Q. How and why did you get into alt modelling? Who are your heroes or your inspiration?

I never aspired to be a model and just like so many others, I assumed not to even be able to cause of lacking an inch or two and having a very feminine figure. Eventually I learned about the "alternative" side of modeling and how broad and networked industry it actually was. It certainly piqued my curiosity. My final decision to give it a try I made after bumping into a random middle-aged foreign male who without no obvious reason, suddenly shouted to my face: "I know people like you! (=alternative) You are very ugly, everything is wrong with your face and you could never be a model!" My reaction after the slight initial shock was to search a photographer, contact him and request for a TFP (Time For Print)-session. He accepted, I stepped in front of the camera and became addicted to it :)

I have always been intrigued by the concept of beauty, and I am very much inspired by art, history, literature, music, nature and poetry amongst a very broad spectrum of other things; Inspiration is something that can possibly be found almost everywhere in one's everyday life. For me, personally, it's very important that the shoot isn't just about a beautiful girl in a cool and eccentric outfit, but has a well-prepared concept and enough thought in it. Ideally, I and the photographer collaborate successfully and are able to create beautiful and artful images that convey something, let that be an emotion, story, moment, simply an intriguing concept or all of those.

Ad and catalog shoots are slightly different, though and if you want to make it profitable, of course you also have to be flexible and give priority to other people's ideas and hopes when you are being paid for your work. Paid assignments are often about a very specific theme, but especially Time For Print-shoots enable you to get as creative as your own imagination allows.

There are a great number of models and photographers (e.g. Elin Strigå, Viona-Art, Annie Bertram, Zemotion etc.) who I very much look up to and who inspire me as a model. At the same time I very much aspire to be original (which is undeniably difficult these days!) and figure out my own ways and style to do and try things. The way I see it, creativity, good imagination and uniqueness are essential in this industry, if you want to make it further and not end up being only a copycat. Alternative wouldn't remain as alternative if it lacked constant new ideas.

Q. How long have you been an alt model?

I had my very first shoot exactly one year ago. It is a relatively short time, but it has been very rewarding so far; I have collaborated with 40+ photographers, a few make up-artists, clothing designers, alternative clothing stores etc. I have had shootings in Helsinki, Stockholm, London, New York, LA etc. My first music video was recently published for the Finnish rock band "Whiteflame" and not long ago I was working the catwalk on national TV. Your success depends very much on your own motivation and perseverance. One could say that effort, skill, plenty of patience and dedication can and will take you a long way, although a good bit of luck comes also very handy on the way.

Q. Were you a fan of body art before modelling, and is body art a big part of the alt industry?

Certainly, I've always admired beautiful body art. There are a vast number of photographers who prefer the model to be "a plain canvas", but there are also several who simply can't get enough of tattoos and modifications. Many photographers are specifically looking for models with body art for all kind of projects. Body art related modeling is a notable niche in the alternative industry.

Q. Is the industry like you thought it would be ? What surprised you about it?

When I started, I knew no other models, no photographers and actually very little about the industry, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Modeling work in general is definitely very different to any other type of work I've ever done, but there is very little that actually surprised me or that I wasn't prepared to.

One thing I noticed, though (and very many seem to agree) when having worked with both alternative photographers/models and people concentrating on fashion and glamour that generally, people in the alternative industry seem friendlier and also more passionate about what they are doing. No offence to any glamour models! Of course you get to meet all sorts of people in any industry, but in general, people don't go for the alternative because they want to make a good money or get attractive shots of themselves (the ones who eventually succeed at least), but rather because they live the lifestyle, are curious, creative and love what they are doing. One of the most rewarding things for me has definitely been all the wonderful and inspiring people I've met and the friends that I've made.

Q. Did you start off as full-time, or did you start modelling part-time?

I started as part-time and I still model part-time. Unfortunately my studies, work and internships take the priority and clear majority of my time. During my busiest seasons I have shootings several times a week, but when I have my exams, it means approximately one month break for me from modeling. I would certainly love to spend more time with my modeling work, though.

I could imagine it to be extremely challenging to make a regular and decent income with alternative modeling alone, although there are few people who have succeeded. However, in my beautiful home country, Finland, the market is still simply too small. Unlike in USA, Canada, UK, Germany and even Sweden, the era of alternative models hasn't ushered in yet and although there is a very large alternative community, the network is still missing. There are less than a handful of photographers who specialize in the genre and it can be extremely difficult to interest e.g. any alternative clothing store chains, who are accustomed to using their regular customers who are willing to do the work for free of charge.

