Ellie Caswell

For the time being, I have a very limited amount of time for modeling, so I'm only agreeing to projects that capture my imagination, with artists whose work I find remarkable.

I am modeling primarily as an outlet for artistic, personal, and political exploration. Prior to arranging a shoot, it would be important for me to discuss the concept and vision behind the project. Your work must stimulate me creatively or intellectually, beyond it simply being a well lit or composed photograph of a pretty woman. I don't have any desire to simply be an artistic medium for a photographer- I would like all projects to be an artistic partnership. That said, I'm also a very poor grad student. I'm willing to work on your project for the right compensation and under very specific requirements. Don't be afraid to ask if you are interested in working with me, just know that if I'm not, it's probably not a reflection on my opinion of your work.

Strengths and/or Limitations: I am not particularly interested in being a pretty face. I don't want you to like my "look." I want to make art. I love my body, even with all of it's imperfections. I have stretch marks and scars and fat ankles and a pot belly and cellulite and some weird/huge tattoos and I bruise easily. I have a unique figure that is about as far from a straight size as you can get, I am short and dramatically pear shaped. I absolutely love these "flaws" and believe that they make me who I am: a beautiful human being, inside and out.

I model because it's empowering, to love my body and proudly show it off, not because I want to fit into a standard of beauty. As feminine as I may look, turning gender norms upside down makes me swoon. Although I tend to make everything political, I have a pretty goofy sense of humor about it.

Other Skills and Info: Because I model as a hobby, I am afforded the luxury of being very picky about who I work with and what I do. I am a married graduate student and most of my free time for modeling will be spent working with a particular photographer, who happens to be my artistic and mischief making co-conspirator, mentor, and student.

Theatre Background: Acting, modern dance, wig design, special effects makeup, some costume design.

Cosmetology Background: A couple of careers ago, I was a licensed cosmetologist. Although I no longer work in the beauty industry, I'm pretty decent at what I do and still style hair for events such as weddings and parties.
-Experience with hair styling, street and fashion makeup, and nails.
-I specialize in pinup and vintage makeup, hair, and fashion.

Education: My undergraduate research focused on beauty: non-visual effects on perceptions of attractiveness, objectification, self-image, body esteem, gender politics, and self-objectification. I completed 1500 hours at an Aveda Institute for cosmetology licensure. My graduate research focus has nothing to do with beauty whatsoever but I'm very passionate about what I do...