Joan was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB, Canada and is a Mature Published, Professional Alternative Model, with over 20 years of modeling experience. She began amateur modeling at the age of 18, in the Petite mainstream genre, but realized that her Gothic/Punk rock lifestyle, love of the music, lifestyle, and fashion, was her " True Self", so she made the transition to Alternative Modeling in her mid-20's.
She was also in a Punk rock band called "The Strange Neighbors", from 1983 to 1988, singing vocals and playing keyboards.
Her love of Alt Fashion, and being in front of the camera since 18 years of age, gives her her true sense of creative expression in photographic art and modeling!
Her favorite modeling genres are: Goth, Punk, Metal, Victorian, Steampunk, Visual Kei, Lolita, Glam, Fashion, Cosplay, and Fetish.
Now at age 45, she works hard to keep herself in good shape, and plans on modeling for as long as she possibly can! It is still a great passion of hers, and she loves every minute of it! She is currently a member of Goth/Industrial Band, Groit! (Keyboardist) Joan is also a classically trained pianist, and also plays the harpsichord, pipe organ, and electronic keyboards.
She is a featured model for Alternative Models by Entity International, The Alternative Directory, Gorgeous Freaks, Curvy and Rocker Pinups, & Peroxide and Garlic International Alternative Models.
Alternative fashion sites where her photos can be found are : Ms Purdy on Etsy, Retroscope Fashions, Supervixens Boudoir Photography, Janzen Photography, Recollections, Art of Adornnment, and De Poppenkraal.
Joan is available for photo shoot bookings on a flexible schedule and compensation basis! (TF included!)
TAD: What is the story behind your alias?
Joan: I'm actually known by 2 aliases! Joan V was the name I used since I was 18 years old , and still a fledgling alternative model. The "V" stands for "Vamp". "Stiletto 13" was my Punker name , as I was a keyboardist in a band called "The Strange Neighbors"! LOL! My best friend at the time called me "Stiletto 13" because my favourite lucky number is 13 , and I love high-heeled shoes and sharp stabbing implements! (as well as head amputating , but that's a story for a different interview!)
TAD: Since you have been modeling for over 20 years, what advice could you give to the aspiring models?
Joan: If you're just starting out , please do find reputable professional photographers ( even ones that are close to being professional!) , and get good quality photos taken of you , at your best angles , in different scenarios , and styles of clothing. - Start your Portfolio as soon as possible . It helps to find photographers who are looking to also expand their own Portfolios for TF ! That way , if you're on a limited budget , you can still get started with some talented artists, and get images of good quality.
- Do as many photo shoots as you can manage! Practice will improve your posing and modelling skills. Start with at least 5 to 10 good photo shoots.
- Do your research!! Find out who the photographers and makeup artists are, and what their work is like! Are they professional? ALWAYS take an escort with you on your shoots! They ensure your personal safety on set, and also make great assistants at the shoots! Stay away from anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable, or is flaky and undependable.
- Always sign a model release form on every shoot, so you know what you and the photographer expect from each project.
- Figure out ways to promote yourself and your work. Find Alternative Modelling sites, directories, agencies, or networks that you like to work with. Enter contests after you feel confident enough! They are good tests to see how people react to you as a model, and your quality of work.
- Always ask questions!! It will save you time, money, and emotional resources. If your gut tells you something is wrong , then listen to it!
- Although Alternative Modelling is a lot of fun, it is also hard work! Keep yourself in good shape, take good care of your skin always, drink lots of water, eat well, and get enough rest before a shoot. Be prepared for anything on set, and always bring extra outfits and accessories just in case. Your makeup kit is indispensable for touch-ups! Always prepare for your next shoot and plan everything out in advance. Always be a bit early; never be late!
- Although many of your family and friends will be supportive of your work as a model, some won't be! Be prepared for this! I have lost some friends along the way, as my career has advanced. This is sad, but you will always learn something valuable with each experience. You must develop a tough skin, emotionally. Never listen to criticism that is not constructive and positive! Some people will needlessly insult you or be envious, so just ignore them and continue working hard!!
- Always have a positive attitude, be flexible, responsible and reasonably easy to work with! Be professional and genuine. Always be open to learning new things and improving yourself. Always be yourself!
- And MOST of all, try to remain as humble as possible! Other artists and people don't enjoy working with models who are arrogant, or act like drama queens!! It won't help your career one bit!
TAD: You did artistic nudes in your younger days, do you regret those now? Why did you stop?
Joan: Ah , the days of my youth and nude photos! Actually , I have NO regrets posing nude whatsoever! I used to pose for Fine Arts students at the University of Manitoba as a part-time job , while I was studying Music there , and nothing has ever given me cause to regret anything I've done to this date! I don't bare all anymore , due to fact that I had some surgeries done in the past 10 years that have left scars. That , plus , your body does go through changes as you mature! ; ) I do partial nudity on Cherrystems.com and also for artistic modelling shoots now.
TAD: What can we expect from you in 2011?
Joan: In 2011, I will be modelling for Hungover Empire Alternative Clothing, Blanche's Place, JupiterStorm Upcycled Jewelry, and Ruffles and Stripes! I'll be featured in the Spring/Summer Issue of Alt Fashion Magazine, which I am REALLY excited about!! I'll also be featured on: Sublime Rush Magazine (Apr., 2011 - Issue 07), Voltcase Online Magazine (Issue pending), and FaceOn Magazine (Issue pending). This year, I'll be on the Cover of a new CD album release and band promo video. Those will be surprises! ; ) Plus, more conceptual shoots that I have planned for this year! Look out for those, and more Fashion shoots for various alternative companies and designers! I'll continue my work with Cherrystems.com, as it's a lot of fun!
TAD: Do you want to promote or add anything?
Joan: Yes , I would like to thank all of my family, my awesome boyfriend, Zlatan, friends and fans for their ongoing support! I especially appreciate all of the photographers, designers, models, and makeup artists whom I have had the honor to work with since my modelling comeback in May, 2009! You're the ones that keep me going in my career!! Being a mature Alternative model is not always easy. Not everyone appreciates women of a more mature age, or of a different look. You have all made my return to modelling more than worthwhile, and your positive energy and support fuels me to keep on going forward! 8D
