Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Flowers.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Modeling at 30 and beyond:
30 isn’t old. It never has been and never will be. Shit, 40 isn’t old. But how is it that once you age to the “ripe” old age of 30, POOF! Where are the jobs? Even TFP shoots seem to come less and less. Maybe it’s because we have more “real” jobs and have less time to dedicate. Maybe it’s because there’s a new fad. A new trend. A new hot look. For me personally, after being a model for over 15 years, that at least seems to be the case.
I remember being booked and busy EVERY weekend. Runway, beauty, high fashion.. being a Leo of course this high energy high fashion spotlight not only fed my creative drive, but also my not so secret childhood dream of becoming famous. I never did anything “huge” but I had billboards in China, ads in target, and a forever video art visual in a museum in my portfolio amongst countless shoots and shows. It wasn’t a quick fallout, more like a steady leak in your pipes. At first you don’t really notice it, then fast forward over the course of 5 years, boom! You’re 30 and can’t remember the last time you stepped foot on a runway.
This comes (once again for me personally) as both a relief, and a disappointment.
I love having more free time to spend doing other things I care about. I love going on adventures with my friends and not having to worry about if I can eat cheese or not that day because of a photoshoot. I love the feeling of wearing comfortable shoes all day instead of my foot being forced in heels two sizes too small for hours on end. I love being able to touch my face and not worry about smearing makeup. I love being able to start new hobbies and try new things because my weekends actually become “me” time. I love having stability at work and excelling at my forever career.
However, I miss it all as well too. I miss jumping on a cheap shitty flight to a location for less than 24 hours to shoot a look-book. I miss waking up at 5am to have hair and makeup done for 1 of 5 looks of the day. I miss meeting new eccentric people that inspire me. I miss creating beautiful things with beautiful people and seeing myself in new ways.
It’s no secret that The Industry is incredibly toxic. Some would argue it’s gotten better. I think it’s remained the same or gotten worse, just rebranded with more inclusive packaging. It’s nice to not be body shamed on a daily basis. It’s nice to not worry about if I gain a few pounds over the holidays, or be able to get whatever tattoo I want whenever I want. It’s nice to not constantly wonder if that girl is being nice to me because she actually is my friend, or if she just wants to climb a social ladder.
I say all this like I’m in retirement. Not at all. I just did a beautiful shoot with a dear friend and have a few more things in the works. But now it’s on my terms and usually am the one to arrange things. After 15 years of experience, I know exactly what I want. I know my brand. I know my audience . I know my image and understand my body and have strong boundaries.
I do daydream about what it would have been like to have “made it” as a model (but truly, what does that even mean?!) but everyday I am practicing mindfulness and am so happy with how my life is turning out.
There is SO much life to live after 30. Don’t let this world steal your youth and fill your head with pathetic lies Getting older is a beautiful privilege.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. There’s so many barriers and hoops that we as women have to overcome in the modeling industry. From sexism, harassment, beauty standards, fake friends, social climbers.. etc. it seems people don’t like it when you’re tall, pretty, smart, and sure of yourself. They are gonna try to steal that from you. Once they have it and drain you, it’s on to the next fad or trend. You’ll never be good enough in the eyes of the beauty industry.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a fashion model! In the real world, I’m a full time preschool teacher. I’ve been doing this work for a very long time. I’m known for my moody looks if I had to say I was “known” for anything. I think I stand out because of my experience, professionalism, and I have my brand very figured out. After doing this for over 15 years, I know my boundaries and know exactly what kind of art I’m looking to create
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was always a very curious friendly child. Not super outgoing, but always wanting attention. I loved (and still very much do) being outside exploring, learning new things about animals, history, and the paranormal. I was always that little girl walking around bare foot catching lizards, bugs, and all sorts of critters on my families 40 acre plot of land in the woods.
Pricing:
- If you want to hire me for a photoshoot, my rates are negotiable. However I always need full payment that covers gas/ travel expenses if need be
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/lazy.gothgf
Image Credits
@everything_kills2
@shopluckydrivephotos
@mark_j_chua
@damienmaloney
@ccccccarlossssss
@pjlee.co
