Notorious Model and Performer Angela Ryan graces the very first Best Of Pin Curl print edition, and sits down with editor Shoshana to discuss fashion, kindergarten, modeling mistakes, and a world without MySpace. Angela Ryan will be signing copies of our inaugural print issue at our Issue Release Party at Gifts and Garters on Dec 5th.
Interview & Photographs: Shoshana of Through the Looking Glass Studio
Q: What’s on your Christmas list this year?
Designer shoes and lingerie will always make me squeal with delight, but on the practical side I would love a new laptop and some new photo editing programs though.
Q: You began modeling before MySpace. How did you get you start?
I started back in 2001 working with a photographer friend and when I got enough photos I started a Yahoo Group. My fan base there grew and I started planning trips to other cities to shoot with well known photographers when I could. I was a cocktail waitress and worked retail and was miserable so I decided that I needed a change. I quit my jobs and started modeling full time in 2004. Luckily, it was the right decision! I love my job now!
Q: How have MySpace/FaceBook/Twitter changed the industry?
I credit MySpace with the real launch of my career. I signed up in 2003 and I don’t know where I would be without it! Social networking sites have changed the way you can promote yourself and make you accessible to millions of people. It’s much easier to make a name for yourself these days. On the down side, since anyone can make a profile claiming to be a “model” it saturates the industry with people who might not take it as a seriously as someone who solely models for a living. You still have to be creative in the way you market yourself to make sure you stand out. Since new sites pop up all the time you really have to be on top of the networking trends.
Q: You refer to yourself as a fetish and pin-up model. There seems there is a lot of crossover between the two in the industry. Are fetish and pin-up completely separate beasts, or do they go hand in hand?
I think for the most part they are separate but they definitely have some common interests. Traditional wardrobe pieces like fully fashioned stockings, garter belts, girdles, and high heels are staples in both
worlds. Many of the top fetish designers now recreate retro looks in latex that many pinup models wear. Bettie Page paved the way to make being both pinup AND fetish more acceptable. I have a love for both and I’m glad I don’t have to choose one above the other!
Q: Who are your favorite fashion designers right now?
For high fashion it’s Alexander McQueen, latex by House of Bias, corsets by Jupiter Moon, and lingerie by Agent Provocateur.
Q: You recently got into the design business yourself, with the Angela Ryan Signature Necklace by Heart Sized Crush. How did this come about. Tell us a little of the design process?
Heart Sized Crush made an adorable necklace for my good friend Devil Doll to sell on her tour. I fell in love with it and she suggested I contact them about making one for me. Since this was my first time designing anything it took a few drafts to come up with the perfect necklace but they were super easy to work with and very patient with me!
Q: In addition to the ton of modeling work, you are also an accomplished performer. How would you categorize your shows?
Burlesque with a fetish twist! I try to blend traditional with modern and always keep it sassy and unexpected! My choreographer Eric Hall works diligently with me on challenging myself technically and creatively and pushing boundaries!
Q: What are the top three mistakes young models and burlesque performers make?
Being unprofessional, caring too much what other people think, and working for less than they are worth. You have to use your mistakes as learning experiences.
Q: What did you want to be when you were in kindergarten?
Madonna. Seriously. That’s who I was every year for Halloween as a kid. I wanted to be a rock star. I still pretend I am sometimes. lol.
For more of the Angela Ryan Interview with tons of unseen photos, grab the Best of Pin Curl 2009 edition. You can purchase in our shop or even better-get an autographed copy at the Issue Release Party on Dec 5th!