Model Spotlight: Hexabelle

Starting out in Sheffield only a few years ago, Hexabelle has quickly become one of the most talented and versatile models on the UK alternative scene. Her range of work captures a variety of emotions and styles that cater for both alternative and mainstream tastes. Hex talks to us about her career thus far and what she wants from her future in the industry..

S] How did you get started – what moment triggered your love for modelling?

H] I began modelling in summer 2006 and it was something I had been thinking of for some time. I used to paint and draw frequently, it was a major hobby and aspiration at one point, but as this died during college, I discovered another creative outlet. I have always admired artists from the art nouveau period and also darker art; therefore I thought I could create art in another media. So I booked my first shoot and developed my portfolio from there.

S] Do you have a particular style that you try to adhere to?

H] To be honest, no, I don’t. Whilst I may have an artistic background and lead a gothic lifestyle, I also like to create other forms of imagery which may not be alternative at all. I would like to try and keep my portfolio as diverse as possible in the hope that onlookers feel I am versatile.

S] What advice do you have for other models within the North, is it hard to find work?

H] Be organised, make things happen and let quality over-rule quantity. I feel it is not the amount of work but the quality. It can be difficult to find paid work, yes, especially when there are few alternative agencies in the UK which can find it. Also, if like me, you don’t have the needed height for fashion or participate in nude shoots, then it can be difficult to find paid work. However, TFCD/P [free print/CD work for a portfolio] can be easy to find…

S] Where do you see yourself in the future ideally?

H] As a model I would like to get more of my work featured in magazines, catalogues and album art for bands. However, it is all very unpredictable so all I can say is I will continue to pursue my goals and keep shooting artistic work, ideally more work abroad too.

S] What has been your biggest modelling challenge to date?

H] Perhaps not defined as a challenge exactly, but this year I got to work in Switzerland with Annie Bertram whose work I have admired for a very long time. So I guess I felt I had to live up to her amazing standards as she is so renowned for her art.

S] What has been your best moment so far as a model?

H] There are so many, I think I can only summarise by saying it has been great to get recognition and my work used (such as in exhibitions) whilst meeting some amazing, beautifully creative people.

S] Are your family and work colleagues supportive of your career, have they ever helped you actively?

H] My family always support me as I do them; my colleagues do also to an extent….. However, I have not been helped actively as such, although I like to live and learn independently.

S] Can you tell us about your links abroad in Europe and how those came about?

H] Like many situations I think it is a matter of being in the right place at the right time. For example, I planned a trip to Oslo because I had wanted to visit Norway for so long! I then networked with some Norwegians and discovered that two photographers were looking for a model; one, Anette Schive for an ongoing project on mystical creatures, the other; Julie Loen for an exhibition at Oslo’s Science Fiction Fest. This was the same with Andrea Y. Pelzer who I was first in contact with in 2005 since I travel to Switzerland every year. It’s all about networking and getting out there and doing things for yourself…

S] You are particularly creative as a model, what kinds of themes inspire you personally?

H] I find inspiration in artistic themes, be it dark or light. Ideas also come to me through the music I listen to, films, literature, nature, places I go and the people I meet… Overall, unusual themes with a bit of an edge and originality inspire me personally.

S] It’s very stressful and takes time to become a success, you obviously have to work very hard, what makes it all worth while for you?

H] That’s true, I find it worth while because I get to have fun and collaborate with different people, whilst being creative. I guess another thing which is rewarding is the recognition.

Image by Elizabeth Chiyoko