There are also extremely few if any other Finland-based alt models who I'm aware work regularly. I might even go as far as modestly saying that I just possibly may be the only alternative model in Finland who makes a regular income! Admittedly, I have also given more "normal" assignments an occasional try (which initially was a good way of making myself known) and elegant lingerie shots (no glamour) are something I still shoot every now and then. Giving something slightly more basic an occasional can be a nice change and personally I don't think shooting something outside the genre at times would make me any "less alternative". It's a difficult concept to define and I am very much aware of who I am as a person.

Q. Was it difficult to build a portfolio, and what did you learn about the process - meeting photographers, make up artists, wardrobe people, etc ...

It has been challenging and very time consuming... My images are still far from the level I want them to be some day. Basically, it's not necessary difficult to find a photographer, but rather to find exactly the right people to work with you and aid you to make it to the next level. Photographers, who have the talent, are a pleasure to work with and return your shots on time are definitely worth sticking to. Although most people I've worked with have been the most wonderful people, I have also been unlucky enough to meet some photographers who are *extremely* challenging to work with; It can be very frustrating that no matter how polite, respectful and flexible you are and how impeccable and professional you try to maintain your own working, there are times when the other person sees absolutely no effort for doing the same. It has gone as far as receiving some incredibly abusive and threatening letters after not giving in to somebody's will. Nobody's perfect and one can never please everyone. However, I would like to consider myself as a very friendly and polite person, I can certainly be flexible and I am always very respectful for everybody I work with. I never complain about the working conditions, I give 110 percent for every shoot and I do my everything to make the session as pleasant and productive as possible for all the participants. At the same time I can't give in too much and have my own rights insulted. If somebody asks something obviously inappropriate, my answer will be a very firm, but polite "no" and I can't be asked to feel bad about it.

Networking is very important in the industry. It's necessary to be proactive and not to always wait for somebody to contact you first.

It's always wonderful to get a chance to work with professional make-up artists and clothing designers, but most often I'm still responsible for the make-up, styling and clothing myself. I would be very glad to find more regular collaboration, though. I didn't have any connections when I started and tend to think it did make things quite challenging and slow. It meant no mentors, starting from the rock bottom and learning everything via trial and error. Modeling work has been and still is a continuous learning process for me. In a way it has been very rewarding to see and realize your own progress, but I still aspire to hone my work closer to the perfection and probably will for very a long time. *sigh* The curses of being a perfectionist...

Q. How was your first shoot ? Were you nervous? What advice would you give new models about how to prepare?

I was definitely nervous, I had no idea what to expect and what I actually was doing. Luckily the photographer was very friendly and patient and gave me good direction. The session was very pleasant, but seeing the actual shots eventually was very depressing... I probably ended up doing every possible faux-pas there is to do in the terms of posing. I was actually thinking about giving up straight away and accepting that maybe I just wasn't that photogenic. I was quite surprised after the photographer asked me to model for him again and also by how many people later on actually wanted to work with me. Some of my biggest mistakes in my first shootings were over-exaggerating my expressions (or lacking them completely) and not taking any risks at all with my body poses making the pictures look very dull. Eventually both became more natural. I also wore much too little make-up for the camera.

At least a few things that I could advice beginning models try to remember are to wear enough make-up, try to relax, be creative, experimental and willing to learn (listen to the directions!) and be friendly to the people you work with.

Don't be a diva! Don't imagine you'll be the next Dita before even having tried being in front of the lens. Professional photographers may have a long queue of professional models waiting for a portfolio-shoot. If you turn up rude and arrogant they will walk you to the door and ask you to come back the day you are a star. If you lack the experience, you can compensate very much simply with good manners and the right attitude.

Q. Did you join an agency? What was your experience with working with agents?

I have been in an agency that specialized in ad and promotional models. It sounded good and it wasn't very difficult to get assignments, but I actually ended up being quite disappointed with them. The administration is currently undergoing many problems and also some of the work they encourage the girls to do is something I personally find quite demeaning.

There is also a British alternative modeling agency that offered me a contract, but I turned them down because the terms were too harsh and would practically limit my freelance work to a much too great extend. Almost all of my work so far has been freelance and it has been going very well. I don't think it will change even if I am to join an agency. Different kind of portfolio sites, like Model Mayhem can turn out to be very useful. I can see mostly advantages with joining an agency, though. Currently there are three that I am planning to apply after polishing my portfolio a little bit more.

