Feature: Noel

Country	Spain

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GGotW: What do you like about dark places?

Noel: I feel a strange connection to dark places. I think they give me peace. But above all, these places inspire me.


GGotW: What inspiration have you received from dark places?
Noel: Thanks to the local cemetery in my small town, I was able to write my first book. I also write stories, and when I feel without creativity I decide to go to some forest or some shady meadow.

GGotW: What bands are you listening to currently?
Noel: Black metal groups like Batushka, Marduk...but I also listen to instrumental gothic music like Nox Arcana or Peter Gundry and by supposed bands like The Sisters of Mercy.

GGotW: Are you reading anything interesting currently?
Noel: Yes! I recently received the copy of the latest issue of "Witches Magazine" in which I have contributed one of my photographs, and it is an interesting read on the occult and paganism.

GGotW: Do you consider yourself a witch?
Noel: Yes, I have been practicing witchcraft for almost a decade.

GGotW: What values of witchcraft do you covet the most?
Noel: I think that something very important in witchcraft is herbology. I am a huge fan of plants. I also believe that dream spells are important. However, I am not a big fan of tarot or crystals although I would like to learn more about it.

GGotW: What object do you consider most sacred?
Noel: The skulls. It seems to me a metaphor of life and the death of a living being.

GGotW: Do you have skulls or collect skulls of any kind?
Noel: I have a small skull belonging to a rodent. I found that skull among henbane plants, in the corner of a church. Unfortunately it is the only skull I have, sometimes when I walk through the forest I try to look for a skull but at the moment I have not found another.

GGotW: How do you say Witch in Spanish?
Noel: "Bruja."

GGotW: Do you have a lot of plants in your home?
Noel: Yes! Luckily I live in a big house with a front garden and a back garden. I have aromatic plants, flowers, roses and two trees.

GGotW: Are there many clubs/places for Goths in your part of Spain?
Noel:

Unfortunately, there are not many gothic places in Spain. There are only small clothing stores and some metal and gothic music bars in Madrid, the capital of Spain. A few years ago, there was an event called "Madrid Gothic Week" where activities such as reading gothic books, concerts, etc. were held, but that event was canceled years ago. A shame.

GGotW: You seem to photograph a lot of things other than yourself, what is your favorite subject?
Noel: My favorite subject is portraits and dark landscapes like gloomy forests or cemeteries. There is a really beautiful and eerie stillness in these places. As for portraits, I think that through photography we can see a piece of the person's soul.

GGotW: What kind of equipment do you Photograph with?
Noel: With a camera Nikon D5200.

GGotW: Do you edit your own images?

Noel: Yes!

GGotW: What is your photographic workflow?

Noel: I use two programs for editing my photos: Ipiccy and Photoshop, of course.  When I edit a photo first I correct imperfections, bad light, contrast, color temperature ... Then I let my creativity do its thing.

Feature: Miss Cherry Lace

Country	England
Area	Manchester

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GGotW: You appear to have a wide range of styles, what is your favorite?
MCL: My favourite dress style is romantic gothic; I love lots of velvet, lace, Corsets and big skirts.

GGotW: Are there any brands your working with currently?
MCL: No direct brands but I've recently been featured in Bombshell , Lipstik , Xpressions and Rogue model magazines to name a few. I have a feature upcoming in Smitten Kitten and I'm working closely this year with Millwood Studios and Khloe Khan on a few shoots from July onwards including one for Delicious Dolls.

GGotW: Roughly how many modeling gigs do you get in a year?
MCL: I've only been modelling for 7 months. I have had around 5 gigs over the past two months.

GGotW: You photograph too, what led to that?
MCL: In my everyday life, I'm a freelance artist and Curator and my personal interest for the past 8 years has been in experimental photography. I don't tend to photograph other models very often but it is an area I'd like to get more experience in.

I've recently received a grant to buy a new camera so i am hoping to be able to start both a new art project and be able to use this for my modelling as well. 

