General Questions
Do you make everything on the site?
YES! Everything on GothicElegance.com is hand assembled by me (Crystal). I make everything on the site from the jewelry to taking the photos (even of myself).
Do you take custom orders?
Yes! If you don't see the piece you want and you can describe it in detail, e-mail crystal@gothicelegance.com to get an estimate on price and completion time. You can also customize any of the pieces currently on the site to your liking.
What if I want to order something but don't have a credit card?
First of all, if you have a checking account that has a Visa/MasterCard check card, you can use it just like a credit card on this site. If your checking account doesn't have a check card, you can set up your checking account with PayPal (http://www.paypal.com) and then go through your ordering process as you normally would. However, when you check out, instead of inputting credit card information you simply log in and the funds will be withdrawn directly from your checking account.
Jewelry Questions
Do you use patterns or jewelry making kits or books to make your jewelry?
No. Although occasionally I will be inspired by something I see, 90% of all jewelry items are created from scratch. I typically look at what I have and then decide what I think will look good together. Sometimes, I even sketch out ideas until I find a design I like for a particular charm.
Can you make hypoallergenic earrings and other jewelry?
YES! Sterling silver earring hooks or surgical steel earring hooks are available upon request for a slight fee of $2.00 for the higher quality hooks.
If you are allergic to metal and cannot wear necklaces with clasps as a result, please e-mail me when placing your order and I will tie the end so that it can slide over your head. When doing this, please order a size that will fit over your head or request the necklace be strung on elastic.
If you have any other questions or suggestions about hypoallergenic alternatives, please feel free to e-mail me at crystal@gothicelegance.com.
How can you sell your jewelry for so little?
The question really should be why do other sites charge so much? Many crafters use a formula for pricing. They take the materials and multiply by two and then add cost for the time each piece. I price my items based on what I think I would pay for it if I knew how much the materials cost.
Artwork Questions
Do you have a gallery?
Currently, I am not in any galleries. However, if you're going to be in the New Orleans area and would like to see one of the works feel free to e-mail me to request a viewing.
What medium is your favorite to work in?
This question is actually more easily answered by what I don't like to work in, which is acrylics. I love working with oils and watercolors. I also like several different drawing mediums. Acrylics are the medium I find most difficult to work with because they dry very quickly and I never seem to get the results I want with them.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I get it from all around me. Usually events, more than things, are more inspiring.
What is art to you?
Art can be an expression of self, a statement about society, or anything you want it to be. It has no set boundaries. Art exists to exist and sometimes life imitates it.
When did you become interested in art?
I've always enjoyed drawing and painting. When I was young, I'd take a book of horses to my friends and let them pick out one for me to draw for a dollar.
I didn't decide to major in art until my junior year of college. Previously, I had been a biology major and while I was doing well in those courses, I found art more exciting and decided it was a better choice for me.
Photography Question
What type of Camera do you use?
I currently use a Ricoh KR-5SuperII camera. This is a fully manual camera which I received as a gift six or seven years ago. I needed it for the required photography course at college. I haven't put it down since.
Do you have a full studio?
Most people are shocked to find this out, but no I don't. I use $1 a yard fabric for the back drops which I tape to the wall. I have two light stands with three adjustable lights on each stand and use bulbs from any regular store. The props in the photos are usually just stuff I have laying around the house.
Why do you only work in black and white?
I find black and white to be a great medium to work in. I think that the photos look classier than color and a lot of people are moving away from it. Of course, a lot of people are going digital too, but I don't see that in the near future for my site.
Do you develop your own film & prints?
I do develop my own black and white film and also black and white prints. So, I take the pictures with a completely manual camera. I develop the film and I make my own prints. Seems like I like doing things the hard way doesn't it? In fact though, I like having control over the developing/printing process. I never know what kind of results a lab will send me. Also, if I mess up something, the only person I have to get mad at is myself. However, if a camera shop was to make a mistake during the developing process, well let's just say I'd hate to be the person who made it.
Do you do contract work?
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Yes. I have done a few contract assignments in both color and black and white. I have taken pictures of buildings for companies, a small family wedding, family portraits, and action shots for a martial arts website and book. If you have a project you'd like to consider me for, please send me the information and an idea of compensation. I am willing to work with you on cost. I understand not everyone is in the Fortune 500.
Are you looking for new models?
Always. If you're interested in sitting with me, feel free to contact me after checking out the model information below:
Model Information
Do models pay you to photograph them?
Currently, I do not charge models for photographing them. I consider it a fair trade for a model to let me post pictures on my site and for them to be able to use the photos in their portfolios. If I have to travel outside of the New Orleans area to do the shoot, I might require some travel expenses covered.
Are most of the models you work with professionals?
So far, none of my models have been professionals. They were just people I thought were interesting and approached about sitting for me. In fact, for most of them, shooting with me was the first time they had pictures taken of them from at least a semi-professional photographer.
Do you pay your models?
Typically, I do not pay models. If I ask them to shoot with me, I usually offer them a home cooked meal and an interesting experience. In fact, almost every time I have offered to pay models, they have refused. The one exception was for one who needed gas money because she drove over an hour to come shoot with me.
Do models get copies of their photos?
All models receive a cd with digital copies of their photos. I am currently still setting up a home dark room so soon they may receive an actual print as well as the cd.
What are the requirements for being a model for GothicElegance?
There really aren't any. I use a wide variety of body types in my photos. So, there is no set model type. So, just be yourself and let me do the rest.
Do you do nude model shoots?
Currently, I do not do nude model shoots. My Internet host does not allow adult content. Besides, I like my models to be comfortable during a shoot and I know of very few people who are comfortable nude and in front of a camera.
Do you require models to sign a release form?
Yes. I will be glad to send you a copy of the release form I use via e-mail. The main reason I use a release form is for legal reasons. If everyone were honest and trustworthy, there would be no need.
Can I bring someone with me to the shoot?
Yes. I actually prefer, again for legal reasons, for the model to bring someone with them as a chaperon of sorts. I do have a few requests about the type of person you bring though. 1. They have to be able to be part of the background; and 2. I would prefer they not be another photographer or model. I've had models bring photographers and models to shoots and it creates a very awkward situation for me and the model I'm photographing.
Other Notes:
Typically, I do like to meet with potential models at least once before a shoot to get an idea of who I will be shooting and to start thinking about what types of shoots I'd like to do with them.
Shoots are usually scheduled within a two week period after the initial meeting. I'm available
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings and almost anytime on weekends.
Pictures are developed within a week of the shoot, usually within 48 hours. Arrangements can
be made to pick up the cd with the prints, or I can mail it to you. I usually do allow models a
chance to view the photos before they go on-line to make sure they are still comfortable with the
idea and to make sure they like the pictures. However, if the cd is sent and I e-mail asking what
the model thought of the pictures and they do not reply, I do reserve the right to post the images
without feedback.
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