Athenais Designs

Thank you for all the lovely compliments, tags, photo comments, listings, etc. I do read them ALL. I’m quite the voyeur that way. ::blushes::

About me:
I'm a gothic designer. I make couture evening gowns, halloween costumes, wedding and bridesmaids' dresses, and other assortments of girly confections. Also, I'm a nerd in a really big way.

For Photographers:

A. If you approach me for TFCD, I will check your links, references and background. I can’t help that. I will also judge your portfolio and your friends list.
B. If you approach me for TFCD, I expect some kind of clear concept, as well as contact information such as full name, phone number and email address. Not because I’m gonna run a CORI check on you, but just because I friggin’ hate how many emails I get from photogs who have no idea what they want out of me and then I have to wait for them to reply back weeks later.
C. If I approach you for TFCD, then I will do the same.

There are rules and codes of conduct.

Male or female, if we are working together on a shoot (paid or not) and you sexually harass me or my models in any way, shape, or form, I will pack up immediately and leave you hanging.
It’s a cruel world for a model, don’t add to it. There is a very broad line between asking a model to pose a certain way or assisting them in making that pose and sexually harassing them. Learn it.

I will no longer accept any TFCD work without a contractual agreement/release.

You must understand that I am a professional. If I make the clothes, then I want the model to be in top form, the makeup to match, the accessories to flow with the concept, and the setting to have some sort of meaning. I do not just take mindless photos of chicks in my clothes. I have two $45 crappy digital cameras. I could have made 1,000 lame photos by now. I want to make ART.

I’m also not a jerk. I’ve learned over the years when to ebb and when to flow. I will expect you to tell me what you want if you are approaching me. If you don’t know, I would then bring up a project that I’ve been dying to work on.  On set and off, I will respect your creative flow. On set, you are the master of the show and I will only watch and give opinions/assist with posing if asked.

For Models:

I am no longer actively looking for models. I have a waiting list that has now reached 75 people. It will take me 3 years to sift through that many people just working on my own.

A. I expect the same level of professionalism that I demand of photogs. That means be polite, on time for fittings and shoots, no crazy diets, take care of yourself in a healthy way. That also means that I need you to tell me if anything makes you uncomfortable.
You can tell from my clothes and port that I do not enjoy making women look like whores but that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy a divinely sexy pose every now and again. Please don’t email me a list of body parts that you hate to show. It rankles. And if you don’t understand why it’s annoying, think about it.
B. If I suspect that you are a cutter, on drugs, drunk, or just plain crazy, we will never work together. I’ll probably try to get you in therapy, cuz I’m kind of a mom that way.
C. For God’s sake, if I’ve just taken your measurements and you decide you are now too fat and go on a diet, crazy or not, I will be very irritated. My work is couture, mostly handsewn and fitted. If you lose even 2 pounds you could potentially ruin 30 hours worth of work. I will not be a happy designer.

I hope you enjoy my work!