Dyylan J

The most frustrating part of this job is to meet people that we would so love to work with personally. This is the case with Dyylan J so we should set up a telethon soon to get the required funds to get us together.

What can you tell us about your background and ethnic heritage?

I am African American, though recently I subscribe to the term Black American. I acknowledge my ethnic culture and my ties to it as they may be; however, I am also a Black American. I was raised in America and my complexion annotates that I am of African American descent, so Black American suits me also.

So how did you start out in the modeling business? Was it planned in advance or you just gave it a try for fun?

Well, one day I was with my girlfriend in the barber shop... yes... my girlfriend... and yessss... we were indeed in the barber shop, not a beauty salon; but I digress. So one day we were in the barber shop and one of the barbers asked me if he could give me an edge up to clean up my haircut a little bit, and so I said sure. During my time in his barber chair, he went on to tell me that he owned the barber shop and he was publishing a new book of his styles and haircuts and would I be in his book! Then, I had a very low haircut... not bald but close and he said he loved my look, and a lot of women can't wear short hair, but I was wearing it very well. I told him no, but I think of that missed opportunity often. After that, I stumbled upon a modeling website. I had NO professional pictures and really had NO idea what I was doing, but I said, fuck it and registered on the site with 5 of my best self shot photos. Three days later, I got an approved profile email from the modeling website, and every since that day... I've been booking shoots; TF, paid and otherwise. :)

What do you appreciate more about a photographer during a shoot? What puts you at ease instantly when working with a new photog?

I appreciate a strong since of professionalism, and I also love a photographer who is moved by what he sees. I can tell when a photographer taps in. When he has found my hidden place and discovered one of my vulnerabilities; one of many vulnerabilities that will transcend most beautifully on camera. With a new photog? well, I simply expect for him or her to look at me as someone with whom he or she can create amazing art. I appreciate when he looks inward. Tap In... Shine Bright.

What can you tell us about your Facebook community Blink? Seems that it has many of the same goals as Cult Sirens.

Blink is my baby. It is founded off one simply foundation: To draw attention to amazing alternative and/or modified women of culture, ethnicity, and race. It became apparent to me quite some time ago, that as the alternative and modified lifestyle began to merge with pop culture and wedge its way into what I refer to as "Lamen Acceptance" we started to create a minority within... OUR MINORITY! It became tattoos vs piercings, white modified models vs black modified models, predominantly white culture tattoo magazine vs predominantly black culture tattoo magazines... and so on! The nerve of all of us! We managed to become just like "them" and segregate our own goddamn community; hense... BLINK. Blink was formed out a need for the call to order. Which is why our motto is "The Blinks Are In Session".

The official MUA for Cult Sirens also works at MAC Cosmetics! Tell us a bit about your path in this creative field.

My mom! Long, long ago, she owned this mirror that had lights on both sides. When she would get ready to go out for the evening, she would pull out her very small black make-up clutch and sit down at this great mirror with all the lights on the side! I would just sit down on the floor and watch her do this amazing thing. The thing... that was bigger than her very being. It was magical then, and even as I reflect... it still is. :) She would transform from this amazing mother, to this amazing WOMAN; right before my eyes. As I got older, my own interest in cosmetics started to develop. I had a strong urge to find a way to bring back blue eyeshadow with red lips. Though... it took some time... I did INDEED find a way to merge these two cosmetic items in a way that was glamorous and come hither. When I graduated with my first college degree, I still had the urge to pursue the field, so I did. I sold AVON! yep, I did. I sold it for two years, got a lotta free shit, and moved on to Dillards, then Macys, then Sephora and M.A.C. The MUA position at M.A.C was very hard to land. I had to do a lot of events to earn my keep; I had to pay my dues and prove to them I belonged amongst them. Then they asked me to do some on call shifts... which I did, and one day... a call beckoned my answer from the Heavens!!!They offered me... A JOBBBBBBB!

What can you tell us about your body modifications?

I have three marilyn monroes, two nostril piercings, a labret, and three tattoos thus far. I am indeed extending my ink on body canvas, so expect to see more of it soon; however, my piercings and my love for them has hibernated. I still have all of these piercings. I wear them with my mood; or if I am booking a shoot and the photographer specifically request them, but other than that, I never wear them all at once. My marilyns will probably be archived as a great experience very soon, but my nostril piercings... I am mad dedicated to them. I feel they personify me, a trait of my womanhood, as well as solidify my personal style so with that being said, they will probably remain until I am old and gray.

Do you think that a model doing too many nude projects risks being identified with such a label? What really convinces you to pose nude for someone?

I think a model should find her niche and live and breath it; wallow in it; wrap up in its worth and make a living. I do nudes very selectively. Art must be in tow, and it must be a heavy load. I do enjoy art nudes, and very much enjoy erotica; both of which I hope to shoot soon. I do believe that every model has a niche-genre where she fits and shines the brightest; however, I do feel that this is your ONE LIFE; no one need to co-sign for your version of it.

Would you ever be interested in shooting more fetish themes? Like wearing latex, rubber, leather... or even to be tied up?

Hmm. Again... ART. Though... I would LOVE to see my ass in a latex outfit... YUMMMMMMM!

Are we wrong in claiming that you started a personal blog recently? What kind of thoughts do you desire to share with your fans?

I did start it recently. I had a lot of shit on my mind. A lot of shit. Though I don't get on it often, what I have learned is that people ARE READING IT! They are not following it, but they ARE reading it. I was not really aware people were reading it, until... I was AWARE! Nothing has changed though. I still write as normal. I do not sanction myself at all.

Do you feel that curvy women are finally more accepted in the industry or is it just the "same old, same old"?

Same old same old, and when you DO see curvy models, its the SAME DAMN MODELS... can you say pigeon hole?

Do you consider that, as an Ebony model, you get offered the same kind of projects (like too much urban/hip-hop/Wear-a-Thong-and-Lean-on-That-Chair kind of thing)?

Yes! Yes I do get those projects! and I fight really hard NOT to accept them. I must admit, for a minute I let my feet swim and frolic in the fickle water that is Urban Glamour/Eye Candy modeling. I have one photo like the example that you speak of... me... in a thong... leaning on a chair, and even though I look stunning *mocking myself* I hate that image. It is rife with contention and epitomizes the very thing I have been running from. I have amazing measurements... what are they you say? well... 36dd-30-49... but... I do not want to toot my ass to the camera and oil it up to face a channel of lights. Not Interested. I'm just NOT. *Taking feet OUT of the water*

How come there's no official website yet? Anything we can do to help?

mmhmm you can help! I mean whatev. I have thought about it, but what the hell would I fill it with?

So now by participating in this, you've become an Cult Siren! Any chance in seeing you in person by visiting us in Montreal in the future?

"Yes" lets take a collection for my flight!