Q. Is safety a high priority for you? What have you learned about how to keep yourself safe while working as an alt model ?

Safety is definitely a high priority! Be smart and be safe e.g. don't give any personal data too soon, check the photographer's references and always bring at least your cell phone to the shoots. I have to admit, though, that I have never used any escorts even though many models seem to prefer them (and I certainly can't blame them). The shoot demands much concentration from both, the photographer and the model. If the third person doesn't know how to behave, you can be sure that the quality of the images will suffer. Bringing a jealous boyfriend to a lingerie shoot is usually a bad, bad idea. If in any doubt, I occasionally have a reliable person to escort me to the shooting location and pick me up at agreed time when the shoot is over. That, or at least inform somebody where I am and when I am expected to return. Very often it's unnecessary to expect the worst to happen, but on the other hand it only takes one time to happen.

Like very many models, I do have some horror stories to tell about when things don't go as planned. Some photographers are flirting and there have also been a few who have gotten upset because you have no interest in sleeping with them. I have also been videotaped and peeked when changing clothes and I have been offered a very large sum of money for hardcore pornographic images (something that would definitely close doors for you in the future).

It's also very frustrating how many photographers are trying to manipulate you to remove your bra or underpants when no such thing has been discussed about prior to the shoot. Don't do anything you aren't comfortable with and if things go too far, leave the studio! There also are a number of people who refer to "I know this and this many girls who would die to do this shoot" or "I know this and this many girls who go topless for that and that price" Don't believe them! Last time somebody used the latter sentence with me was when negotiating for my price for a shoot involving lingerie. I sent him a polite reply, told him what I had to offer (experience, the right look for the shoot etc.) and gave him a very slight discount. The following day I received a very humble phone call about him having accepted my offer and the shoot eventually went fine.

However, a much more common problem for me tends to be the photographers who will never send you the shots from the shoots (and occasionally start completely ignoring you afterwards) or send them after 4-7 months, if you are lucky. If I have to wait any longer than that, I usually send them an invoice. It is very depressing how little legal rights models actually have! Nowadays I bring my own contracts for any new photographer and make sure that I will either receive the shots or compensation and that my photographs aren't used for anything inappropriate. Any professional photographer couldn't have any problems with either. Copyrights are something that can be discussed about. I never lose my temper or send constant reminders and I don't generally speaking mind be patient with the shots. However, one has to draw the line somewhere.

Seven months is not about "having been busy" anymore, it is disrespectful for you and waste of your precious time.

Q. Have you found your own style within alt modlling, how did you decide on your 'look'?

I went for what felt natural for me. I have and I have for a very long time had quite distinctive "look" and style and I actually haven't changed much since having started modeling. I want to maintain my work versatile, but at the same time very many of my shoots tend to have some dark, elegant and perhaps sinister feel to them which appeals to me. Classic gothic shoots with long dramatic dresses are something I've had plenty with different variations, but I have also done 50's pin-up, burlesque, fantasy, fashion, rock, latex, PVC and also more fetish themed shoots. I easily go for anything I can find interesting and inspiring in a way or another and always add a bit of my personality to it or recreate the whole concept to be more "me". It's very refreshing to give new ideas a try and mix the genres; no shoot is similar to another for me.

Q. Is it important to be flexible in what type of photoshoots and jobs you'll take, or do you decide what you will and won't do and just stick to that?

For me it is important, but it also depends on whether you are firmly devoted to a very specific niche (e.g. burlesque, gothic). Versatility often means more chances/work for you and who knows, it may turn out to be very interesting to try something new.

Personally I am much too curious to limit my work too much. On the other hand I would advice never to go for something that you obviously are uncomfortable with and treat with the best possible care the most important asset you have as a model: your image.

Q. Is it a very competitive industry and have you worked with other models?

I have experienced how cutthroat it can get at times and how people can exploit each other. There are always people who are better achieved than you are and get the chances and contracts you would love to have and every now and then, people's behavior can turn extremely low. It does depend on a number of things, though and in general, I would dare to say that alternative modeling industry is much more merciful and united than mainstream. To be very honest, almost all of the negative experiences I have ever had with modeling are with fashion photographers/models (not meaning to paint things too black and white).

