Mandi - Art of Alternative Modeling

I currently have 25 tattoos and the number is going down which I love because it means I have more completed pieces! I started off thinking that all my tattoos needed to have meanings, and some of them for sure have deeper meanings than others, but once I realized that I was getting things I loved or admired was more than a good enough reason to get them. Some had meanings that are no longer relevant in my life and others I just liked the way they looked.

Can you tell us about your roots, about growing up.
I grew up in a military family, born in Germany we moved to Canada when I was three and I've moved around Canada since then, finally stopping with my last family move after I graduated high school, I moved around less after that. I constantly had to learn and adapt to new surroundings and people which helped shaped me into the person I am today.

What was your childhood / teenage dream ? What did you wanna to become ?
As a child I loved to sing and wanted to be a pop star! I also always wanted to model but thought that with my height (I found out young that I wouldn't be taller than 5'3" when they did an x-ray of my left hand to check bone development for dental work and they got it right lol) that it wouldn't be possible, but here I am doing something I never thought I would get to.

Any idols during the teenage period ?
Christina Aguilera and Linkin Park got me through my teenage days!

4. When did you start with modeling ?
I think I started around when I was 19/20 years old, it took me some time to get the confidence to go for it.

Can you recall the feeling during the first nude photo session ?

It is still a taboo for some reason. I was nervous for sure before my first nude shoot, thankfully I was working with a great photographer that made me feel comfortable. I was nervous more about how the pictures would turn out, would my skin bends and flaws be showing kept running through my head, than I was about being naked in front of the camera. After the first few shots were taken the photographer stopped and showed me how the shots were looking and I was honestly happy with them and my body so I let those nerves go. Shooting nudes have helped me so much with my body confidence.

First tattoo. What was the feeling ?
My first tattoo I think I was 20 and it was "Moo" on my left wrist, it's a nickname I've had since before I could read. It was over pretty quickly but I remember it feeling just slightly uncomfortable.

How many tats do you have now ? Tell us their meaning.
I currently have 25 tattoos and the number is going down which I love because it means I have more completed pieces! I started off thinking that all my tattoos needed to have meanings, and some of them for sure have deeper meanings than others, but once I realized that I was getting things I loved or admired was more than a good enough reason to get them. Some had meanings that are no longer relevant in my life and others I just liked the way they looked.

You are into implied nude /nude art photos too. Can you explain to our reader's nude art from your point of view.
Nude art is different to all people I think. Some see it as pornography and nothing else while I see it as a way of expressing my true self and accepting and loving the body I have. To me, it's showing the human body in its purest form, to show someone's energy and light by posing their naked body in a way to express emotions in a nonverbal way.

What kind of lingerie / implied nude/nude art photos do you prefer to do ?
I'm always on the lookout for interesting and unique concepts. I recently got an opportunity to work with a lingerie/swimsuit company out of Scarborough and the experience was amazing, I loved collaborating with the designer and photographer and other models, it was a lot of fun. Next year I'm hoping to be involved in more group shots that are body positive themes, showing acceptance and love for all shapes and sizes.

What would be your advice to young girls who would like to start modeling career ? Also, what would be your advice to them that nudity is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a form of Art.
Honestly, my advice is to go for it but be smart! I've been modeling for quite a few years and have been lucky so far to have mostly good experiences under my belt but I wish when I was starting out I would have reached out to a more experienced model to get more tips on how to have fun safe shoots. I always recommend bringing someone you trust along with you when first working with a new photographer if they are professional they won't mind the extra body at all for your comfort. You also can always say no to any concept or anything that you don't feel comfortable with if you're uncomfortable it will come through in the photos.

What kind of art, in general, do you like ?
I really enjoy many styles of art, I don't know if I'm drawn more to a particular style over another, I like performance art or styles that spark an emotion or more Gothic style pieces.

Any hobbies ?
My hobbies include dancing around the house in my underwear when no one is home, I grew up as a dancer/gymnast so whenever I get some me a time I bust out some moves. Also, I enjoy reading a lot and going out for long walks. I've just recently picked up supplies to start making ring trays, I like to have one crafty hobby on the go before I used to make hair clips and head bands for little kids.

Plans for the rest of 2017 ?
I've got myself booked up with some publication shoots and will also be modeling for a hair and makeup artist show in December before my birthday.