GGotW: Do you tend to shoot yourself?
MCL: During lockdown I've been doing alot of self shoots. Normally my partner would help me with a shoot if we're having a spontaneous photo session but most of the time I've worked with professional photographers for the shoots i do. 

GGotW: What type of art do you do?

MCL: Primarily I create abstract work exploring the naturally occurring patterns in the world using photography and microscopy. I've had a huge interest for awhile in the surface of our skin and how it takes on the lived traces of life's experience so I'm looking to do more on that project once lockdown is over with the view to creating a unique portrait of the self from the patterns recorded on my body. 

GGotW: How have things changed for you during Covid-19?
MCL: All shoots are on standstill but it has given me time to prepare and make plans and props for future shoots which has helped keep my mind busy at a tough time. 

GGotW: What kind of music are listening to?
MCL: My go to bands are usually The Birthday Massacre, VNV Nation, Type O Negative and BlutEngel. Most recently I've been listening to Diary of Dreams and Alestorm so my taste varies quite a bit depending on my mood. 

Feature: Kuro Hana

Conrty	France
Area	Amiens
Personal Site	Kuro Hana
Facebook	Kuro Hana Model
Instagram	Kuro Hana Doll
YouTube	Kuro Hana Model

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GGotW: Is there a meaning behind the name Kuro Hana?
KH: Kuro Hana translates to Black Flower in Japanese. I think this pseudonym fits me well because I like Japanese culture and things that are dark.

GGotW: Do you ever incorporate your love of Japan in your modeling?
KH: Yes through some shoots and cosplays. that's one of the things that inspires me.

GGotW: Does your cosplay inspire your modeling or does your modeling inspire you cosplay?
KH: I do not like the term "cosplay" because my look is not cosplay, it's just my personality, my creativity and a mix of lots of things I like. Cosplay for me is to embody one of our favorite manga characters.

GGotW: What got you started with Alternative Modeling?
KH: I started a little by chance, I needed to affirm myself more, I wanted to show my style and my universe. I started as a model because I wanted to regain my self-confidence after having a difficult adolescence. I wanted to turn the page.

GGotW: Did you find modeling a good way to turn the page from adolescence?
KH: Yes, it helped me and allowed me to move forward

GGotW: Is there anyone that you work with on a regular basis?
KH: I work regularly with my boyfriend who is an amateur photographer to carry out most of my projects.

GGotW: How would you say you've changed since you started in 2012?
KH: I would say that I have evolved at my own pace. Thanks to photography, I was able to meet a lot of people. I have had both good and bad experiences. I had disappointments but I never gave up, I always persevered despite the difficulties. I learned not to fear the eyes of others. I took more insurance.


GGotW: What brands are you currently working with?
KH: I have worked with a few brands. Recently, I collaborated for Crazyinlove

GGotW: What other things do you enjoy?
KH: I like animals especially cats for whom I have a lot of affection. I am a music addict, I love goth music and metal. I like everything about art like drawing, photography, writing ... I like fashion and makeup. I like nature and archeology. Manga and Japanese culture. Science fiction and fantasy ...

GGotW: Looking through your images you seem to have a lot of different hair styles and colours, do you have a favorite or is it dependant on the outfit?
KH: It's true that it depends on the outfit, so that everything is harmonious. Otherwise, I like to mix styles and stand out. I always like wearing dresses and skirts and having a very feminine look. I'm also a fan of lace, I appreciate dark hues. For hair, I like to change color, I have a slight preference for red hair, purple and blue.

Feature: Sindy Pierce

Country	USA
Area	Florida
ModelMayhem	MM=4433831
Twitter	@Sindy_Pierce_
Instagram	@sindy_pierce

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GGotW: When did you start modeling?
SP: I started modeling around the start of 2019 but I didn't transition into alt modeling until April 2019. I'm still pretty new!

GGotW: What kind of modeling did you do at first?
SP: I did mostly classic Florida modeling - bikini and fitness type shoots.

