Always wanted to write for a magazine...

With a name like Miss Offensive you’d be forgiven for thinking my next guest could be somewhat harsh or brash, possibly even austere. Far from it though. I was lucky enough recently to ask this wonderfully talented alternative model some questions, and found Miss Offensive to be nothing less than a delight. A positive and enthusiastic woman, with a professional attitude and passion for everything she does. She’s opinionated for sure, and is blessed with the courage of her convictions. Both traits to be admired in her industry. She has an attitude and value set that i was enchanted by, and think a lot of people could learn from her example. Beyond all this though is here marvellous skill in front of a camera. Miss Offensive possesses the ability to produce truly divine work, and her portfolio bursts with quality shot after quality shot. I’m so happy i got to interview her, and it gives me great pleasure to share the resulting article with all of you.

Hello Miss Offensive. That’s a terrific moniker by the way. Did it
just come to you?

Actually some of my pictures online were being
reported and deemed “offensive” so my boyfriend at the time started
calling me Stephanie Offensive and then Miss Offensive and it just
took off from there!

What could possibly be offensive about you?
I’m blunt, honest and up front. I don’t care what people think of
me or if I offend them. This is me, if they don’t like it they can fuck
off.
Welcome to the interview, let me tell you it’s a real pleasure to have
you along as a guest on my blog. I’ve been getting very acquainted
with your previous work of late in preparation, and
there are simply stunning examples of modelling prowess on show.
You’ve obviously gained masses of experience over the years, but what
are your memories of your first ever shoot? Where did it all begin for
Miss Offensive?
I’m also a photographer and after chatting with a fellow
photographer a few years ago, he suggested I get in front of the
camera for him and see what happens. That was the start!
Was modelling something you aspired towards as a youngster, or was it
photography that first drew you into the world of visual expression?
Definitely photography. I never had dreams of being a model, and I
still don’t aspire to be a famous one. I’m 30 yrs old! Too old for
model stardom but that’s ok, I’m enjoying the publications, attention
and travel now though!
From reading about you, it’s clear you are very much your own person,
opinionated and single-minded in pursuit of the right creative output,
and the right form of expression. Where does this intoxicating and
refreshing attitude come from?
I had a broken family very young so I had to grow up fast and
learned not to take any shit from anyone. I have strong beliefs and
opinions and voice them without fear of debate or argument. I am me
and most people can’t handle that but I honestly don’t care.
I get the impression that the industry certainly doesn’t dictate to
you what so ever. What are your thoughts on the business you’re so
involved in? What don’t outsiders realise about the job of model?
This industry is filled with jealousy and ridiculous drama and
that’s the sad truth! You have to be strong with who you are and stand
your ground to make it anywhere.
Looking through your pictures is not only a joy, but a real voyage of
discovery. Each image tells a vastly different story and a whole raft
of moods and stories are conveyed in your expressions, positions and
overall demeanour. Have you had fun creating such a varied body of
work, and how does one learn such a craft?
Yes, I love each shoot I do and collaborating with such wonderfully
talented minds. It’s always a trip to see what we can come up with
next!!

What is it like on the set of a Miss Offensive shoot? What kind of
worker are you? Do you like a lot of improvisation, or more direction
and coaxing from a photographer?

I make the team laugh. I’m fun and there’s a lot of foul language
coming from my mouth. Once I’m in front of the camera though, it’s all
business baby. I get the job done. I prefer to improvise. I don’t feel
I need a lot of direction unless I’m making a total goober face, then
yes, I would hope the photographer would tell me!
Style is something you’re no slave to. You have shown you can work
with any concept that comes along. Do you have a favourite though? I
loved your Stacy Wescoe pin up series, would that be
something you’d like to revisit?

I love the alt style, pinup is a def fav!!! I tend to lean towards
the dark, edgy stuff though. That’s more me.
Could we talk about your impressive array of tattoos? What first
attracted you to the art of tattooing? What is it about them that
appeals to you so much?
Yes! I have about 26 tattoos. My mum took me when I was 17 to get
my first. It’s a ridiculously cliché little rose on my thigh but it’s
a great memory. I was addicted after that first needle pinch.
Could you tell us about the pieces you have, and the decisions behind
getting them (if you feel you can share such details that is)? Also,
where do you get most of your work done?
My back is almost completely covered. Two of the pieces are cover
ups. I had a dumb little flower in the middle of my lower back that is
now covered up by a rockin’ chick and two large roses. I had a tribal
across my upper back (gift from my ex- husband) which is now covered
up by a large raven with a banner and some special words inside. I
have a memorial piece on my thigh for my Grandfather. My right arm is
almost completely sleeved, it’s more traditional with a pinup, old
land camera, a quote, roses, spider web, diamonds, film, “Miss O”,
brass knuckles with my dogs name inside and some other odds and ends.
I also have wrist pieces, a calf piece and a tattoo on my middle
finger and the top of my left hand.
I have art from 6 different tattoo artists on my body. Currently I
have been working with Brian Holton from The Drawing Room and Frank
Sandoval of Total Commitment.
As well as modelling, you also have some experience behind the camera.
I always find that women who have stepped behind the camera are in a
terrific position when it comes to booking shoots as models. Do you
find your previous photography work has helped you as a model, as well
as a negotiator, with regard to photo shoots?
Yes, it has helped actually. Some photographers love that I can
talk “shop” with them and actually know what they are doing with
lighting and settings.
What do you most like to take photographs of? Do you think there is a
future for you behind the camera? Or will modelling always take centre
stage in your working life?
I enjoy photographing models and pets actually! I’m 30 years old so
my life in front of the camera is limited, which is ok. I belong
behind it and always will have that in my life.

Another passion of yours, and something that came up a lot during my
research for this interview was your love of shoes. It seems you are
pretty smitten with shoes in your personal life as well your
professional life. You’ve done sets in some killer heels, and some
very weird and wonderful footwear. Tell us about your love affair with
shoes. How many pairs do you own Miss O?
Oh geezus, shoes. I fucking love shoes!!! I mean what girl
doesn’t, right? But my love affair with them is ridiculous. I’d rather
spend money on shoes than food sometimes. I have over 100 pairs.
May I ask what projects you’ll be working on in the near future?
I’m going to be in an upcoming issue of Tattoo Envy and I’m working
on something BIG but I can’t say what yet!!!
Are there any artists, photographers, models out there that you’d love
to work with sometime?
I would love to work with Pirate Photography, Dastardly Dave, Brit
Woollard, Shurie and Danger Ninja to name a few…there are so many
talented photographers, my list is huge!
Can we please end with Bernard Pivot’s well known set of questions?
 
What is your favourite word? FUCK
What is your least favourite word? Swag<—-most stupid word ever
What turns you on? Sense of humour, good teeth, lips
What turns you off? Controlling personality, overly cocky, bad teeth
What sound or noise do you love? My great dane’s grunts, groans and heavy sighs
What sound or noise do you hate? Open mouth chewing
What is your favourite curse word? FUCK

I have to thank Miss O again for all her hard work and effort during the creation of this piece. I really enjoyed talking with her, and was so grateful that she allowed me to select images to illustrate this piece. I could have chosen many many more, but I am very proud of the article as a whole, and hope who ever reads it will enjoy themselves.

Catch up with Miss Offensive’s goings on via her tumblr:

http://missoffensive.tumblr.com

All the images used here were done so with Miss Offensive’s consent.