The Spirit Models and Promotions Agency

Monday 28 April 2014

Spirit Model Interview: Dark Morte



Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
Hmm, what do you want to know?  I like to keep some mystery around myself ;-)  I’d describe myself as a nerdy long time lover of the dark and you would be hard pushed not to see me wearing black on a day-to day basis.

What are your ambitions for your modeling career?
Next steps for me are to continue in the dark/horror vein and get involved in more acting work, presenting etc.

Have your friends and family supportive of your career? What was their reaction?
Absolutely!  I have a huge amount of support from both family and friends who have been extremely encouraging all the way throughout my modeling career.  At first they were fairly impressed (although not surprised) to find me modeling for camera clubs and such and then when things moved on to me doing catalogue work, winning awards etc. I received an even more positive response.

How is it affected your life so far?
I’ve invested a lot of time, effort and to some extent money into putting together a professional portfolio, modeling both
for paid and unpaid jobs as part of the process of reaching a professional level.  It’s taken a lot of commitment but I’m pleased to be doing something I’ve dreamed of since the age of 14.  It’s definitely rounded and enriched my life to have reached this level.

How would you best describe your personal style?
Ooh, it does tend to vary but I’d say a mix between trad Goth, Industrial and to some extent ‘grungy alt’ as my day-to-day wear.  For special occasions and going out I like to dress a little more glam, think Gothic vampire, velvets, shiny clothing, dark eyes and lips.

What is your personal view of the alternative modeling scene?
To some extent I would liken it to catwalk couture in terms of styling but stripping away that clean edge and injecting a gritty level of realism into the overall package.

What has been the most special, memorable, highlight or most unique experience during your modeling career?
I have a few - catalogue modeling for Hell Bunny back in 2010, winning World Goth Day’s ‘Best UK Model’ in 2012 and more recently playing a lead part (as a vampire, of course) in a horror themed Kim Wilde video, where I have an awesome amount of close up screen time.

Who inspires you? 
The one, the only Grace Jones.  You can’t beat Grace, not only is she beautiful, beyond stylish and capable of representing the most amazing on screen vampire she is an extremely strong woman who knows what she wants out of life and isn’t afraid to go out and get it.

Is there a particular model/photographer/designer you would like to work with?
Not that I can think of, I’m open to suggestions.  Anything that involves something dark and mysterious is always good for me.

Do you have a sideline career and if so what do you do?
Yes!  In strong contrast I’m an IT professional, but that’s all I’m going to say about that, I like to keep those two aspects separate ;-)

You can also keep up with Dark Morte on her you Tube channel with her 'Frights and Delights' series - YOUTUBE 

Interview by Sapphira Chattan

Thursday 20 March 2014

Spirit Model Interview: Raven Ember


This scottish born and bred, flame haired, long legged alternative fashion model was snapped up by Spirit Models in 2012, after being bowled over by her unique style and bubbly attitude. Whether it is fashion, latex, lingerie, steam punk, pin up or character modelling, Raven fits in perfectly into every genre. We decided to catch up with her to find out about the highs and lows of her career, including opening London's Fashion Week aged just 17 years old. 



Hi there! Firstly, thank you so much for asking me to do this interview and to be your model of the month! I'm Jodie – RavenEmber – a 6ft 2in Scottish red head model. I've been modelling since I was 17 and I love it more now than I ever have!

What were your ambitions for your modeling career when you started out and do you feel you have achieved them?

When I began modeling in 1998 (ouch that makes me feel old!!) I was very much in the mainstream fashion industry. I was 17 years old and being flown about between London, Glasgow and Edinburgh for photoshoots, hair shows and catwalk shows. It was a great time and I learned so much about the industry! However, my ambitions weren't being met at this time. I had no control over what I was shooting and was told day to day what I was doing. I stopped modeling at this time after several years due to personal circumstances where I lost a lot of people I loved in a short space of time and chose instead to go to University where I gained a 1st Class Honours Degree, graduating top of my year!


How did you get into modeling and why choose the Alternative genre?

