Girls that radiate a peculiar charm with tattoos & Rock`n Roll are always an eye-catcher. The model Maureen Van Mortis, a native of Slovakia is a contrast to the more conventional models.

She is a real beauty with her personality shown on the outside. Her tattoos have become more and more within the last years and tell their stories. Actually she never thought about being a model, but luckily she was discovered on myspace and in the meantime she has many publications and cooperations with the greatest photographers… We wanted to know more from the wild beauty and asked her for an interview…

First, how did you get into the model business? Has it always been your dream of becoming a model?
I got into modelling through a photographer who discovered me on myspace. I never really thought about doing it before.

You are born in Slovakia, right? Where do you currently live?
Yes, I was born in Slovakia and moved to Vienna when i was 12. Currently I am living in Vienna.

Do you miss your hometown? Not anymore… I am glad we moved.

You have some very special tattoos. What do they all mean for you?
For me tattoos have to tell a story. All of them are parts of my life. The punk rock tattoo (17 years old), which was my first one at 17. I used to be a punk for several years. Heart, dagger, and crying eye with a pair of angel wings(18): To make the long story short: I have been in a long distance relationship. I was doing a fashion school back then, and i dropped out and started selling stuff so I could go and live with with my distant partner. Sadly we broke up before i moved, and I found myself with nothing. The pin up girl with the tattoo machine(19): I got a job as a security guard at the Arena, and life got crazier. I used to hang out with rockabillies and got a pin-up girl and anchor- tattoomachine to represent the world i have immersed in. Chest piece- roses, birds and a banner reading ‘handle with care’ (20)–The break-up was difficult, but I got this tattoo to start new Hair dresser and make up artist piece- a portrait of me with a hair dryer, alongside a razor blade (21) I knew i didnt wanted to work as a bouncer forever, so i applied for a school as a hairdresser. Type of second-chance education which took only two years instead of three. I was close to my exams and they didn’t teach me enough @ the company and I was sure I’d fail my exams, so I decided to leave, but afterwards i did a Make Up Artist & Hair Stylist Courses at the Headquarters Academy. A vampire montage on my leg (21-still not finished)- I like vampires-“They live for blood, come out at night and are so mystic.

You are working with lots of different photographers. Are you always in a good connection with them?
I would say with most of them yes via Facebook or Skype. When I am visiting the city they live in, or they visit the city I am currently at we try to manage a shoot. I am also often searching for photographers for example if I go for a holiday for some weeks. It is important to network with people from the business and keep in touch.

Have there ever been pictures, where you were unhappy with the result?
Oh yes at the beginning, in that case I asked the photographer nicely to take them down. Some of them did, some not. Everybody is starting out somehow, but with the time you “get an eye for that” and I do only work with professionals now. I do have three agencies who represent me, Stella Models in Vienna, Brodybooking in Stuttgart and Rockstar Models in Berlin and I am very happy with them. I am still trying to find an agency in Los Angeles & New York.

„I like my optimism, determination, honesty, being on time and the fact that I get along with people and do care for others.“

In your eyes, how important is the role of the photographer and the importance of the model? Both roles are very important. Both have to give their best!

What makes you feel beautiful?
Knowing that I am beautiful on the inside, and having that radiance on the outside.

So, what do you like best about you?
My optimism, determination, honesty, being on time and the fact that I get along with people and do care for others.

And is there something that you don´t like about yourself?
I am stubborn & do not have patience.

Do you have a favourite photo of yourself? And if yes, which one and why?
I do love all of them.

What means real love for you?
A waterfall flowing down inside from spirit, filling the lake within and then flowing out in rivers and streams as it is shared with others.

Happiness is… Appreciating what and who you have or had in your life, treating the planet gently, doing things that make a positive difference & living in a way that is true to yourself, being considerate of others.

5 things you can´t live without: -travelling, -love, -my friends, -laughter, -music

Thanks a lot for your time!

CHECK OUT: www.maureenvanmortis.com

Interview by Christine Guggenberger