Model Interview: Maja Stina

Maja Stina is a 21 year old model from the UK, who has been modeling for over a year. She says “I’m the sort of girl that likes to take life as it comes and do what I can with what I’m given. After all, you can’t keep wishing you have things you don’t have”. Maja designs her own websites as a hobby and currently owns and operates 5 websites. Late last year, she started her own latex clothing line called Burning Violet.

Photo by Xavi Moya

Is there a story behind your model alias?
Yes, my friend's name is Maja Stina and I just loved the way it sounded, so asked if I could use it, and she said yes!

How did you get your start in the modeling business?
It was almost by accident. I've always been curious about it but I started blogging in 2010 about makeup and one day decided to book a photoshoot and have been modelling ever since!

Photo by Xavi Moya

Where or who do you draw inspiration from in modeling or in your everyday life?
In modelling, I draw inspiration from other models that I aspire to be like (in terms of success) such as Mosh, Ulorin Vex and Raquel Reed, to name a few. In everyday life, I'm not quite sure where I draw my inspiration from! I'm a bit of a workaholic so I tend to consider my modelling everyday life for me. I make my own latex clothing and when I'm designing, I get inspired by all kinds of things, from architecture to vintage patterns.

You started making your own websites at the age of 13 and you currently run 5 websites, what are they called?
Wow! It's been a while since I updated some of them, but I own my modelling site, my clothing design site and my blog site, which I need to update! I've not had time for it since I started modelling and clothing design! I recently sold my other two websites, as they were in the MySpace niche and I no longer have an interest in websites relating to MySpace, as I feel it's really dying!

Models: Maja Stina and Melissa Hayward.

Photo by Danielle Keogh

You have your own latex line, what’s been your favourite piece that you are most proud of as a designer?
Probably this piece. By JEF Photography, fascinator by Janine Basil Hats.
I really love cute things, though I'd never be caught dead in bows and frills in real life! It's kind of a secret love of mine! But this piece is my favourite so far just because of how cute it is. I also love the way it fits me and how comfy it is! Having said that, I know that I have some designs in the works that I'll love even more than this one! You guys will have to wait and see, though. :)

You have featured in 3 issues of Bizarre Magazine, what was that like?

It was weird! Bizarre was the first magazine I ever submitted to and so I didn't expect anything at all. I almost died when I picked up a copy and saw myself inside! I'll be shooting at the end of August for their cover star shoot, which will be in one of their upcoming issues. I'll also be in again at the end of the year, as I've made it to the finals for the UltraVixen subscribers' cover contest. I also just got into Bizarre for the 4th time this year after being invited to their summer ball with some of the other UltraVixens - there's a picture of us all trying to look really mean and, well, bizarre!

Photo by Aerynn

What can we expect from you for the second half of 2011?
Chaos. Always. I never really know what's happening! But, I've got a new idea for a company that I may start later in the year. But that's a complete secret because I've not made anything yet, or even thought of a company name! But, watch this space!

Do you have anything that you would like to add or promote?
Not that I can think of! But, I'm always looking for people to suggest new themes for me to model, as well as new ideas for styles of latex outfits, or even colours! I always love a good bit of feedback!

Model Interview: Lily Monster

Lily Monster started modeling around the age of 15 and found that most photographers were interested in her look because of her always changing hairstyles during the 1980’s. Lily is a makeup artist, stylist, model and roller derby gal.

She models a mix of pinup and fetish but is also interested in doing more alternative and tattoo style shoots. Lily has been a makeup artist since 1998 and specialises in body painting by hand, Halloween style makeup and special effects.

Is there a story behind your model alias?

My real name is Lily, just added the monster because of my love for classic monsters and movies.

How did you get your start in the modeling business?

I been modeling on and off for many years, I think I was asked to model for my look at a young age because of my crazy hair.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone interested in becoming a model what would that be?

It would be to just model what you want and not to feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to. Always keep it fun!

You are also a MUA that specialises in body painting by hand, can you describe one of your favourite body painting projects?

I love doing the scary stuff, although I love transforming whole bodies into complete different characters.

You also skate in Roller Derby, tell us about your experiences:

I’m new to the Roller Derby world, I’m what they call Fresh Meat! So far I love it and haven’t broken any bones yet! I’m practicing and learning techniques to pass my skills test with The Prison City Derby Dames.

What can we expect from you for the remainder of 2011?

Expect lots more from me in the last 4 months of the year! I’m sure I'll get myself in more great projects to finish off the year.

Do you have anything that you would like to add or promote?

I’m also the owner of a great Vintage clothing store where I have my Makeup Studio in Uptown Whittier, Uptown Bombshell Boutique.

Find more of Lily Monster here!

Lily Monster Facebook

Model Mayhem- model page

Model Mayhem- Makeup Artist page

Model Interview: Laura Shipman

Laura Shipman is a Nottingham based model and makeup artist. She is always looking for new shoots and is open to any ideas- the crazier and more ‘out there’ the idea- the more she will like it!

Laura is interested in all areas of modelling, but she prefer shoots that give her the opportunity to create a character or story.

She doesn’t limit herself to what she can do or be, as long as it's interesting and different. Laura likes to take any opportunity to show off her beautiful tattoos, she says “I paid enough for them, so I'm damn well going to flaunt them!”

What has been your best experience with modeling?

I always love being in front of the camera, so it's hard to pick one favourite thing.

You’re also a MUA, which was your first love- modeling or makeup?

I actually started doing both around the same time, and I really love both - but in the long term I see my career being as a MUA.

Do you enjoy being on set as a MUA or a model more?

I could never pick, I love both. The main reason I'm planning my career being as an MUA is because there are less limitations on it as a career.

Two of your many tattoos feature roses, can you describe them?

My most recent (and my favourite) tattoo is the black and white roses up my left side. The design came from the makeup I did for a body painting shoot while i was at college but i decided not to have mine in colour so it'd never clash with my hair. They go from around my hip up to my shoulder blade. The details and the shading are amazing. I was gutted when I was told the guy who did it has moved away so I can't go to him in the future.

My other rose tattoo is the first one I got; it's about a centimetre below where the other roses stop. It's in colour, but the red is draining out of the rose bud and there's a drop of blood at the bottom. It'll only ever end up in a picture if I do full frontal nude.

I also have a tribal heart on my right hip, which will be extended in the future, and one on my lower back that I've never been able to describe successfully.

You’ve had pink hair, black hair, pink/black hair and also red hair- which has been your favourite look?

I've had everything except blue and blonde. And that's not for lack of trying. But pink, black and red are the 3 looks I always end up coming back to.
The pink/black is probably going to stay for a while because I've finally found that most elusive of hair colours - a pink that stays in.
It makes me very happy.

You have a facebook folder full of shoot ideas, where do you get your inspiration from?

I have more that I've got out of magazines but can't get on the computer. Some of it is stuff I've found on the internet when I was looking for ideas. And I watch America's Next Top Model religiously. They do some really cool shoots there's one in particular I really like but I can't get a picture for it without risking finding out who won the season I haven't seen yet. And I've learned a lot from the advice and critiques given to the girls.
Also I've always loved the Calvin Klein jeans ads.

What can we expect from you for the remainder of 2011?
Hopefully I'll be starting back at college in a couple of weeks to get my hairdressing qualification - so if all goes well that will be taking up a lot of my time and I'll be having to arrange shoots around that, which is always a pain but it'll be worth it. More skills=more jobs. Which is always good!

Do you have anything that you would like to add or promote?

My best friend's photography page, also based in Nottingham, England

HelloSailor

Find more of Laura here!

Facebook

Wix- alt model

Wix- makeup artist