model, unique, creative beauty and fellow-small person!

So, the question that everyone just has to ask in an interview: What made you decide to give modelling a shot?
I have been modelling for just under a year and a half now, what made me give modelling a shot was firstly to build my confidence up and I was fed up of countless magazines, programme’s clothing lines etc enforcing the stereotype that if you’re not 5’8+, extremely slim, Editorial you’re not beautiful. I wanted to take a chance and try and contribute to changing these views.



Who/what is your inspiration?
I am extremely inspired by old Hollywood glamour & old film noir movies; I love the notion of the Femme Fetale and the idea of playing different roles.
I am also inspired by surreal art work and artwork that pushes the boundaries of what art is considered to be.



What was your most interesting shoot to date?
Oh I would have to say, wearing baby dead octopuses! As a hair and neck accessory! It looked good but as the shoot went on they started to defrost leaving me covered in octopus ink! Aesthetically pleasing, but not smelling!.



Where do you see yourself and your modelling in 5 years time?
To be continuing to model and carry on meeting new photographers, models and having more wonderful opportunities and experiences. I hope to have obtained some publishing, and I would like to be modelling for fashion/clothing designers.



So many models have side projects, do you have one? Or would you like one?
I have a couple of side projects. I’m currently learning how to tattoo, having had to turn an apprenticeship down due to university commitments I am working on building my portfolio back up and hopefully receive another opportunity. I also like to create small films and scripts in my spare time. 



Okay, let's talk news, how are you coping with the economic climate? Have you had to cut back on shooting/clothing/travel?
I have definitely had to cut down on my travelling, and invest in a student card!.



Have you ever been unfortunate enough to have a bad experience with a photographer?
I have actually been quite fortunate with not having any really bad experiences with photographers, the worst experience i would say was not receiving pictures back and then not being able to find the photographer after they deleted there account.



How do you respond to jealous low life who hide behind the internet to only say mean things to bring you down?
I try to ignore it and rise above it but there has been occasions that’s been extremely difficult to do but as in this industry it’s extremely easy to get a bad reputation i decided that it wouldn’t be long before people would see them for their true colours.



What is more important to you: Getting paid, or getting exposure?
Payment has never been important to me with modelling; I would never want to limit my
modelling to just financial gain, as I enjoy the experience of modelling and meeting new people.
I think I would have to pick exposure I would love to gain exposure for my pictures etc, but hopefully it will come with time.



Everyone knows that a model has to feel sexy and comfortable with themselves. When do you feel at your sexiest and most comfortable?
I would say I feel at my sexiest in latex fashion, couture dresses! There is nothing better than bold makeup and restricting oulfits. I love dressing up and taking on a different role.



We know that you are only human! With that in mind, what is your most embarrassing moment on set and off?
On set I would say falling out of a tree and braking the branch I was clinging to on a shoot with Sarah May, or off set throwing up in a lecture, I don’t think I’ll never live that one down!



What is your pet hate for photographers?
If anything I would say height restriction there are some extremely beautiful model’s out there who don’t fit the height requirement but hardly get the opportunities because of this. Look at beautiful models like Mosh & Apnea who are both extreme petite and tell me height is a problem!.



What is your pet hate for models?
I would say similar to other models responses on this interview. When models act like they are superior to you because of either who they have worked with or who they know. Also the models that have a generally unprofessional and bad attitudes and seem to love creating drama.



Sometimes, you just got to learn some lessons in life the hard way. What do you think has been the most valuable lesson you have learnt along the way in your modelling journey?
Learning to just walk away and keep my head to the future, and if you work hard and keep at it good things will come.
 


And finally, what would be your dream collaboration?
Oh Well!..
Photographer wise – Julian M Kilsby, Lithium Picnic, Love The Void, Art Punk, Catherine Day,
with clothing designers like – Ooh La Latex, Jane Doe Latex, Torture Couture, Lacing Lilith