We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Miss Britney Rae a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Miss Britney, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

It’s something I’ve intuitively felt my whole life. It wasn’t until I grew older that I realized a lot of people don’t have that sense of purpose or an understanding of it. When I was a little kid, I knew I wanted to create in whatever medium spoke to me – perhaps multiple. There was an authentic, inner belief in myself, that everything would work out for me. Confidently following my own sense of direction, despite what others might think, is how I can achieve great things in the world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Britney Rae, also known as Miss Britney Rae, is an internationally published alternative model, self-portrait artist, photographer, and digital retoucher, born in San Diego, California, and currently based in Los Olivos, California. I have been inspirited by the arts from an early age, so as I grew into my early twenties, I had a lot of unrealized ideas that alternative portraiture allowed me to transcend these visions further. Each creation holds a space for me for process my most complex and difficult emotions. By objectifying my ‘dark side’ in a photograph, I can then separate who I am as a whole from what I dislike and open up a space for catharsis or renewal. Self-portraiture (and modelling) has been one of the most liberating experiences of my life. I’ve been shooting as a coping method to my PTSD brought upon by many years of trauma. As I have carried this for most of my life, I’ve chosen to photographically depict this battle and its constant presence. Every photo I collaborate on is a conscious choice to heal and every moment dedicated to my healing sets me free. It is my way of regaining a sense of empowerment and self-love. I have (since 2016) expanded to shooting others in similar genres in hopes of bringing them the same joy and liberation I feel behind the lens. I am, among many others, trying to make a name for themselves whilst aspiring to break barriers and bring confidence to others along this journey. The things I’ve taken away from alternative/pinup/erotic imagery and texts, I incorporate in my personal relationships and daily life. Like any good composition, all the components must flow and work together. My creations are an extension of the self, and the result being my own path unfolding.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I think about various ways to connect with a sense of joy and wonder. It’s crucial to be curious when faced with obstacles in life, tangible and intangible (like social constructs) and of course, with play (creating). I’m naturally self-sufficient, and at times I don’t feel comfortable showing my gifts and talents. But there’s something sacred about inhabiting your true self in a way that others can see – it can inspire them to live in their own authentic truths.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

There is no template that will forever lead you into sustaining inner stability if you’re only fixated on the external validation. You’re going to mess up. You’re going to stutter or misspeak sometimes. Do it anyway. We’re all carrying wounds with us every day into the world. Start talking about them and initiating those conversations. We can’t heal from things we do not first acknowledge. Furthermore, you don’t have to do any of this alone. There are terrible ideologies and systems in place designed to uphold individualism and downplay the power in community. It’s important to surround yourself with a community that supports you. There is transformation within that work because without communal efforts, how can we expect to change anything? There is power in your voice. The world needs it. Know this. Use it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @missbritneyrae
• Facebook: @missbritneyrae
• Twitter: @Miss_BritneyRae
• Other: You can also find me on VERO, HIVE, TikTok, and Lips.Social! All under the same handle @missbritneyrae

Image Credits
Model in all images is Miss Britney Rae. Image retouching on all images by Miss Britney Rae. Photographers: Miss Britney Rae, Sean Griffin Creations, Joe Welkie, Saint Sinner Photos, and Jim Fisher Photos.