Blog Archives

May 05 2016

Interview with Katie Otten — Stage, voice, film actor and model

Katie Otten is a 26-year old model residing in Omaha, Nebraska.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in West Bend, WI, and have two amazing and loving parents, as well as an older brother, who instilled in me a love for video games and anime! Because I grew up playing video games, I got involved in cosplay a few years ago, and recently got my boyfriend into it too, and I love going to conventions, spending time with friends, and seeing new plays and movies.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I began acting when I was in my first play in 5th grade, and from then on, I knew I wanted to work in theatre. As I got older, I learned more about modeling as well, and realized that, for me, it could be another way to become a character and tell a unique story. My favorite photo shoots are ones that really let the viewer imagine a story.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I definitely want to keep modeling, not for the sake of making money or promoting in certain fashion, but rather to create new characters and narratives. Next year I’ll be attending graduate school at the University of Nebraska – Omaha to get a Masters in Theatre. I am also currently pursuing voice acting, with two completed audio books, and in a few years I hope to be voicing video games or cartoons. I also hope to keep using theatre to teach children valuable life lessons.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I tend to do photo shoots with local photographers, usually when we both have an image or idea in mind. I do a lot of time period shoots, like Victorian, or cosplay-related, like Steampunk or various shows and video games. I would say I average about two or three shoots a month, and I definitely like to have a plan in mind ahead of time.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

Yes! I actually found out a few weeks ago that I’m going to be on the cover of VC Andrews next novel, “Whitefern”. It’s a very unexpected honor, and I’ve already pre-ordered a copy!

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I wish that society didn’t stress the notion that women need to be thin to be beautiful, which is even more so in the world of modeling. I know that many companies are trying to change this view, but I think we still have a long way to go.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I love doing yoga and going walking or hiking. I think it’s important to eat healthy, especially because, as an actor, my body is one of the most important tools that I have, and I especially enjoy fruits, strawberries are my favorite food ever!, yogurt and bagels.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I love rainbows! Whenever I see one while I’m driving, I have to try really hard to not let it distract me. Sometimes I just pull over so I can gaze at it.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Hmmm, that’s a tough one! Sometimes I wish I was better at slowing down in my life, and appreciating all of the accomplishments that I’ve already made, rather than always wishing that I could achieve even more things. Sometimes we forget that we’ve already done so many amazing things, and there’s no need to always be comparing ourselves to others.

What is the one talent you wish you possessed?

I really want to get better at singing, as I always get nervous about singing before an audition, but I really enjoy doing it when I stop worrying about how I sound. I also own a mid-size Celtic harp that I want to keep learning how to play. Music can do such amazing things!

Visit Katie Otten’s website for more photos and information

May 04 2016

Interview with Janira Wolfe — Producer, Model, and Actress

Janira Wolfe is a 27-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I grew up the oldest of 5 children, with parents that are still married, in the suburbs of Boston, where everyone graduated high school, and went off to some fancy college to begin working toward their eventual vanilla career. I was one of those people: I went to a small liberal arts college in Maine, where I studied psychology and human development; the only fields of study in which I had any interest, which, at the time, I thought meant the only profession in which I would ever work.

I graduated college and went on to work at a fancy hospital in Boston, and then I had various jobs in residential treatment centers for women with trauma, eating disorders, and teenagers with Borderline Personality Disorder, and also as a social worker for adults with chronic mental illness. I was good at what I did, and I even liked it for a period of time. For four years I worked in the field of mental health, with the plan to go back to graduate school, earn a PhD, do research, become a therapist… all kinds of things that I’ve not necessarily written off, but definitely have since put on hold.

