So you want to be a Dark/Alternative/Gothic Model...

Steve Ledell: Photographer

1. Think about why you want to model. Is it because you want pretty pictures for your social media sites? Is it because you want to be seem as "haute stuff"?

Faith Betinis: Photographer

Modeling isn't about just taking pretty pictures just to post online and get lots of likes and shares. It's an art form just like any other. It's about freedom of self expression and inspiring others to dress how they like, get the piercings and tattoos they want, and to not care about what others think. Gothic/Alternative models typically have goals of being published in magazines both online and print, building up fans and support, working with talented designers, makeup artist, body painters, photographers. And artist all across the board to collaborate with to make art. Does this sound like something you'd like to do?

Source

2. What do you do when you discover that you want to be a Dark/Alternative/Gothic model?
Well you find photographers in the area that are good and willing to collaborate with you to build up your portfolio so that you can have something to show to potential clients as well as others you wish to work with. Portfolio's are like resumes. Those with the most impressive ones usually get more work and creativity done. So do your research to get familiar with what good photography looks like. Cell pictures, webcam photos, and candids are good for showing the behind the scenes work but not good for your actual portfolio.

Coma Pill Photography

3. Shoot with photographers for magazine submissions. Get familiar with the guidelines by visiting their websites and reading them thoroughly and make sure that you and everyone else involved understands them. Do not submit to magazines without the photographers permission. Most publications will ask for credits, links, some even releases signed by both of you. Do not edit the photographers work without their permission.

4. Make sure you have the wardrobe to suit the sort of style you wish to portray. You don't have to mimic other models to be and Alternative model. And don't listen   to any elitist who will tell you otherwise. Keep in mind you are also free to do other projects. If you do fashion, commercial, print modeling and you're signed with an agency yet still do alternative modeling that is totally fine. Don't listen to elitist who will tell you that you have to do only alt modeling to be considered an Alternative/Dark/Gothic model. This is an art that is all about freedom of SELF-expression and creativity. To each their own.

5. You may want to become social media savy and get a facebook fan page, twitter, youtube, pinterest, deviant art, etc. To make it easier for people to find you in a search and to get more work.

6. If you are looking to become a model because you believe that you are automatically going to be rich and famous after a few shoots then you are barking up the wrong tree. When you first start modeling you either work tf (time for prints/time for CD/time for photos) to build up your port or you hire photographers, rent wardrobe from designers, hire makeup artist/hair stylist, or you find friends that are talented enough to do all of that with you. Especially with Alternative modeling, in the US. There aren't many Alternative Agencies. Those that do exist most have gone out of business because there isn't a huge demand for it.

Fluukk Photography

7. Don't take advice from people. Yes that's right people. People who are not apart of the fashion industry at all. If you want advice about modeling, ask a model. There are lots of blogs, websites dedicated to this as well as various books. I was very disappointed to read this in the Gothic Charm School website.It's very bad advice. It's good to think about why you want to be a model, but most of her suggestions are based on assumptions that people make who really don't know anything about modeling.

Tidy Photography

8. Be aware that you are going to attract attention no matter who you are or what you do in life. That attention could be either negative or positive. If you are considering becoming an Alternative/Dark/Gothic model then I would assume that you are already apart of the Alternative Community in some way, shape or form. If you'd like to be a model, I would assume that you are already dressing in alternative fashions. Which means that you are used to the attention. It's an issue of mind over matter. Those that mind don't matter. By putting yourself out there you are more vulnerable to attention either way it comes. But modeling isn't about attention and you shouldn't let the fear of negative attention stop you from being yourself and doing what you love. The Lady Of Matters made it seem like this is all modeling is about, like it's really a horrible thing and actually quite judgmental. Something I wouldn't expect from someone who wrote a book on Gothic Etiguette. Sure she may KNOW models, photographers, etc. But she isn't either one.