I returned to modeling and chose to remain freelance for a long time to build up my own portfolio, working with local photographers to get my ideas for images out of my head and into the world! During this time, I styled all my own shoots and did all my own hair and make-up. I chose to return to the more alternative side of the industry because is suited my personality much better. I had more control and input during shoots and I got to see my ideas come to life! 
 
How is it affected your life so far?

Modeling is so important to me, I can honestly say it has changed my life! The freedom of expression I get from modeling fulfills my desires for creativity. I love to create beautiful images that inspire people. Although I still have to work part time to pay my bills, modeling is my career and every aspect of my life is affected by this. From my relationships with friends and family, to how I spend my money. Everything relates back to modeling and the creativity it inspires in me.

You live in Scotland, is there much of an alternative scene there?

There is definitely an alternative scene up here in chilly Scotland, but it is not as accepted as it might be in the rest of the UK. I still get comments from people about my hair colour, my piercings or my dress sense – and not necessarily from the people you'd expect! Most older people are fine with it and express their love of my individuality. It's the middle aged Mum's that give me dirty looks and tut in my direction that always shock me! I do live in a smaller town though. I don't usually get that reaction when I'm visiting the city.

How would you best describe your personal style?

I'm eclectic. I like a bit of everything! I have two main styles, my loafing about style and my out and about style. When I'm loafing about it's all about soft fabrics, no seams, fluffy socks and no make up. When I'm out and about it all depends on my mood. From very tailored fitted pencil skirts and feminine blouses, to full on hippy chic. My wardrobe has been built up over the years from charity shops, ebay and cheap clothing stores. A lot of my favourite pieces came from a lady I know who at 76 years old is still 6ft tall wearing a size 8. She had to move into a smaller house and gave me 13 black bags of vintage clothes! Everything from dresses to coats to hats and vintage wedding dresses!! Also I have a lovely friend Fiona McCrae who loves making clothes and is constantly giving me awesome things!

What is your personal view of the alternative modeling scene?


I love the alternative modeling scene and very much enjoy how it has almost become mainstream to be alternative! I very much enjoy the fact that it is a much harder industry to get into and to stay in. When I was younger, all you really needed was a few tattoos and bright hair to be recognisable and bookable as an alternative model, this has drastically changed for the better in my opinion. Models have to work harder to maintain their place in the industry because it is becoming more common and mainstream. It's not about how many tattoos you have anymore, it's finally about how well you can model and how much effort you put into learning your trade! Skill is the key now as opposed to what colour of hair you have.

What does the term ‘Alternative’ mean to you? 

Alternative to me covers a huge genre! There's the obvious alternative scene of dying your hair and having tattoos and piercings, but there a much bigger alternative scene developing and it fits everyone who doesn't fit into mainstream. If you're too old, or too tall; too skinny or too curvy! Geeks/nerds have become applicable in the alternative scene as well as goths, lolitas, emos and many more! It almost feels to me that “mainstream” has become the new elite and alternative, whereas “alternative” has become the more commonplace! A strange turn of affairs. :)

Have your friends and family supportive of your career? What was their reaction?

My friends and family have been a HUGE support during my career. They've always been supportive of anything I've wanted to do, and when I went into the modeling they were delighted for me because they know how much I love it. When times have been tough because of my career choice, they are always there to rally about me and cheer me on and support me in any way they can. My family – my Mam and my big sister – mean the world to me. If they had chosen not to support me, I don't think I would have gotten this far. We are a tiny family and their approval and love keep me going through the good times and the bad. My partner Grahame has also been a huge support to me, encouraging me when I'm feeling blue, pointing out the good things when all I can see are the bad, and giving me cuddles when I'm home from a shoot and frozen to the bone!

What has been the most special, memorable, highlight or most unique experience during your modeling career?

