Blu Skies Ahead

RetroKitten generally likes to feature established models who have been on the scene for at least a year or two. We think that its important to help share their knowledge as well as get them more exposure. Every once in a while, we think it's important to get a newcomers point of view.

When we stumbled across Blu's profile we were floored. Blu is devastatingly gorgeous with a presence and personality befitting a model with ten years of experience. We were tickled pink when she accepted our offer to be on the cover and to answer a few of our questions.

Q: You're a fresh face starting off in a pretty cut throat industry. What prompted you to begin exploring this avenue of expression?

Blu: My whole life I've been told by family and friends that I should be a model. I guess I've always been very photogenic. Later, as I hit pre-teen and teen years, and started dressing "alternative" and piercing myself and dying my hair strange colors, I was discouraged, because a lot of those same people told me I could never be a model and look like that. I wanted to do it, regardless of statistics or what others said. I guess I set out to prove them wrong. But not for them, for myself. Because this is something I've always wanted to do. To me, this is art, and I have always been an artist. I know it's a hard industry to get into, but why not give myself a challenge? I've always excelled in everything I've put my mind to, and I love a good challenge. Besides, that makes it all the more fun! And my work ethics are strong, I'm very determined. I don't want to get things handed to me my whole life, I feel better knowing I worked for them. Yes it's cut throat industry but I like it, and I'm willing to work hard for it. This is my art, and I'm going to make my art.

Q: You have a very intense presence in front of the lense. To what do you attribute this?

Blu: I believe that everything you do, no matter what it is, you have to be passionate about it. I'm very passionate about my model work, and that passion drives me to do what I do, and do it to the best of my ability. Sure it's a job, but for me it's a lot more than that. It's art. So when I'm in front of the camera it's not like sitting behind an office desk working a nine to five, I go into a completely different state of mind. I am a completely different person. That is where I am "Blu". I try to feel every pose, every look, every style. Throw me in a plaid skirt and pig tails, I become a sexy school girl. Put me in chains and leather and throw an electric guitar in the mix, and I'm a rocker. Put me in a cat suit, and there ya go, I'm cat woman! It's a lot more real to me then most people actually assume. I try to really BE what ever it is I am portraying, for the moment, not just look like it. I think that's why I have such an intense presence in front of the camera as you say.

Q: 18. Wow, I barely remember 18. The world and your future is stretched out in front of you. Where do you see yourself going?

Blu: Being 18 is beautiful… all it means is that I have years and years to accomplish more and more, and that there’s more life ahead of me. I’m not sure where exactly I’m going, all I know is I am pursuing something that I love and I'm going to keep working at it no matter what. I ultimately plan to get more involved in music, it's something I've always wanted to do. But it's hard to say, there's so much that I do, and want to do. I'm a singer, songwriter, all around musician, model, artist, writer. There is a lot that I want to accomplish. I'm glad I got an early start.

Q: What are some of the things you think you would like to explore more in this industry?

Blu: I want to get involved in music, that's my next plan. Music is like life to me, and I want to start music projects and sing, like I've always wanted to do. That's my next thing. But I'll still model. I'll never give up modeling. I think the music and modeling world, especially in alt. modeling, aren't too far apart. Besides, I've already done work for bands. I wan to get into that more too, music videos, album art, that sort of thing, as well as my own music.

Q: You have a new website. Care to give us an inside look at what you plan to do with this and where you are going with it?

Blu: My website is going to be basically an inside look at me and what I do, and what I want to do. It's going to serve as a portfolio, to share and show case all my photos, and what I have done. There is a music page set up, but regretfully there is no music to put there yet. I'm looking for a band or musicians or even a recording artist to help me set that up. Basically the site is going to be photos, eventually music, a little bit about myself, and a journal too. I write a lot and I want to share that as well. I'm hoping to display some of my art there, and my writing.

Q: RetroKitten tends towards people who have been in the industry for a while. You are probably the first person who has made it to the cover with less than 10 years experience under your belt. What do you think of that?

Blu: Seriously, I think it's amazing, and it's truly an honor. I can't thank Retrokitten enough for this opportunity. A lot of websites have asked to use my pictures, and that's fine, but you've given me the opportunity to be heard, by asking me these questions, and I feel like I'm not just a random pretty face any more, and my words here are important. It means a lot. It's validation for me that what I'm doing really means something. That what I've struggled and worked hard for is really paying off! Even if I do have less then 10 years under my belt. So thank you, very much! I'm really thankful. Not to mention you've been so nice to me!

Q: Where do you hang out online and why?

Blu: Well aside from emailing and messaging, I'm on my space a lot, because it's a really big site and I can talk to a lot of people. And it can be fun some times. It's like the new aim and email put together, and how I generally keep in touch with people when I'm really busy. It's convenient and it's good for networking. I also like Ebay a lot, I buy a lot of my stuff there now. But aside from that, I have a lot of websites I am on, for modeling and what not, that I go to and check, and update, and browse regularly. And of course Retro kitten is one of them. And to be quite honest, Retrokitten has gotten me the most success thus far. Besides, what a cool name, Retro kitten! Purrr!

Q: What kinds of places do you like to hang out in real life and why?

Blu: I like to go to concerts and local shows, mostly metal shows, because I love music and I love the metal scene. I like to go out sometimes and just have a good time, maybe see a movie, go bowling, roller skating, get a pizza, go swimming, do what ever really. I'm not really into the club scene and I'm not a party animal, I don't drink now nor plan to when I am 21, and I don't do drugs or anything wild or crazy. So I don't really party much. But I still have a good time.

Q: Roller Blades or Roller Skates?

Blu: Oh god…roller skates. I cant even stand on roller blades. Funny you ask, I just shot for a music video in which I had to wear roller skates. But I can't talk about that, not until the video comes out, it's a surprise! Shhh!

Q: Any parting shots? Ideas, opinions or rants? Come on, give us your best shot

Blu: For any one who wants to get into modeling, or music, or any other "cut throat" industry as you put it, I'd just like to say, don't give up. Follow your dreams, make it real, and make it happen. Don't be discouraged by what others say or think, if you want it, go for it. No dream is to big or too small to achieve. I'd rather die trying than never have tried at all. I've gotten this far and I'm only 18. The possibilities are endless, you just have to have the drive and the passion to do it.

RetroKitten would like to thank Blu for taking the time to chat with us. We would also like to thank Raj Jain for his stunning images. Be sure to check out his website at http://www.rajjainphotography.com.