I’m a pretty self-aware person, which means I noticed that my overall satisfaction with my life was certainly not improving as I continued “working toward my goal”, and it became clear that changes had to be made if my number one goal was to “find happiness”. I decided somehow that moving to California was the answer, and to save money to do that I had to find yet another source of income… modeling. Since then, modeling became not only my passion but my career, and in addition to modeling, when I have time, I love doing active, outdoorsy stuff, be it hiking, kayaking, sun-bathing, among others… I just love outside! I also love music; you can find me dancing my heart out to deep house in Hollywood pretty frequently, and when I’m lucky, I can take time to see other concerts as well.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

As stated above, I started modeling to earn extra cash to help me move out to California. The first shoot I did, I tried some fashion, lingerie, and nude, and I just really liked the artistic nude. I was a dancer growing up, and had really missed making art with my body, and quickly fell in love with this new form of expression I’d found. I started doing lots of fine art nude shoots in Boston before moving out to LA, and through that, I discovered my pretty feet, and my foot fetish. Once I discovered the foot fetish world, the doors opened even wider to the larger fetish world, and I tried out fetish acting. I thought I loved nude modeling, but nude modeling was like a high school romance. Fetish acting is the love of my life.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I recently launched my own website, where I have various memberships, and sell the fetish videos I produce and act in. I plan to continue acting and producing as long as possible, and to use the income from my site to support myself as I continue writing my books. I hope to have the first published within five years, and hopefully more by ten years. The books will be autobiographical, observational, educational, and written in efforts to help others as I continue doing what I love and living a life I enjoy.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I spend quite a bit of my time modeling, whether it’s freelance photos, fetish acting, cam-ing, or live action modeling at fetish parties. If I’m not modeling, I’m promoting, editing, or doing other busy work associated with it. I still do the artistic nudes I started out with, as well as some fashion, lingerie, glamour, and erotica. As I’ve mentioned, my main thing is fetish acting and cosplay: foot fetish, bondage, damsel in distress, super heroine, tickling, BDSM, among others… I model on MyFreeCams every once in a while when I have time and feel like some virtual play, and I also work as a live action model at events, particularly foot fetish events.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

The best part of modeling for me has been the people I’ve met, both who have become personal friends, and have created beautiful art with. One of the producers I work with recruits models through ModelMayhem, and that’s how I started, and then how I ended up meeting my now best friend, with whom I act with and hang out with frequently. So that’s really awesome, and I’m very thankful for that. On the complete opposite side, there are some really horrible people out there. I’ve had some terrible experiences through ModelMayhem, including being drugged and taken advantage of. So, it’s definitely not all rainbows and butterflies.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

I guess it’s hard to think of an answer when so much of what I do seems so outrageous to the general population anyway… haha.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Well yes, of course, there are plenty of things, but unfortunately most of the problems are problems with individuals, and not necessarily the industry as a whole.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I go hiking and running almost every day at Griffith park, and dance and do yoga in my apartment. I eat breakfast before I run, which is usually some kind of organic cereal or granola with some kind of milk or yogurt, and again after, which includes eggs, veggies, meat, toast. I then eat a few more times during the day, making sure to cover the nutrients with my fruits and veggies, while also consuming enough protein and carbs to allow my body to do all I ask of it. Nutrition and exercise play a pretty important role in my life, as not only do I need to look good for work, but I also want to feel good for myself.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I mean, I’m pretty much an open book… just watch my blog!

Would you change anything about yourself?

Well, yes, I think we should always be better in the next moment than we were in the one before. Physically, I don’t like to focus on things I would change, unless they are actually possible, but I work pretty hard on keeping my body fit and the best version of my body it can be. As for my character, I’m constantly working on the way I interact with myself, others, and the world around me.

What features do you look for in a partner?

Every lover I’ve had, I’ve loved instantly. I feel pretty intensely compared to your average human… or so it seems per my and others’ observations. I therefore am very in tune with the way my energy interact with the energy of others. There is a certain calmness mixed with intense passion in the mixture of my own and a lover’s energy, and it’s that feeling that must be present for me to even consider a relationship with that person.

Visit Janira Wolfe’s website for more photos and information

Nov 05 2015

Interview with Hali Slone — By Day, Mother. By Night, Model!

