We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Devin Norman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Devin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Hello! Thank you for inviting me to be apart of your interview. My name is Devin Florida native, Georgia transplant. I’ve lived in the suburbs for 3.5 years now and I absolutely love it. I’m an aspiring model , with quite a few projects under my belt. I have done some wonderful shoots, with even more wonderful photographers. My goals and dreams would be that of using my platform to push tattoo modeling into the next level of professionalism. I want to show that tattoo models are meant for more than just typical lingerie, bikini, and boudoir. I want more representation for tattoo models in the modeling industry. Print, editorial, commercial, runway, I believe tattoo models are exceptionally at providing a different facet to the modeling industry.

Devin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into the industry by just doing a boudoir session with a photographer. I had always wanted to model and did some fun stuff for my parents back in the day, pretending to model.

I would have to reiterate what sets me apart from most is the want to expand the diversity of modeling. We have acceptance now for body positivity, plus size, races, ethnicities, all people are welcomed into the modeling industry, except for tattoo models. You don’t see many tattoo models on Old Navy, Victoria Secret, or Gucci ads. No tattoo models on heartburn medication commercials. I would love to change that.

I feel very passionate about this movement and am excited for what the future holds.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I have been told quite early on how difficult if not impossible it would be to be signed by a modeling agency. Well your typical modeling agency. I’ve been told it’s best to hide or cover my tattoos to get signed or get hired for jobs. I say to hell with that, I’m just as capable showing off a brand than the next un-inked skin. My skills and experience can deliver the results that photographers are looking for.

I haven’t given up. I have only pushed farther and worked harder to make this dream happen of more acceptance and diversity.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the feedback from viewers. When people message me and say “thank you for sharing your story” or “wow this is really tasteful and artistic” it really makes it feel like it’s worth it!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @msdevinnikole
• Facebook: Devin Nikole
• Other: My clothing website! Especially designed for Yall’ternative people! www.skullsnspurs.com

Image Credits
Photographer: Ty C Instagram: @trcimages