Oh this is such a tough question! Back when I started modeling, my most memorable and unique experience would be opening London fashion week at 17 years old at Wembley Arena, on the stage by myself with all the lights off and the hush of the auditorium, then me standing up,  the lights flooding down on me, throwing my hair back and “Hey Joe” blasting over the speakers as thousands of eyes turned to look at me.....I remember the feeling, the joy, the nerves! But most of all I remember thinking, “This is it! This is what I want to do for the rest of my life” *smiles at the memory*
Since getting back into modeling for the second time, there have been so many wonderful moments, but my own personal favourites have to be when photographers/designers/make up artists/hair stylists look at the pictures that have just been shot and are speechless....I love to make people proud, and having a room in silence because of the poses I do and the expressions I pull are amongst my own personal favourites :)
Oh, also becoming a sponsered model for Geisha Wigs has to be a highlight!! :)


Who inspires you?
 
Another really tough question! I've never really had any famous inspirations.....style inspirations maybe, like Dita Von Teese and Kato, or pose inspirations like Ulorin Vex, but my life inspirations come from the people I love :) My two biggest inspirations in life have been my Mam and my best friend in school Morgan. My Mam has the most amazingly positive attitude of anyone I've ever met! She's been through some really really hard times, but always has a good outlook on life. She taught me and my brother and sister to be whoever we wanted to be, even if the rest of the world, including her, doesn't understand and that we should never be frightened of what the world thinks of us. You only have to answer to yourself, and if you see a good person in the mirror, and know you are trying your hardest to be best person you can, then you are doing a good job.....she also taught me manners are free, a lesson I've held close to my heart all my life. Morgan, my best friend when I was in school, is one of the bravest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet in my life. She developed brain cancer when we were 14, and she died a year later. This girl, at 14, woke up one day to discover she was blind and couldn't walk anymore, and still she smiled :) All through her horrendous treatments, she smiled, through her agonising physiotherapy, she smiled. She was the bravest person I have ever met and she still inspires me everyday to keep going and not let the world, or life's circumstances get me down <3

Is there a particular model/photographer/designer you would like to work with?


So many it would be boring to list! But top of the list has to be Tim Walker. This gentleman's work blows me away! His fashion work has a surrealist edge and I literally cannot say
enough good things about this man.....amazing, awe-inspiring, at times amusing, beautiful....unique.

Do you have a sideline career and if so what do you do?

At the moment I work in a supermarket to make sure I can pay my bills at the end of every month! On top of that I am a learning photographer and I do work as a stylist for shoots. No matter what becomes of my modeling career, I hope to remain in this industry. The freedom of expression and the creativity are aspects I would always like to work with throughout my life.

 Interview by Sapphira Chattan

Monday 3 March 2014

Spirit Model Interview: Lesley Rose

 
 
Lesley Rose is fast becoming one of our most popular models, this stunner has graced the cover of magazines, appeared in music videos and worked on feature films. And she has brains too! Check out what our lovely lady Lesley had to say when we interviewed her....
 
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background. 
Well my name is Lesley Rose and i'm 23 years old and living in London, I was born in LA, California in the United States and grew up in Leeds, West Yorkshire in England. I started modelling professionally a couple of years ago and really it was my mum who supported me through the first stages.

What are your ambitions for your modelling career?
Having been published several times now my biggest ambition is to be on the cover of a well known magazine. I'd love to walk into a shop and see myself on a cover, or get a phone call from my mum saying she's seen someone reading a magazine with me on the front of it. That has always been my ambition and something I'm aiming towards. 


Have your friends and family supportive of your career? What was their reaction? 
Family have always been massively supportive, as I say, it was my mum who first gave me a gentle nudge into modelling and helped me promote myself and look for work. Friends love it, they love shouting around that they're friends with a model, buying the online magazines in print and showing their other friends. I remember when I was very first published in Nuts Magazine I had a whole group of army boys contact me who were friends with my friend's husband saying they were proud of me and congratulations! Boyfriends have been alright about it, my ex used to get quite jealous of the attention, the admin I had to do, the social networking but eventually he just put up and shut up I guess!


How is it affected your life so far? 
Being signed to Spirit has been amazing for me. I've had some cracking jobs and my face has been places that I didn't even think it could be! I've done music videos, catwalks, promotional appearances and it's been amazing. Some of the people I have met I never thought I would and these people have been an inspiration to me throughout my modelling and have proved that Beauty and Brains can be an amazing (and lethal) combination. Going to Tattoo Conventions is strange because people actually recognise me and want pictures with me and usually I'm a very confident person but I get quite shy about things like that! I was actually at work a week or so ago and someone came up to me and said they recognised me from the Spirit website and I felt like I was going to explode I was so proud!