Hali Slone is a 21-year old model residing in Georgetown, Kentucky.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello!
My name is Hali Slone, I am a 21 year old model that was born and raised in a small town in Kentucky, where I overcame the odds of teen pregnancy, and continued on to work hard and be able to do the careers that I love. I am currently the head manager for an entire gym named Snap Fitness, and I also have achieved my goals of becoming a model! My son is 4 years old, and is the absolute light of my life; my interests are unique for someone like me, since I am obsessed with Video Games, Reading, Cooking, and Fitness. I also do cosplay and guest appear at Comic Cons, as well as Horror Cons! No matter the odds, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I first got involved by getting asked to attend a group photo shoot in Lexington, Kentucky, and once I started my modeling, my career took off. I have heard multiple times that I have a very dramatic and unique look about me, and have also met a lot of amazing people and celebrities, including Larry Elmore, who is the illustrator for Dungeons and Dragons -I am one of his famous fantasy characters now-, as well as the first Jason Voorhees. I started modeling about 2 years ago, and have stayed steady with my work since then, and has always been a passion for me, even though at first it was just a dream. When I found out that people were interested in my work once I started, I didn’t waste a moment and started working on my portfolio.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My personal goals would be buying a house, getting more sponsorships for my modeling career, being the best mother I can always be for my son, and continuing on with my college, to get my degree in Psychology.

My professional goals include having my modeling career take off, and be able to become a super model, even if my height makes it challenging, since I am a very short 5’0 tall even!; gain high enough experience to own my own gym one day, to let people know that they don’t have to look like a model to feel good about themselves. Getting up and coming to the gym is a huge step in itself, and is the path to a healthy lifestyle; become a famous cosplayer, and meet more of my idols in the industry.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I was modeling a lot for a while, probably a photo shoot at least every week. Once my portfolio was pretty much done, I cut it down unless the shoots were paid, or benefited myself in some way, since it is a very expensive career, and you must be able to know your worth. I usually do photo shoots, or cosplay at Cons, and I am a freelance model, but love my boudoir, cosplay, and fashion shoots the most.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

My best experiences include becoming a fantasy character by world famous fantasy artist Larry Elmore; getting invited to a VIP party at Scarefest, which is the world’s largest horror con, by the original Jason Voorhees; coming in the top 10 out of 100 girls in the Miss Jetset 2015 cover model contest; and appearing as a Guest at Cons.

My worst experiences would include a photographer who got mad because I would not do nude photography, which I have no problem with, but it’s just a personal moral of mine; and the other one would be my first photo shoot, when I was so nervous that I was stiff, and had to learn the ins and outs of poses, facial expressions, and more.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

I tripped at a photo shoot one time and fell on my face. I wear heels that are taller than my legs to my shoots… ok, maybe I exaggerated a little bit, but still!. I twisted my ankle, being very lucky I didn’t break it, and the shoot still went on!

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

In all honesty, I hate the fact that you can get offers for really great opportunities, and then be asked to do immoral things to get ahead of the competition, and I am not a believer in that. If I am to win, I will do it with dignity and the right way, not sleep my way to the top. I was very naive to this when I first started, and some people who have money to spend on you will try and bribe you.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

Let me get one thing straight, I have a terrible diet: I am obsessed with cheese, and other unhealthy foods, although I do slim down before shoots by eating salads, and dinners that will not bloat my stomach. Nutrition should be a more important part of my life, but I make up for the slack in my exercise, since my routine consists of running 3 miles a day, doing 150 crunches, 45 lifts on the leg machine, 75 side crunches, 30 minutes on the elliptical, and then sometimes I will lift light weights. Exercise is extremely important, not only for modeling but for anyone; it makes you feel better in your day to day life, as well as toning your muscles, building muscles, or just cutting your weight. It helps your mental state of mind, to make you more energized and happy. What is there to lose?

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I mentioned before that one of my favorite hobbies is video games, and when I say I am the epitome of a nerd, I mean it; I collect video game memorabilia, especially Legend of Zelda -I actually have a real Mastersword-, I have a Pokemon tattoo on my side, and a whole wall of my apartment is decorated in posters, and trinkets from different video games. I also play a lot of Xbox, Nintendo, and Table Tops as well, as well as cosplaying as Link From Legend of Zelda, or Kitana from Mortal Kombat the majority of times I go to Cons.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would not, because I am happy with how I am, and physically speaking, I have achieved so many of my goals already, and the fact that I can say that I am happy with my body is amazing, since it helps my mental state for my self esteem to be high. I suffer from Endometriosis, which is the leading cause in infertility in women, for which there is no cure, and it causes extreme pain all the time, as well as being diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Panic Disorder, it is an accomplishment that I can say I am happy with where my life is. I am in careers that I have always wanted to be in, and I have fun doing them; I am a mother of the most loving 4 year old in the world. What else could I ask for?