GGotW: What caused you to transition from bikini modeling to ALT modeling?
SP: I didn't transition out of bikini modeling entirely. As you can see from my Instagram feed, I definitely still do bikini shoots. Before I started alt modeling, I was trying to maintain the "girl next door" look that's classic for Florida models. But, that didn't match my personal style at all - it wasn't very authentic. Now, I'm modeling suits that are more alternative (like my buckle suit or my leather bikini) and the makeup has my gothier vibe that's much more "me" and I think people pick up on that.

GGotW: How have you been able to push for ALT modeling in more mainstream adverts?
SP: Leather is super in right now so that's an easy stepping stone. I was able to do a more alt look for a car advertisement which you don't see a lot. The company that hired me was into my leather skirt/jacket/booties look so I paired it with darker make up for an alt style.

I've started to blend my bikini experience with alt makeup - it's being received well! I'd like to do more of that in the future.

GGotW: Leather or lace, what is your preference?
SP: Leather, definitely. I have like leather everything - jackets, shorts, pants, skirts, corsets, chokers, booties, a hat, bags, and even a leather bikini. I love the look and feel of the material.

What have you found to be the hardest thing about modeling?
SP: Figuring out who is genuine and who is trying to take advantage of you. I've met some really great people in the industry, but I've also come across a lot of people who just try to use you for their own benefit.

GGotW: How do you stay pale in Florida?
SP: Sunscreen is a must (try to pick brands that are safe for coral)! My daily moisturizer has SPF so that helps day-to-day. If I know I'm going to be outside for more than 30 minutes, I'm religious about applying SPF 50+ to any part of my body that will be exposed to the sun. Also, if I'm going to be outside for extended periods of time I wear an oversized hat to protect my face and neck. Overall, I do my best to be prepared, but I still get burned from time to time - such is life!

GGotW: What advice can you give to other ALT models looking to start?
SP: Advice I have for any model looking to start is to prioritize your safety over anything else. Do your research and trust your instincts! And, pardon my cliche, if something seems to good to be true - it probably is.

Advice I have specifically for alt models is that the alt community is super supportive - use them as a resource! Don't be afraid to reach out to other alt models/artists for tips and tricks because, in my experience, the community has been super willing to help each other out.

Feature: Contesa Cneajna

Country	Poland
Area	Warsaw
Instagram	@contesacneajna
Height	5' 1" (155cm)

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GGotW: When did you start modeling?
CC: In February, 2018, right after I created my Instagram account.

GGotW: Why did you start?
CC: I have always loved gothic fashion and enjoyed creating different looks and outfits. I also wanted to have a small place in the web where I could vent my creativity. I love modelling because I can transform myself into virtually anything: I can become a vampire, a horned succubus, a witch, etc. and I love putting some fantasy into mundane everyday life.


GGotW: Who does your pictures?
CC: Most of them are taken by myself, using a tripod and a self-timer. My outdoor photos are taken by my boyfriend. I enjoy taking photos by myself because I can be in charge of everything; usually I have a precise vision in my mind of what result I want to achieve.

GGotW: Do you work with any brands?
CC: Yes, I worked with some amazing brands in the past, however, I do not have any long-term collaborations. I am very thankful for the brands that reach out to me and they want me to promote their items and I really appreciate that I have the opportunity to model for companies I have always looked up to.

GGotW: What are a few of the brands that you have worked with?
CC: The first brand that I've collaborated with was Killstar. I was so honoured when I got contacted by them, since I've always looked up to them and they are my favourite brand by far. So far I have also collaborated with brands like Devil Night UK, Rock n' Doll Store, Grave Reflections, Fuck It Cloth, and some more.

GGotW: What is your main influencer?
CC: My main influence is music. I am absolutely addicted to music, I can't live without it, my musical taste is very broad and varied. The bands that inspire me the most are Cradle of Filth (their lyrics are a masterpiece, when I listen to them I always think of gothic castles and powerful female vampires) and Type O Negative (when I listen to them I picture a misty graveyard covered in autumn leaves). As far as people are concerned, my main inspiration is British model Dani Divine. I followed her for a few years before I created my own account, I have always admired her confidence and stunning fetish style. The other one is Mahafsoun, I absolutely admire her vampiric vibe and the way she combines bellydance with metal and gothic style is truly impressive.