How would you best describe your personal style? 
I'm not very girly but can be when I need to be. A lot of my friends say that although I come to work dressed in jeans and a hoodie most days and by no means can pull of 'cute' I do 'sexy' very well! So I'd say that most of my work is sort of around the Alternative Glamour side of things. On a normal day you'll catch me with my hair up, glasses on, hoodie and leggings or jeans, strolling around London without a care in the world. When I'm out or at events, I'm glammed up to the nines, with something either low cut, backless or short to show off my assets.

What is your personal view of the alternative modelling scene? 
I think there are a lot of girls in the alternative modelling scene who are amazing. Its difficult sometimes to not feel as if you're being overshadowed by someone else and at times you find that there are people who are influenced by your look and replicate it which can be quite annoying. Some of the best artistry I've seen however has been through being a part of the alternative modelling scene. I love that it challenges stereotypes of the types of people who get tattoos and I love that the people I've met have been truly beautiful inside and out and their artwork is just an addition to their existing beauty.

What has been the most special, memorable, highlight or most unique experience during your
modelling career?
 
The most special experiences I think would have to be doing things like music videos or advertisements. I was walking along the South Bank by the Thames in London just after the Ben Pearce - What I Might Do music video came out, which I featured in, and a group of girls stopped me and asked me if it was me in the music video. It literally took me by surprise and I was with friend who answered for me because I just couldn't get the words out! To be recognised in the street was incredible and not something that I thought would ever happen. Especially somewhere as big as London.

Who inspires you? 
My mum definitely inspires me. She struggled through with me as a single parent and her work ethic is one that cannot be challenged. She inspires me to keep striving for my goals, always have ambitions and always have a path I want to take to get to where I want to be. She used to work 16 hours a day, sometimes two jobs just to keep food on my table in cities all over the UK to make sure I had a good upbringing and a good education. She taught me the facts of life, how to be streetwise and how not to be made a fool of which is something in modelling you need to be aware of. I take my hat off to my mum because she is incredible.


Is there a particular model/photographer/designer you would like to work with? 
I would love to do something with a brand called Teale Coco. Their full body harnesses are amazing and I'd love to shoot in one! I can't wait until Melanie Titus comes back to the UK, we've said we're going to set something up and I cant wait to discuss ideas and chat about concepts! And of course the amazing Scott Cole who was actually behind a lot of the work that I first saw when I stepped into the modelling scene. Once I get all of my tattoos finished I'm heading his way!


Do you have a sideline career and if so what do you do?
Yes! I'm actually studying at London South Bank University at the moment. I'm doing a BSc(Hons) Psychology with Child Development degree and I hope to graduate and go on to do a pHd! So fingers crossed for me!

By Sapphira Chattan.

Wednesday 22 January 2014

LONDON ANIME CON 2014

For the third year running as the official sponsors of London Anime Con we are pleased to anounce that we will be making an appearance on the guest panel. The MD of Spirit Models, Sapphira Chattan and model Sarah Kwaii will be taking your questions on Alternative Fashion and Modelling aswell as handing out a prize to the winner of the Otaku Fashion Show.
Tickets on sale on the London Anime Con website - www.londonanimecon.com

Tuesday 31 December 2013

What a Year!

Spirit Models has had an amazing year and it looks like 2014 will be even better! Starting with our office move to the Custard Factory in Birmingham on the 1st of January, our New Faces will be launched on the site along with our additional services. Spirit Models will now be offering private one-to-one tuition on how to get into the modelling industry aswell as a model school, a studio for syndication, photography workshops, portfolio services and a creative team. We will also be launching our performance group and fansite. A big thank you to all of our clients in 2013 and to all of our models who have been so amazing attending castings, audtions and working for us on a variety of assignments including music videos, TV adverts, Internet Virals, fashion videos, editorial, tattoo events, drinks promotions and much more. Happy New Year!