Do you have any fears or phobias?

I have an intense fear of Clowns, not dolls or anything like that, but people in costume, despite the fact that I know they are just regular people and I know it is not rational, but it will send me into a complete freak out if one acts like it is going to scare me. Funny Story, I had a panic attack form one a few years ago, and actually saw the guy again at Scarefest, where I was also appearing, and he remembered me! He said he thought he had killed me, and so we talked and now the clown and I are friends!

Visit Hali Slone’s website for more photos and information

Apr 10 2015

Interview with Briana a.k.a. The Lady Nerd — Action Model and Sometimes Superhero

Briana a.k.a. The Lady Nerd is a 26-year old model residing in Atlanta, Georgia.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Originally from Nashville, I decided to make the move a few years ago to the professed geek capitol of the USA – Atlanta, which also happens to be where the majority of Hollywood seems to be moving these days. My day job is drawing as a storyboard artist and costume illustrator for film, TV, and commercials. So the move has been a perfect fit for both my career and my hobbies.

Folks who know me around here know me as “The Lady Nerd”. I currently run a blog and Facebook page by that name which showcase my jobs and hobbies; those two overlap so it can be hard to tell which one is a job and which one is a hobby. But that list includes art, modeling, costuming, hooping, and blogging.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I came very quietly and innocently onto the scene. Taking the advice of friends and strangers that said due to my height and weight, I should check out modeling. It was a life-changing decision as, at the time, I was very much the scraggly tomboy. It seemed there wasn’t a feminine bone in my body, so the idea of putting on gowns was quite foreign to my teenage brain. But eventually, I came around. Modeling has helped shape who I am today with my love for fashion and all things couture.

But it was not an easy road. In fact, one could argue that I still haven’t “made it”. It took a few years to be signed with an agency and sadly, I wasn’t given much in the way of chances for auditions, castings, or jobs. Most of my work comes from working directly with photographers and the odd Model Mayhem casting. But I sincerely love what I do and the creativity that comes from direct collaborations.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

Currently, I am working hard on developing “The Lady Nerd” into a personal brand, much like famed fashion bloggers or famous cosplayers, that would allow me to collaborate with designers, fashion houses, gaming companies, entertainment or production hubs, and other creatives while bridging the gap between the fashion world and geekdom.

When I started modeling, costuming wasn’t even on my mind. I would never have thought that I would’ve glided right into this wonderful world of cosplay. I’m relishing in it at the moment, as I’ve been a major geek my whole life. It’s fun, invigorating, and so creative to be able to bring the same level of quality that normally is reserved for fashion magazines to the geek world of costuming. I plan to do a lot more with it!

As far as where I see myself in the next 5 to 10 years, I prefer to keep that a blank page and enjoy what comes!

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I am primarily a photoshoot model, doing haute couture whenever possible. Sadly, I’m not modeling nearly as much as I would like, for various reasons. But I hope that will change soon. I’m taking matters into my own hands to build a name for myself rather than waiting for an agency to do it for me. But when I do work, I am known in Nashville and Atlanta as “the action model”. Due to my background in martial arts, fencing, and dance, I push past normal posing to incorporate a lot of movement. Whether that’s jumping for 8 hours straight on a trampoline or running up rocks or flinging myself into freezing river water to get “the shot”, I’ll do it!

I’m also a cosplayer and costumer and do quite a few shoots surrounding that. I tend to be one of the few model-to-cosplayer types, so I like being able to not only give local photographers something different to shoot, but also help teach other cosplayers how to pose to best flatter their body and show off their costume. I find it to be a much more encouraging community as unfortunately, my experience with modeling and fashion has been rather cutthroat.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

Frustrations have abounded with this job, sadly. I’ve been signed to multiple agencies only to get passed over for work, rarely sent out on castings, or called for jobs. It’s been nigh impossible to get signed in Atlanta, despite my portfolio, due to being just outside the height extreme measurement range of modern modeling. Consider this: You’d think at 5’8″, size 0, and a 27 year-old who looks 18 wouldn’t be a problem…

Best Experience: Showing up as a normal attendee for New Zealand Fashion Week while I was living there only to be pulled aside by a local brand who loved my look and ended up hiring me to model for them for the entire Fashion Week!

