Rebel Girl: Poppy Del

Poppy Del is a gorgeous alternative tattooed model with mermaid hair and amazing makeup skills. She doesn't only enjoy modelling, but she's also studying hair and makeup artistry. Read the following interview to know more about this amazing First Nations woman.

When did you get your first tattoo/piercing? Did they have a particular meaning to you? 

I got my first tattoo almost 10 years ago. It's the leaves from AFI's album art for Sing the Sorrow on my ribs. It's cute, but it's in a prime spot so I might cover it up one day.

Do you regret any of your tattoos? 

Oh ya! When I was younger I didn't really know what I was into. So I got a lot of tattoos for the sake of getting tattooed, and the style doesn't suit my overall goal. I just had one covered up on my wrist - it was a little crown and wings that was ripped off the internet. Lame! I've had a few laser sessions done on another, and I'll likely ditch a couple other ones in the future.

Did you decide you wanted to be a heavily tattooed girl or did it just kind of happen? 

Hmm... I was more into piercings when I was a teenager, but then I just started getting little tattoos when I could. I was mostly broke and couldn't really afford to get tattooed for a long time. It wasn't really a decision I made, but I knew it would happen. Calling myself "heavily tattooed" still feels strange though. It's only been about 4 or 5 years since I got my first "visible" tattoo.

Do you have a favourite tattoo artist you'd like to suggest to our readers?

Oh shit. There's way too many - I usually just tell friends to check out tattooers I follow on Instagram. Hahaha. But if you haven't already you should check out Gwendolyn Williams at Painted Lotus in Victoria BC she did my chest and the new bits on my left arm, most of my right arm was done by Julie Bauschardt at D&M in Edmonton AB she does the cutest stuff, I got a sweet little kitty from Emily Shoichet from Empire in Victoria BC, my buddy Clark Macleod did both my shins - he's from Heroes and Villains in Calgary AB, and I'm dying to get something from Jessica Wright at Capital Tattoo in Edmonton AB.

We know that you also work as makeup artist and hair stylist, Do you style your own hair and do your own makeup in your photo shoots? What came first and what do you prefer, modelling or make up artistry? 

For my photo shoots I often do my own hair and make up, but I do work with a lot of hair stylist and makeup artists. I much prefer having others do my hair and make up, because it's less work for me at home and I'm selfish. Hahaha. Makeup artists always get funny when doing my makeup cause I do it as well, but I'm not picky at all and I'm always happy to learn tricks from people and chat products.

I started my make up business 4 years ago, and started modelling again shortly after. Mostly for fun and collaborating with friends but I do really love it! I couldn't choose makeup or modelling - I just love them both so much.

What do you hope comes next for your career?

Well I'm nearly done hair school and already do a lot of hair and make-up  for photo shoots and event styling, so I feel like thats something I'll always stick with. I also do a lot of extensions now - I just love turning ladies into mermaids. But my next endeavour I'd say will be more art related. I've been drawing for about 3 years now and I'm so passionate about it. I try to draw as often as I can, so pursuing art and tattooing is my biggest goal. Plus I'm getting old - so I should cut this modelling stuff out soon. Lol.

We understand you are a Native American. Tell us more about your origins and what do you bring with you in your everyday life. 

Sure am! My father is Cree First Nations, but I'm a bit of a Heinz 57 - Cree, German, Swedish, and Irish. I'm pretty proud to be Aboriginal, the culture is beautiful and my spirituality is largely reflected on that. Although I am not overly familiar with my aboriginal background its always been something I've wanted to dig into more. More than anything I want to do a sweat! I got to attend a peace pipe ceremony this summer - it was such a blessing and so uplifting. I'd love to experience things like that more often.

How did you end up in Vancouver?

Well I've officially been here for a year now. It started as a thought before I met my fella, I wanted to go to hair school and had the chance to have schooling funding being First Nations. When I met Josh we loosely talked about how we both wanted to move away from our home town, and his band wanted to move down too. It was kind of perfect. I love living here, I've made so many amazing friends through school, modelling, and makeup. Josh works at Adrenaline Tattoo and the people there are so rad! It's been such a good time. I feel like it's just been one big vacation.

If you want to know more about Poppy, check her Facebook page . As usual, check out the gallery below to see some amazing photos of the beautiful Poppy. The have all been recently published, so they are fresh and amazing!