Friday 19 April 2013

Spirit Models First Promotional Video

We have made our first promotional film to start off Spirit's next phase! We are about to embark on a whole new transition with some TOP SECRET projects to take the agency to a whole new level. The clue is in the film clip! With more videos to be added to our youtube channel by the amazing Loki Films this is the first of many projects from the UK's leading Alt modelling and promotional staffing agency. The video stars the Don't Tell the Bride couple 'Terri and Angel Altilar' London's dance DJ Prince Persona and some of the agencies most popular models. Enjoy and please share!

Monday 21 January 2013

With Khisses ....

Photographer: Haley Richardson
Khandie has been with Spirit right from our humble beginnings, after spotting her at a small local Burlesque show in 2009. Sapphira approached her for model representation after recognising her star quality, she performed with magnetic energy a captivating stage presence with a style and uniqueness that impresses and never leaves you. Since then with the success of starring in the short film 'Jimmy's End' written by british author and screen writer Alan Moore, her popular Burlesque performances and her bookings through Spirit Models as an Art Nude model for Julia Fullerton-Battenand and most recently in the 'Hurts' new music video for their next single 'Miracle'; Khandie's career has soared into dizzy heights. Khandie took some rare time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions....

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I am primarily a burlesque performer and model though recently I have being doing some acting. I didnt however start off as a burlesque dancer as my many previous jobs have included tailor's apprentice, shop worker and being in the Royal Air Force for a number of years. Devon born girl but to be honest by the time I hit puberty I had lived in some many countries I am not really sure where I would say my home town is...
What are your ambitions for your modeling, acting and burlesque career?
Being a plus size tattooed model, it used to be that your opportunities were limited. Thanks to agencies like Spirit Model Management the whole world has really opened up. My recent photoshoot with photographer Julia Fullerton-Batten is a testament to this. I never really plan a career path as I think what will happen, will if it is meant to be but... that said I would love to be in another film having caught the bug shooting the new Alan Moore/Mitch Jenkins collaboration. Burlesque wise I am just enjoying the ride, be it touring Australia or performing for the Freemasons this 'job' has sent to so many places I cant wait for the next assignment.
How is it affected your life so far?
My eyes have been opened up to a whole new world of possibilities. If someone told me two years ago I would be shooting with world famous photographers and shooting my first movie, I would have laughed.
How would you best describe your personal style?
Lily Savage meets the cast of Downton Abbey. Its either overly theatrical or demure. There is no in-between usually. I aint no wall flower.
What is your personal view of the alternative modeling scene?
I think the world of modeling is realising different alternative looks can work and are more in tune with today's consumer. I believe with time tattoos will be no more an issue than a model's hair colour for a shoot.
Photographer: Nils Bratby
What does the term ‘Alternative’ mean to you?
I think marching to your own beat and not being dictated to. Open-mindedness and self expression/
Have your friends and family supportive of your career? What was their reaction?
The parents are the biggests fans. My god if they werent I dont think I would have taken those first steps after my military career ended through injury.
What has been the most special, memorable, highlight or most unique experience during your modeling career?
Seeing my acting debut on the big screen was pretty wow...but then so was performing as an underwater mermaid for a film wrap party. I have had such a mental career with amazing opportunities I couldnt possibly pick just one.
Who inspires you?
Ellen Rogers photographically is amazing. Her work is sensational. I know it is cliché but David LaChappelle is pretty wow too. It goes without saying two photographers who have inspired not only with their work but how they work is Mitch Jenkins and Julia Fullerton-Batten. Their work with me has taken my entire career and amplified it. It's insane!
Is there a particular model/photographer/designer you would like to work with?
Ellen Rogers would be a dream come true and my best Brit designer Vivienne Westwood would cause a stroke if she offered to work with me. I bought my first designer bag from her store when I got my first paycheck. I am always a VW girl.
Do you have a sideline career and if so what do you do?
I occasional work as a photographer myself as well as a writer and blogger. I like to keep myself busy both mentally and physically. Its good for the soul, the ego and the psyche.