Worst Experience: At a runway show, I overheard someone, either a designer or manager, scolding another model for not being the size she said on her comp card. He pointed to a model that was walking by, “You see that? Your hips need to be THAT size!” Only it was a male model he was pointing out….the poor model was crying and she ended up leaving the show. That plus years of being measured within a 1/2 inches of my body gave me quite a complex of bad self-image which I’ve only recently come to terms with.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

Oh man, I’ve done so many shoots, it’s hard to pick one thing….probably the most interesting thing I’ve done was a promotional costume and modeling shoot for the fantasy book series, Allon. The character that I was portraying has a wolf friend and I got the privilege of working with a real timber wolf for the shoot. Thankfully, due to my love of wolves and studying how to work with them when I was younger, I knew how to handle the wolf on set. We called her the “Kiss and Run” as the poor girl was skittish at first, as most wolves are, so she would come smell me for a second, lick my face and then run. This went on for about 30 minutes til she got to know me. Then once the shoot started, she’d jump all over me and let me roll around with her on the ground. Truly an amazing experience!

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

There’s quite a few things, but the main one I’ll focus on is the desire and push for extreme measurements. I’ve been told repeatedly over the last few years that at 5’8″, long waisted, and size 0, sometimes 00, and 27 years-old, I will never be a pro as many girls being hired are 5’10”, long legged, size 00, and 14; no joke! That was the mainstay of my last agency’s hires. It gives girls an almost impossible ideal to maintain. They’re only used for a season in the industry’s obsession with youth and then cast away for the next new thing. I know some brands are trying to change this, but it’s not happening enough. The ideal is still extremely tall, extremely thin, and extremely young.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

Currently, my diet and exercise has taken a hard hit from a bad car accident I was in in August that shattered my pelvis in 3 places and landed me with a nasty concussion. So I’m working on trying to get back up to normal function. So far so good! I’m back up to light running.

Normally, my diet ranges from healthy, Asian-style dishes with lean proteins and rice to the unfortunate junk food garbage due to my on-the-go lifestyle with working in film.

Exercise-wise, I do a little bit of everything – from yoga to northern style shaolin kung fu to swing dancing to swimming: Mermaiding! Oh yes, I’m getting my own tail this year; to hula hooping, which is my favourite!. I’ve never been much of a gym-goer as I need something to distract my mind in order to exercise. So I exercise both my body and brain equally.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Most people don’t know that I was training and on course to be one of the few US female fighter pilots back in High School. Alas, the Air Force doesn’t really take half-deaf pilots… that’s another not-well-known fact, I’m completely deaf in my left ear.

Would you change anything about yourself?

While I could fill up a list on things I would like to be different, I’ve reached a place where I’m very much okay with the person I am. I fought to become her.

Besides that, it’s really just the typical, “need to be more disciplined in exercising daily” and “need to get my teeth fixed”. The rest is a new experience to grow every day.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

I’ve always wanted to be able to fly. Whether that was as a fighter pilot or like a bird with my own body. I’m currently working on a harness design for a large pair of costume wings, so even if I can’t actually fly, I can still look the part!

Flying gives equal senses of excitement and peace. There is a calmness in being able to soar above the clouds, away from it all, overlooking the world below. But also a sense of power and adventure from the speed, the turns, the nosedives… and seriously, who wouldn’t want wings?! A rhetorical question, I know. But I certainly would!

