Always wanted to write for a magazine...

Q: I really admire you for helping other models make their way in the business. There are many pitfalls out there for young women who aren’t quite sure what to expect. Do you have any further advice for those who are considering pursuing a career as a Pin Up model, or model in general?

R: My top two pieces of advice are, be careful and have a thick skin. There will always be people out there who will try to take advantage of you, learn to spot them and walk the other way. Of course, in a career where looks are everything, you have to know that not everyone is going to like yours. Learn to handle the bad parts gracefully and appreciate every good thing that happens.

Q: You yourself are a tattooed lady, with some wonderful pieces adorning your body (your Decepticon symbol is so cool!). I was wondering if you could give us a brief history of your artwork, what inspired your choices, and what you think of the art form.

R: Like most people, each of my tattoos has a story. People ask if I think I’ll regret them later in life and I always say no. Every one is or was a part of my life, and I love them all. My shoulder started out as just the kanji for “poison” and I decided to add the spider web and spiders later because they seemed to fit the theme. My other shoulder says “tease” in a language a friend of mine made up years ago and my Decepticon symbol shows my nerdy side. All three of these together tell a lot about my personality; my evil, villain side. My bicep is all about the Rockabilly scene and my favourite things in it. The seams on my legs are my “necessity” tattoos; I hate wearing pantyhose and stockings (I know, I know, bad Pin Up!). The hatchet man on my thigh shows that I’m a Juggalette; I’ve been “Down with the Clown” since 1996 and I’m proud to be a Juggalo. My cupcakes are fun and pretty, and show that I can be sugar or spice. My forearm piece represents me as a whole; the Louis Vuitton symbol, diamond, Hello Kitty, lily and skull cherries are me in a nutshell. I plan to add more to the one’s I have and get new ones added in the future. I think it’s a wonderful art form that really let’s a person express who they are.

Q: As well as your Pin up world, you of course work in many different genres of modelling, and indulge in various vastly differing shoots. What have been some of your favourite styles to work within, and are there any concepts you’d love to explore in front of the camera?

R: Pin Up will always be my favourite, but I love Alt as well. There are a few styles I haven’t done that I really want to, like Cyber and Steampunk. I find inspiration everywhere, and am always coming up with new ideas and new concepts to explore. I do believe in having the right photographer to match the style, so there are quite a few ideas that are sitting on the back burner until I find the perfect match.

Q: What are you like on a set and while you’re being photographed Roxy? Do you like much direction, or are you most at home when you have chance to collaborate with a photographer and explore your own instincts?

R: I like to talk with the photographer before hand and really get an idea of what we both want. Sometimes I have an idea that I really want to go with, and sometimes I love what the photographer has in mind. I do like direction, because I believe that no matter how good you are, you can always learn to be better, and I trust the photographers I work with to make me look my best. I have no idea what they see through their lens, so I leave it to them to guide me. Most importantly, I like to have fun. Music, laughing, dancing, joking; if I’m having a good time, it was a successful shoot.

Q: Modelling will forever be a fascinating field for me. What do you think about the work you do? How does it feel to have your picture taken so often, and act as muse to many different artists?

R: I love having my picture taken. I feel so blessed that there are people who want to take my photo, and people who like looking at them. As for being a muse, I think that that is the highest compliment a person can get, and I am humbled every time I hear my name and muse in the same sentence. This is an amazing way to make a living, and I am eternally grateful for every moment I get to do it.

Q: What projects are you working on at the moment Roxy? Where might we be able to see you next?

R: Right now my main project is my website, www.roxy-tart.com. But I am also very active in helping www.pinuplifestyle.com and www.altcollective.com to grow. In the future I hope to start planning my road show, and achieve world domination through glamour!

Q: Could we please finish with Bernard Pivot’s famous questionnaire?

What is your favourite word? Glamour

What is your least favourite word? No

What turns you on? Pretty sparkly things

What turns you off? Nasty attitudes and ugly people

What sound or noise do you love? My son’s voice. The doctor’s told me he would never talk, and he proved them wrong. Everything he says is wonderful!

What sound or noise do you hate? The sounds of a mess being made (legos down the stairs, dominos falling on the floor)

What is your favourite curse word? Bitch

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Socialite

What profession would you not like to do? Anything dirty

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? “You look fabulous!!”

 

I was so thrilled when I began work on this interview a few months ago. It’s taken a while with busy schedules to get it finished and posted, but for me it was totally worth the work and effort. Roxy provided truly wonderful answers, and it made for a thoroughly entertaining piece. I really hope I’ve introduced this fantastic female to a new audience, and if there’s anything you want to know about Pin Up, Roxy is your girl.

 

Roxy links:

www.roxy-tart.com

www.pinuplifestyle.com

www.altcollective.com

 

All images used in this piece were provided by Roxy.