GGotW: What is your favorite film?
CC: I absolutely adore movies that could be described as a "Gothic fairy tale". These include masterpieces like "Bram Stoker's Dracula" and "The Company of Wolves". I love these titles since they are so appealing visually, they are like beautiful pictures, every little detail is well-thought out, and fits to the whole. Another favourite is "The Love Witch" from 2015. This film tackles the topic of wicca, which is among my interests. Again, the visual part is just stunning: the outfits are splendid, so is the interior design, filled with beautiful objects. I also love the message of this film: it tells women that they should not be afraid of their sexuality and femininity and embrace it and flaunt it, as it is one of their main powers.



GGotW: What is your most favored fantasy element?
CC: My most favoured fantasy element are all supernatural, half-human creatures like vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, etc., because they portray both the darkest fears and desires of the human race, for example the desire to live forever, possess immense strength, control the elements, and so on.

Feature: Vampiria33

Country	United States
Area	New York
Instagram	vampiria33
Height	5'5" (165cm)

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GGotW: When did you first realize you were Goth?
V33: I was first introduced to gothic music by a friend when I was 16/17, so this was when I first learned about the subculture. A couple years later I started attending goth events and parties in my city and met people whose entire lifestyles were goth - from the music to the fashion to their interests. I realized that for the first time I found something that felt like me, and I’ve been a part of the subculture ever since.

GGotW: What is it that attracts you to the subculture?
V33: I love everything dark — the subculture allows me to express this through music, literature, fashion, and lifestyle. I’m also attracted to the creativity and originality of the people in the subculture.

GGotW: What started you modeling?
V33: When I was younger I was interested in fashion, but I never really thought about photographing myself or modeling. About 4 years ago I was going through a very tough time in my life- I’d just been diagnosed with a chronic illness and was having a lot of health issues, and I was also dealing with a bad breakup. To distract myself, I started dressing up and taking photos of my daily outfits and posting them online. I kept doing this for a little while before I realized that I was very passionate about modeling and photography. Although my first photos honestly weren’t that good, creating these images gave me confidence and I really started to see myself as beautiful. It was also at this time that I was contacted by New Rock to model for them - I remember being so excited haha. As time progressed, I started working with more brands and learning more about the actual photographic process itself - I purchased a DSLR, started learning about lighting and composition of photos, and taught myself photoshop.

GGotW: Who or what inspires you?
V33: So many things! While I try to remain inspired by ideas in my own head a lot of the time to try to be original, there are definitely a few artists and models that I’d love to mention. The first artist that comes to mind when people ask about my inspirations is a Polish painter named Zdzisław Beksiński. I used to study painting and drawing, and he was always my biggest inspiration then and now. I actually have a plan to get a few of his pieces tattooed :) Beksiński is known for creating creepy, dystopian surrealistic works. While a lot of Beksiński’s themes aren’t immediately present in my photography, his work is incredibly meaningful to me and has been my biggest inspiration for years. I’m also inspired by a lot of the models and artists I follow, including Mahafsoun, Threnody In Velvet, The Black Metal Barbie, Obsidian Kerttu, and many others.

GGotW: What photographers do you tend to work with?
V33: I don’t usually work with photographers - I take all my own photos! While I have shot with a few photographers in the past, modeling and photography is a creative outlet for me so I prefer to do all aspects of the shoot myself, from photography and editing to makeup and styling.

GGotW: Do you ever model outside the Goth aesthetic?
V33: Not usually. Alternative and gothic modeling is who I am, so I tend to stick to what feels like me. Even if I do a shoot that isn’t completely gothic, I still have black hair and tattoos, so the photos still look pretty alternative anyway.

GGotW: Do you work with any particular brands?
V33: I do! As I mentioned earlier, the first brand I ever worked with was New Rock. Since then I’ve expanded over the years, collaborating with brands and companies such as Killstar, Punk Design Shop, Malefic Apparel, Dirtymind Cosmetics, and EvaHair.