Most people have been wonderful, however and I have made some great friends. Modeling is business, but in the end I do what I love doing and I prefer seeing other models as my allies instead of competitors.

I would love to work more with other models. It's mostly solo shoots that I've done, but I have had the chance to meet some very talented alt models, like UK model Hexabelle (the kindest person!) and LA-based model Perish. Both whose work has inspired me greatly from the beginning.

Q. Have you ever thought about being a photographer yourself, or wanted to try any other job within the modelling industry?

I am very interested in photography, make-up and the more creative side of the industry and my interest has definitely grown after having started modeling. However, I don't realistically believe that I ever will become a full-time photographer or a make-up artist. There seem to be several models who do, though and that undoubtedly is an excellent way to take advantage of your experience. Editing and make-up skills are very useful for a model and it shouldn't be extremely difficult to expand your areas of expertise if you are curious and ambitious enough. Former fetish model Elva is one of the most creative and talented make-up artists I know.

It did cross my mind to eventually found a modeling agency of my own, but I think it is very likely that my education and other working experience will eventually take me elsewhere. Modeling is and probably will remain for a long time as a dear hobby for me, though :)

Q. Is it important to keep other interests/aspects of your life as a priority - things which have nothing to do with modelling? What other skills have helped you as a model?

What I basically do when I'm not modeling, I work on my degree on International Business Administration, Accounting and Finance (formerly Law), do some occasional work/internships related to it and also some work in politics. I do live a pretty hectic life and I usually have several projects going on all the time. Modeling has very quickly become one of my dearest hobbies, but I have to admit that there are many other things in my life that take the priority. My family, friends, my significant other and also my health (doctors already remind me about my low weight) are especially few of the things I could never ignore for the sake of my modeling assignments. I do think it is important to have a stable life with a number of different aspects.

Modeling can be seen as business after all so any knowledge and skills related to business and marketing are very much beneficial. I have registered all the business I do, including my modeling work which gives me a much more secured position and also certain tax deductions. Having some Law studies behind me has also been surprisingly helpful; if you work freelance, it's essential for you to understand your rights and also what to sign and what NOT to sign. Read all the contracts through very carefully and make sure you understand them and for what exactly you allow your images to be used.

I also have skills in 7 languages which has been helpful as I travel a lot and also work abroad a lot.

Q. How did your friends, family, or others react to your career choice?

I possibly don't have the most typical background as for an alternative model, so they all were very surprised at first. My parents still expect to see me handling Private Equity Fund Investing related work (or such) in London after a couple of more years, though. My family and all of my close friends are wonderful, caring people however and I have had their full support, as well as very positive feedback on my images. The love of my life is often worrying to death cause of the situations I occasionally end up getting myself into via my modeling work and he tends to distrust all of my photographers (and male generation in general). However, he does take much pride of my achievements and supports me anyway he can as he knows that I love what I do. I love him very much.

My acquaintances in politics have been much more doubtful about my images. I live in an extremely liberal country and it's mostly admiration I've had from my politician friends, but there are still few who think that my modeling will ensure me losing opportunities in the future. I can agree to some extent that cause of my business/politics background (and a possible future career) I might have to be extra careful about the assignments I accept, but there are certain principles I refuse to compromise on.

I am and have always been an "eccentric" individual and for me, my modeling work embraces the idea of being different and taking pride of it. It is an acknowledged choice that I have made and so far I haven't done anything I could regret or be ashamed of.

Q. Is the alt modelling life a glamourous one like a lot of people imagine? Do you keep your modelling life seperate from your private life or do they always mix?

I would say that there is a glamorous aspect to it. Many events that I've attended have been superb and it is also very amusing how differently people tend to approach you when they hear you model. However, it's quite rarely about big studios and a talented crew making you look your very best; I most often provide all the outfits, make-up and props myself, occasionally plan the whole concept, have ended up changing my clothing in the most absurd places

(in an empty fountain, under the bridge, bushes etc.) and have been shooting in several a bit more challenging locations, like cliffs, wilderness (imagine shooting implied nude shots in a thick forest swarming with hungry mosquitoes), risky industrial areas and more tourist crowded areas where you have several people staring at you, either thinking you're insane or commenting on your working. It can also be a bit difficult to feel glamorous when posing for four hours in very sheer clothing on ice and snow in -10 Celsius degrees. "The perfect shot" usually requires a lot of crafting and hard work and occasionally a tiny bit of suffering. It's up to the model to decide her/his limits and it is essential not to let things go too far when required, but it's also very important to be realistic. This type of work can mean challenging working conditions, long days and a set of difficult, muscle aching poses.

