Interview with Tia Maria — Alternative Cosplay Model
Tia Maria is a 23-year old model residing in San Diego, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey, I’m Tia Maria, a 23 year old alternative cosplay model. I was born in Minnesota, raised in Arizona and now live in San Diego, California! I have an addiction to Nine Inch Nails, I’m an avid hookah lover and I love attending comic conventions!
I’ve worked for the Stan lee Foundation not long after working as a booth babe for Anthony Winn (artist for the comic book Stripperella).
I now work as a booth babe for the comic book artist, Joe Benitez and I’m on my way to modeling for the first steampunk pin up website that was created by my idol, Kato!
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
Okay, first, I’m gonna explain cosplay modeling… It’s someone who creates, models and acts like a pop culture character of their choice!
I started cosplaying 5 years ago but didn’t start modeling until about 2 years ago while I was living in Australia.
I got involved in the industry when I cosplayed for an Australian comic convention… I ended up getting quite a lot of unusual attention and so I got together a few photographers
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
Personally my goals are to find the perfect permanent place to live… I moved around a lot but I’m ready to root myself.
Professionally I want alternative and cosplay modeling to be my full time profession! I hope to be there by 5 years… 10? I’m sure I’ll be at it here and there.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
My modeling depends on the number of comic conventions I’ll be at in a particular month but on average it’s 2 to 3 conventions a month with about 10 photography sessions in a 4 day weekend. Some are cosplay related, others are alternative, pin up and fashion. While at the convention I model as the booth babe and I sell merch, while dressed in cosplay for a company or artist.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
The best memory I have is of my first nude shoot. I was the only model, out of 5, that was featured in an exhibition twice and I was the only one with the largest photograph on display!
The worst was working with a photographer that was so beyond my experience I became terrified out of my mind! Sadly, it showed in the photos but it didn’t stop me from continuing my modeling!
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I hope that eventually body shaming will stop. In my personal opinion, by now, literally everyone can be a model. Lightroom and photoshop have made it all possible and companies truly need to stop shaming society by only using models that are a size 2-0.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I use the military diet as a guideline when it comes to eating and if I can’t use Jillian Micheals’ Ripped in 30 then I make it a point to walk for an hour to and hour and a half.
Would you change anything about yourself?
I tend to be a bit envious of other models. I hope to change this in time because really… Who wants to constantly feel like they’re not in par with such amazing models?
What superpower do you wish you had? Why?
I wish I were like wolverine! Adamantium claws, superhuman strength and regenerative powers? Uh… hellz to the yea!
Visit Tia Maria’s website for more photos and information