We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Madison May. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Madison below.
Madison, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?
When I first started modeling, I had no idea what it meant to be “successful.” I think that’s something I’ve had to define for myself throughout my career as every model’s motivation for stepping in front of a camera is different. I believe pure passion is the key to being successful. In an industry that demands an equal balance of skill and creativity, you cannot reach new levels of growth if you are not passionate about what you are creating. When I’m really excited about a project – it shows in the photos.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Becoming a creative model was like discovering the world of Narnia at the back of the wardrobe… It wasn’t something I ever thought I would pursue, but it has turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences at this point in my life. It started when I became obsessed with a reality competition show called “Skin Wars”. The tv series featured artists from around the world who would paint intricate art pieces and designs onto the bodies of live models. I was completely captivated by the concept of bodypaint, and I found myself idolizing the models on tv who got to become a piece of interactive art.
In October of 2021, I had followed a local bodypaint artist on Facebook by the name of Tim Weiss. Tim made a post about needing a last minute model for a bodypaint demonstration he was doing for a Halloween event. Without thinking twice, I jumped at the opportunity. To my surprise, Tim responded to my message and despite my lack of modeling experience, he made arrangements to meet me at the venue later that evening. I had no idea what to expect, but I had binge-watched enough seasons of Skin Wars, I thought to myself “How hard can it be? Just remember to hold still!” When I arrived, I found Tim setting up his paint supplies on a table near the back of the bar. We exchanged hellos, and he showed me the inspiration behind his bodypaint design; a waist-up Jack Skellington and Sally Stitches design from Tim Burton’s, ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.’ The bar was packed full of patrons who were enjoying the live music and eagerly waiting for the Halloween fashion show to start. As Tim started layering the paint onto my skin, a few heads began to turn, and a couple of curious onlookers wandered over to our table to take a closer look. One of the individuals who approached us was a photographer by the name of Jeff Klamut. He explained he was there photographing some of the bands, and asked if he could take a few pictures of the finished bodypaint. Of course, we said yes! I expected to feel clammy and awkward in front of the camera, but I think I was so full of excitement and awe, there wasn’t room left for the nerves. Something that felt so unreachable was happening right before my eyes, a literal dream come true. Little did I know, creating this meaningful connection between Tim, Jeff and I would throw my life into a completely new and exciting direction.
In the following months, the three of us continued working together on various bodypaint concepts and photography projects. I started sharing our work on my Instagram and other social media platforms, where I was able to connect and network with other models and photographers in the Denver area. I knew there was potential for me in such a creative industry, but it was unclear to me just where I “fit in.” I had a lot to learn, but I had no idea where to start, and I found myself asking questions like “What skills and qualities make a ‘good’ model?” and “Will photographers still want to work with me even if I’m not signed by an agency?” But most of the questions I had forced me to think more about my purpose and my “why” behind wanting to model, such as “What motivates you creatively?” and “What do you hope to take away from each photoshoot experience?” I decided the only way to find the answers to my questions and become a better model was to take advantage of every opportunity that presented itself to me. I started modeling a variety of genres ranging from fashion and cosplay to boudoir and fine art. A lot of the photographers I collaborated with gave me the creative freedom to experiment and try new things during our photoshoot sessions. I received a lot of constructive feedback which helped me improve my photoshoot performance and become more comfortable in front of the camera.
I found I excelled the most as a model during conceptual photoshoots where I was able to creatively play with my facial expressions and physical body language. I have a strong background in stage performance and theater, and I come to life on set when I am able to become someone or something other than myself. I’m a natural born storyteller and I want my art to evoke some kind of feeling or emotion. This was a huge breakthrough for me because it helped me understand more about my purpose and my motivation for modeling; it gave me clarity about what kinds of opportunities I wanted to pursue and what and milestones I wanted to work for. At this point, my portfolio had grown extensively, but there was still one question I didn’t know how to answer: “What type of model are you?” This brought me to the realization that I didn’t have to be one thing or another… I could be anything I wanted to be – so I became a Shapeshifter. A “shapeshifter” is a being who has the ability to change their physical form or identity at will. I really resonate with the word “Shapeshifter” because I think it describes the diversity and variety that you’ll find within my work. My goal as an evolving creative is to bring a new level of imagination and something uniquely different to every photoshoot.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
From what I’ve been able to observe over the last few years, the creative community here in Denver is closely connected to each other. Most models, photographers, designers, and HMUAs cross paths with one another through photoshoots, workshops or meetups, and the community has been working together to creative a safer and more inclusive space for all creatives. With this in mind, its important for independent and freelance models to maintain some sort of professional demeanor. In such a close community, word can travel fast, so its up to you to decide how you want others in your industry to perceive you.
Although I can’t be accessible 100% of the time, I try to keep an open line of communication with the photographers I am scheduled to work with, whether we are discussing outfits for a photoshoot or the logistics of a location. Unless there is an emergency or something that is preventing me from being able to perform to my full potential, the photographers I work with know they can rely on me to show up on the day and time of our shoot. Keeping a positive and professional attitude throughout the photoshoot and being open to new ideas makes it fun for both the photographer and myself. And when I’m ready to share the incredible work that was created, I ALWAYS give credit where it is due; tagging your photographers, fellow models, designers and HMUAs on social media is key to building a strong and reliable reputation. If there is shared effort, everyone involved deserves credit and exposure for their creative contributions and ideas.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
When I first started modeling, there were friends, family members, and acquaintances that expressed their extreme distaste towards the type of work I was creating. I tried to explain how modeling has helped me see the potential I have as an artist and actress. As someone who struggled for many years to feel comfortable and confident in my own skin and body, modeling has helped me see myself in a completely different way. I think a lot of people have this misconception that models are self centered and obsessed with looking “pretty” and “perfect” all the time. But the truth is, modeling forces you to accept and love everything that ISN’T perfect about yourself. Modeling is so much more than smiling in front of a camera. For me, personally, it’s about creating something meaningful that I hope will inspire others. And as long as what I’m creating is fueled by passion, focus, and drive – I don’t need to explain myself or my motivation for doing so to anyone.
“It’s a waste of time to tell trailblazers, dreamers and creatives that they’re going the wrong way. We know. That’s the point. We don’t want to go where the current path leads.” – Quote by Dr. Thema
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/_madi_in_motion_
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_madi_in_motion_
Image Credits
Bodypaint Images (Featured Image + Additional Images 1-3)
Photographer: Jeff Klamut
Bodypaint Artist: Tim Weiss
Creative Assistance Provided By Heather Nordland
Harley Quinn / Joker Cosplay Image (Image 4)
Photographer: Kyle Coleman
Dark Contortionist Image (Image 5)
Photographer: Joshua M
High Fashion Image (Image 6)
Photographer: Jeff Goldberg
Makeup By Tami Maslanka
Hair Styled By Violet Perrey
Italian Carnival Image (Image 7)
Photographer: Jeff Goldberg
High Fashion Image (Image 8)
Photographer: Erik Cooper