Visit Briana (also known as The Lady Nerd)’s website for more photos and information

Mar 10 2015

Interview with Dahlia Thomas — Geek Girl Gone Model

Dahlia Thomas is a 23-year old model residing in Alachua, Florida.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Jupiter, not the planet, Florida. I grew up with my older brother and father, basically raised by guys. My father ran his own business before he passed when I was 18. Since I could possibly remember I would sit on my father’s lap hitting the space bar to shoot while he played Doom, try and make him strategize in Mech Warrior, and cuddle with him while we played Golden Eye on the N64. I’m into Photography, horseback riding, building costumes, cosplay, and being a plain old introvert at home with a cup of Earl Gray.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I went to a convention for the first time ever, I made a costume of Morrigan from Dragon Age Origins, Bioware, the game company, found my photos and posted them.
I gained a bunch of friend requests on FB, but I wanted to have a place for those strangers to go to, instead of my newsfeed. I made a like page, 500 likes in one night, all of those people were supportive and kind. My fans pushed me to take more pics, do bigger builds, push myself farther, shoot with better photographers. 14K+ likes in -2 years later, I’m still doing it.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My goals are trying to take this professional hobby to wherever it’ll take me. I’ve been given some good opportunities, but I need to see some more growth in my other forms of social media. I don’t know what the next ten years will bring me, but I hope it’s success. I’d like to be somewhere on the West coast, traveling to conventions, and hopefully being an inspiration to those with a nerdy outlet.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

Every other weekend I’m on a back drop, the weekends in-between those, I’m at conventions, or the weekdays and weekends between I’m at my day job or in my office room building costumes, updating my store, editing for YouTube on my programs, updating Social Media, or writing fans back and emailing people.

I model, run my own print shop on StoreEnvy, vlog, and run ragged. I mainly shoot cosplay, but I’ve dipped my finger into swimsuit, fashion, and some dark beauty ethereal images. I’m a big fan of photos that make you think a bit, the dark fantasy style is something I fancy.

Cosplay modeling isn’t easy, it’s more of an action modeling. You’re that character, you’re creating a still in a scene, you’re the actor, and you have to convey a story in just one to five stills. It’s jumping, crying, screaming, kicking, biting, growling, blood slinging, saber dueling, and all around a challenge. I come out of shoots looking like I retook my SAT’s, I’m usually that tired and my whole body aches. I really try and give it my all, and have a good time along the way.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

Best experiences in modeling are seeing the finished product, and being behind the scene to see what al goes into it. I also like imagining what the image is going to look like and the whole collaboration with the photographer.

Worst experiences are having to deal with bookings that are from sketchy people, which is why I don’t do my bookings via Model Mayhem anymore. I have had some terrible experiences doing that.

Another experience is giving it your all for a photographer, doing your part as a model, and the person behind the camera can’t meet you half way in terms of quality. This is another reason why I luck out. Models usually want to have a well rounded portfolio and would like to shoot with many photographers. In cosplay, that aspect doesn’t matter. I can get away with shooting with a set amount, if I like. I’ve noticed a drastic improvement in my modeling and cosplay work since deciding to do that. I work well with my trusted friends, therefore I know my images will be done right.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

Oh well of course! However, writing that out wouldn’t be professional, now would it?

A photographer that I mainly work with named David Love once had his dress form all dressed in clothing with a scary mask in the bathroom to scare me and a few of my modeling friends while at a group shoot, that’s a harmless one, but it was still funny.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I’m not really in the modeling industry, but I’ve heard some crazy stories from the friends that I know who are in it. I would change the cattyness of it, can’t we all just get along?

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I ride horses, jog 2 to 3 times a week, and work out with weights, lunges, planks -which is my standard work out- and others, 2 times a week.

I’m an introvert, so when I get mad I clam up and stay mad, I’m trying to make myself go out and be more active when I’m angry to avoid depression. I also have a corgi that’s very active and she keeps me outside and moving a lot more than I would like. Haha!

I eat clean, fruits, veggies, turkey, chicken, steaks once in a while, and not to over do it with bread. I’m lucky enough to have a fast metabolism, but I still don’t want to take advantage. I do take into account that at conventions, healthy food isn’t an option for me, so cheating is okay once in a while.

If you’re going to model, you need to take care of your body, that’s your line of work, that is your job.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I have an obsession with hedgehogs, dragons, and corgis. I do not like glow sticks, one burst in my face and got in my eyes.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I’m me, I like myself, and I don’t see what’s wrong with me. These are the cards I’ve been dealt with, and I’m going to play the game.

There’s no need to dwell on something I don’t like about myself, what’s the point? I don’t condone negativity by me, for me on a physical level.

I already nit pick at my craftsmanship on my costumes, if I picked on my physical form that makes me who I am, what’s the point of that when I want to love who I am?

