Today we’d like to introduce you to Onyx Graves.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was a long-distance runner for many years; I suffered a severe knee injury that required a full knee reconstruction that I now have 2 cadaver ligaments, 5 screws and a pin in my knee. It took all my confidence away when I started gaining weight. I had a friend ask me to model for her and I did. I kept doing photoshoots and one thing led to another, having a friend suggest I try pinup. I jumped in with both feet and here I am today. I have been on the cover of over a dozen magazines including international covers, I have placed in numerous contests, raised almost $20,000 for various charities, am the Pinup Coordinator for the Appalachian Bearded Mafia, and Charity Chair for the Vargas Girls Pinup Group. Most of all, I have made the best friends that anyone could have ever asked for while lifting others up.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. Pinup is not just a “Oh, I’ll dress pretty and place in events” type of deal. There is cattiness, jealousy, backstabbing, self-doubt, etc. But, when you find the people that are YOUR people it all falls in place. That’s when all of the negativity seems to go away, it’s when the self-doubt and the demons seem to hush because you have the right people in your corner.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in spooky pinup. I’m not your classic 40s-50s pinup model. I mix your Marilyn Monroe or Jayne Manesfield with Elvira or Vampria. I love to have the pageboy or Hollywood waves with a spooky dress and dark make up. I also do horror modeling; which is not common with pinup models. I did a shoot that won me a lot of contests because it was so over the top. I am most proud of being on Unique Vintages Instagram & Facebook as well as all of the Covers that I have gotten in my 3 years of pinup; The Social Pin, Bombshell (International), Drive-In, Gothic Noir, Smitten Kitten Magazine, and many more.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was going to a national dance competition and placing 2nd place in tap against dancers from all over the United States!
Pricing:
- 5×7 – $15
- 8×10 – $20
- Poster – $25
- T shirt – $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theonyxgraves.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_onyx.graves
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onyxgraves1
