Being Alt in the Work Force

Goth's all look the same... Bih where? Variety of Goth looks over the years

Goth Tag: Youtube Video

Here's me answering questions to The Goth Tag. Let me know if you have anymore.

Gothic Makeup Tutorial for Goths of color or anyone

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?

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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.

Why I don’t shoot Nudes Tf?

Assumption: Because I’m nude I deserve to get paid.


Reality: I have far too many nudes in my portfolio and it is nice to do every once in a while, but I do not wish to just do nudes only.

1.)     I am more interested in Alternative modeling,  huge umbrella term for dark, edgy, Gothic, Horror, Gore, Pinup, Art, Fantasy, Etc.

2.)    The purpose of a TF shoot is to either A) Add to my portfolio assuming I don’t have any pictures of anything in a certain category. B) to Update my portfolio on my new look when my Appearance changes in any way ; tattoos, piercings, hair color, hair length, or anything. C) To enhance my portfolio. Meaning that in order for two parties or even a group to get together and trade their time and talent for photos, it has to be beneficial to all parties. I do not feel that nudes are beneficial to my portfolio, though I enjoy doing them. It is not the direction I wish for my career to go into. I do not wish to be side tracked and it takes time and energy away from my other projects.

3.)    Sometimes I unfortunately do not receive pictures back from photo shoots. With Nudes I am very cautious on whom I choose to work with. If it is a paid shoot at least I can say oh, I got paid that was part of the agreement, I don’t need the pictures back. Typically on paid assignments I am made aware that the Photographer is getting paid by a third party for those photos so they cannot post them anywhere. So I understand.

4.)    Respect! This is my art. This is my body and by doing only paid work when it comes to nudes narrows down the amount of creeps I get approaching me. And it allows people to take me more seriously as a model, an artist, and a person overall.

5.)    Last year when I first started shooting nudes I ran into a lot of problems that’s part of the reason why I went into a deep depression because I wasn’t happy with my life and the direction it was going. I got sidetracked with everybody else and their projects that I had no time to do my own.

6.)    The reason why I started modeling in the first place was because I wanted to be an alternative model. I want to have the freedom to be myself to the fullest without holding back and work with like minded creative people who wish to do the same. A part of me comes to life when I’m in front of the camera provided I work with the right people. A part of me that is left dead otherwise. I need art like I need to breath and this is one of my lungs and a huge chunk of my heart. I do not wish to get side tracked again. I am mostly interested in clothed alternative shoots. If you wish to shoot an artistic nude concept with me message me for my rates. If you are an art instructor or artist and you are looking for figure models I am available and reliable. That is All thank you. 

Alternative Modeling:Magazines I want to be published in

Gothic Beauty Magazine
This the first Goth/alternative magazine I'd ever read I found it at Hot Topic when I went to boarding school in wisconsin. I still love it and read it when I find it at Barnes and Nobles.


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Gorgeous Freaks Magazine
I found Gorgeous freaks models on facebook through The Alternative Modeling Directory and submitted pictures to an album there. I was more than excited when Naty and Yaz decided to make a magazine featuring alt models, musicians, and fashion.





























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Auxirliary Magazine

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Gothic Noir

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Dark Parlour
I had the pleasure of being published issue 1 and I'd like to re-submit and be published in more issues

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Alt Fashion

Sorry for the small picture this is the actual size
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And so much more
These are the magazines that I've read so far when I find some more I'll be sure to check them out and see about submitting to them.






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I'd like to do more alternative shoots but they are not in budget right now. I love the shoots I do in fashion and art, but Alternative fashion will always be my favorite. It's what inspired me to start modeling in the first place. If any photographers, MUAH's, artist, or designers in the Chicago area would like to work with me and discuss shoots with similar themes please email me at saphirerainforest@gmail.com for rates and booking information. Rates are affordable just ask and if you have a good concept and good work I don't mind shooting tf as long as it's within budget as far as transportation, props, outfits, etc goes.