Modeling is nowadays a notable part of my identity.

It allows me to embrace my creative side and in the end, I am very much the same person on and off the shooting location. Of course you go the extra mile with your styling for the shoots and occasionally play a role, but I rarely look very different when strolling down the street or go to a club. In general, I do prefer keeping my work and private life very separate, but alternative modeling is also very much about exhibiting your personality and lifestyle, so in my opinion it has to be a mix to some extent.

Q. What advice would you give on how to find work as an alt model?

I would say that it depends on a number of factors and also your location. First of all, I think it's quite essential to get enough experience and build a reasonable portfolio. Photographers and companies are often not very impressed with girls who take a bunch of web camera shots of themselves and who then offer their rates. Your experience, skill and look are what make you valuable, so put a lot of effort on those. I would say get the experience you can, network, learn the industry and your possibilities in it and grab the opportunities that you come across with. Work hard! Only you can make your success happen.

Q. What would you like to achieve in alt modelling in future?

To take even more beautiful shots more than anything and be involved in more ambitious projects. In the end, I shoot the type of images I like to shoot and do the type of work I enjoy doing. I would love to get more published work as well, though and definitely more collaboration with bands and people from all areas. I would also hope more collaboration with clothing designers/stores and magazines. The time shall tell...

Currently I am also making very frequent visits to UK. I am hoping to eventually be able to take advantage of that and find more collaboration there. If you are from the area and believe I might be your girl, let me know ;)

Q. If you had one piece of advice to give people who want to become an alt model, what would it be?

It's very difficult to think about just one thing. At least a few things aspiring alternative models could think through before getting started might be: Why do you want to become an alternative model and what is it you would like to achieve? What do you have to offer for the alternative industry? (assuming you're determined to make it far) And should something unpleasant happen or should you receive unnecessarily harsh critique, will you be able to handle that?

Starting from the very basic things good to keep in mind: I do think everybody should try being in front of the camera at least once in their life, but if you aspire to be a genuine alternative model, you need much more dedication and commitmentn than simply the desire to get some attractive shots of yourself for public praise.

Also, although many slightly shorter and larger models can be considered "alternative" in a certain way, models in the alternative industry are *alternative* people leading a certain lifestyle and carrying their image off outside the shooting location as well. If you want to model, but you don't fit the high fashion criteria, there are still plenty of options for you. You don't gain as much as you could from alt modeling if you only dress up during Halloween and appreciate the style, but don't live and breathe it.

The pitfalls are also many in the industry, so be very careful not to fall. Even if you are lucky enough to avoid any more unpleasant situations, you very likely have to be able to cope with some difficult people at some point of your career. You also have to think very thoroughly about your limits. Nudity or even lingerie are *not* necessities for an alternative model. The more clothing you are willing to take off, the more risks there will be that you expose yourself to. Also, those images will last forever. Will you (consider also your family, friends) be able to live with them being displayed and criticized all over the internet?

There also has to be a reason people want to work with you specifically amongst all the people in the industry. Having a strong look and style definitely helps as does a great attitude and love and passion for what you are doing. Nobody is irreplaceable in the industry. Nobody. If people don't enjoy working with you for a reason or another, you will be forgotten very quickly.
Other than that, it's mostly about the very same little things that apply for any model: Be your unique self, be always on time, reply to your messages, be groomed (shave your armpits!) and take care of your diet, skin, hair and nails. Sleep well before the day of your shoot (=no parties/alcohol). Occasionally you have to be reasonably strong-minded and stubborn in order to survive through various little drawbacks, but most importantly, you have to love what you are doing. Have fun with it! One of the greatest things about alt modeling is that there is no specific mould you are expected to fit in and you are more than welcome to break any traditional ones. Never completely lose the "naïve enthusiasm" stage that you start with, but carry it through your career and enjoy everything that the industry has to offer you. All the best with your journey :) It may not always be easy, but it's worth it.

For anybody who actually bothered to read all that, thank you very much for your time and many thanks for Tom and knink for this opportunity :)

Yours sincerely,

Elyon xxx

Click here to see Elyon's profile
www.modelmayhem.com/elyon