by This alternative, inked vixen is a down-to-Earth gal who loves modeling, pole dancing, and telling her life’s story through the gorgeous ink that adorns her body. I was lucky enough to have a quick chat with Audrey Kelly and I think from her interview you will agree that she’s got a wonderful mix of sweet and sassy going on and that this chick is pushing the sky and going all out with huge plans in 2014. Take a peek into her twisted, beautiful, crazy life below.
When did you start taking modeling and what was it that made you want to do it?
I started modeling when I was 12 with an agency. I don’t really remember what inspired me to do it at the time, I had much different goals and aspirations. It’s probably easier for me to state what had recently, about six years ago, encouraged me to deeply pursue the career; I was aspiring to be a contributing artist to photography. I’m big into the art scene, and always had been. I saw beautiful models in pictures as a subject of art to different, talented photographers and I wanted to be a part of that.
To be a successful model requires lots of stuff, perhaps, a gorgeous face, hot body, and lots of time and nerves to get the name out? Ha-ha what’s the secret?
I personally don’t believe that it takes good looks. I’ve seen a lot of plain-Janes hit it big. Just lots of invested time, energy, and the guts to take it to the next level. I think the secret to successful modeling is being different, being versatile, and working with a large variety of well-known, talented photographers across the world. Everything else seems to fall into place if you keep those few things consistent.
What was the hardest part about getting into the business?
I think finding my true identity as a model and knowing where I stand in the overall industry. Again, it takes a lot of time, practice, and dealing with a lot of bullshit concepts and fake people before you’re finally able to say you’re established in the business
What drew you into the alternative scene and what inspires you to this day?
I wasn’t drawn to the alternative side of modeling necessarily, it was just more or less what I had fallen into after becoming more alternative in my look over time. When I first started years ago, I was a lot younger [and] I had few[er] tattoos and easily fit into the more popular mainstream modeling scene. After years going by and becoming heavily tattooed and darker in my look, I just attracted those types of people, and my portfolio slowly became more alternative. I’m pretty sure that you are very creative person.
Do you give some ideas to your photographers about a photo session (the creative part) or do you keep it professional and follow their way of imagination?
Within the last few years, the majority of the shoots that I do, the ideas all come from me. Granted, I have had the wonderful opportunity of working with some amazing photographers with awesome ideas, a lot of what I do is my own. I noticed that once I started doing what I wanted, I became more popular, started getting more publishings, and so on. It benefited my overall success immensely. I used to only take instruction from photographers and that gave my very bland results. Once I took the reins things definitely picked up for me.
What is your favorite genre of fashion? Why?
I don’t know if I have a favorite. I love so many different things that saying I have a fave would be downplaying it all. I can say that I’m very passionate about older punk style, cyber gothic, Victorian gothic, Avant garde, burlesque, boudoir, anything that is wildly dark or sexy, and anything that could bring a shock factor.
How would you describe your style?
My personal style, if I was going to stereotype it, would be a combination of punk, goth, and rocker chic.
How long have you been a makeup artist?
I have been freelance since 2009, starting with models and dancers.
Do you have any formal training?
I’m a licensed cosmetologist as of 2011, and I received a fair amount of training through the school that I received my license from.
What got you into make-up artistry and what do you enjoy the most about it?
I’m just an artist in general, and I’ve played with make-up for as long as I can remember. I used to practice crazy styles and take my own pictures as a young teenager, loving that I could almost be a different person with each look. When I got more serious about a modeling career, I would work with make-up artists and almost be jealous of what they did, eventually coming to the realization that I wanted badly to paint other people’s faces. To bring something out of them they nor I nor anyone had ever seen before. I feel as though I have accomplished that now, on many different occasions, and that makes me just as joyous as anything I could ever do for myself.
Do you feel being able to offer your services as a model and a make-up artist makes you a more desirable sell to photographers, etc.?
Only in the sense that whoever I’m working with knows I’m very capable of doing whatever look is desired on me with no need to hire another HMUA (hair and make-up artist).
Do you still like to collaborate with other make-up artists for shoots?
I do, but I’m also very picky. I have only worked with a handful of make-up artists in my career. I know this might sound cocky, but if you’re make-up skills can’t compare to my own, I probably won’t hire you.
Do you offer your make-up services to other models/clients?
Most definitely. Only for bizarre, alternative, or conceptual projects, however. I have done a lot of basic glamour looks on other models over the years, and though it’s enjoyable, it’s not what I’m passionate about doing, and I’m only looking to push the envelope as far as I can. Though, I still offer myself as a wedding HMUA for those who are interested.
Find out the stories behind Audrey Kelly’s tattoos after the jump…
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