[tps_header]Alternative modeling is a side of the modeling industry that features models who do not conform to mainstream or commercial modeling and has different set of ideas of beauty that often includes acting, dressing up in fantasy-style clothing, having outrageous makeup and the like. Alternative models are often niche-specific, with a personal style that represents subcultures like goth, burlesque, latex and fetishism… but this is not a necessity. An alternative model may for example be tattooed, pierced, or have distinctively sub-cultural hair (shaved, dyed a distinctively unnatural color, mohawk, or in dreadlocks). Alternative modeling can be clothed, unclothed or partially clothed.
Alternative modeling was given substantial mainstream media coverage over the last several years, partly through the creation and popularization of community-based alternative modeling sites, like GodsGirls and SuicideGirls. Alternative modeling community sites promoted their models for their personality as well as for their looks and portfolio. An alternative model’s thinking means that she (or he) believes that no matter what size, shape, race or nationality you are – you can always be beautiful. This means that if you happen to have the style of a goth/rockabilly/pirate-fetishist, you’re still incredibly sexy in your own right, because you’re being yourself. An alternative model has to be comfortable in their own skin and should have the confidence to be daring, crazy and completely unique. The wilder/crazier – the better.
I always look for a woman who has a tattoo (or two). I see a woman with a tattoo, and I’m thinking, okay, here’s a gal who’s capable of making a decision she’ll regret in the future.
So what does it take to be an alternative model? Is it really that hard? How do you make it in an industry that’s open to anyone unique and different, when we’re all pretty much our own person? Can you make money from it? Do you have to pose in your birthday suit?[/tps_header]
Be Yourself
As obvious and it may seem, but a lot of girls have dreams & hopes and often times try to be something they’re not. Find your own sense of style, something you know you will feel comfortable in. Not all alternative models have bright pink hair and a face/body full of piercings, so if it’s not your style, you don’t have to do it. One thing to always remember, the more comfortable you feel in your own skin, the better you will look in pictures. Have a look around places like Instagram or Pinterest for inspiration. Perhaps you’re into tattoos and body modifications, into some SM fetishes or maybe you just love dressing up as some gothic Disney princess – the sky is the limit. Be as wild as YOU want to be.