What is the sickest thing you have ever done?

I blew my nose, took NyQuil, used up a whole bottle of Zicam, finished a box of tissues, had a head ache, managed to sleep half the whole day, I only consumed soup for the rest of the 48 hours of me being consumed by a fever.

Visit Dahlia Thomas’s website for more photos and information

Nov 27 2014

Interview with Nikasaur — Walking Advertisement for BVB Model

Nikasaur is a 20-year old model residing in Castle Rock, Colorado.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Born in Harvard, Illinois and raised in Elizabeth, Colorado. I have an older sister and a younger brother. I went to an alternative school called Frontier down in Elizabeth, which is where I actually met the love of my life. We’ve been through everything together and now my high school sweetheart is now my fiance. I never really had many friends growing up, I was the outcast in school, most of the friends I did have never really liked me. The one true friend that has stuck by my side lives in the UK and I can’t wait for us to actually meet up one day because he is such an amazing person.

I enjoy playing video games in my spare time and I love the internet so I’m always on there.! My fiance and friends like to think of me as a Walking Advertisement for my favorite band Black Veil Brides because I literally do not walk out the door without wearing something of BVB and not to mention that all of my tattoos consist of Black Veil Brides. They have definitely helped me a lot through out my teenage life with their music so they definitely mean a lot to me. I’m addicted to getting tattoos, and I highly believe that everyone needs an Olaf in their life.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I love getting all dolled up and taking photos. It’s one of my favorite things to do. As silly as it is I actually started site modeling online and from there is where I found that modeling is my passion. I ended up creating myself a MM account and was setting up shoots with photographers left and right.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

There are so many haha. I’m not even sure if I exactly know what I want to do. There are so many different things I’d love to try and do, but so far my main focus is modeling.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I do modeling part-time, but I’m hoping to get at full-time. It only consists of photo shoots which I don’t mind at all, but I also wouldn’t mind trying something a little different.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

I can’t say that I’ve had best experiences, but I have definitely had good ones.! The worst experience was shooting with a real creeper photographer. I’m pretty sure he just down right wanted to get me naked because he wanted me to wear real skimpy outfits and when I wore regular outfits he didn’t want bras or underwear on. So working with him was definitely a horrible experience!

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

I was booked for a lingerie shoot early in the morning and when I woke up I had actually started my period. I didn’t know what I was going to do, because I didn’t want to have to cancel my shoot, but I also did not want to do a shoot on my period especially a lingerie one. Sure enough I still ended up going to my lingerie shoot with bad cramps and a bag full of pads and tampons. I was extremely nervous the whole time hoping nothing bad would happen during the shoot. I was constantly running back and fourth from the bathroom and back making sure everything was good and that the photographer couldn’t see anything! Thankfully he never noticed.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Thinking about it more and more lately I actually would. I’ve seen and heard so many stories about unprofessional photographers and agencies pressuring models into doing something that they aren’t comfortable with. I myself have had the same problem with few photographers and it can get pretty scary sometimes. I think a lot of models now need to start doing some background checks on the photographer before they actually shoot with them. I now ask models the photographers have shot with to see how the photographer was and everything before I work with them.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

As wonderful as healthy food is I can honestly say that I don’t always eat healthy. As a matter of fact I’m in love with junk food and going out to fast food places. Although I balance out both my healthy and junk food side, but if there’s one thing healthy food does for me that junk food doesn’t, it makes me and my body feel good and clean.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

My fiance and I actually believe that the zombie apocalypse is going to happen so we are set for that. Haha. We have the zombie survival guide, and we even have a notebook of places to go for shelter, food, and weapons like, we’re prepared and ready.

Would you change anything about yourself?

There are so many things that I would love to change about myself to be honest, but lately I have been learning to love myself and to take joy in who I am. So I wouldn’t change a thing about me.!

If you could make one fictional thing exist, what would it be?

I would love to make PokeMon real. They are so exotic and unique and the fact that you can catch these animal like things in a Pokeball is astonishing. It would just be one of the most amazing things to have these beautiful creatures exist. They’re just like regular animals, but are capable of all these incredible abilities and I believe that they would be very helpful to all humans around the world.

Sep 11 2014

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