The Modern Modification Lifestyle: a Day in the Life of an Alternative Model

Alt model Andi Lee is definitely an up and comer, but her presence and demeanor would surprise more than a few. Measuring up at about five foot six, she weighs in at a noticeably slight 115, and that’s while rocking out in some oversized sweats and slip-ons. Polite, unassuming, and quietly composed, she’s not exactly what most of us think of when we hear the words “tattoo model.” But don’t let the shy and soft-spoken side fool you, because this girl is brimming with major personality, and behind the camera it all suddenly shakes loose.

Our photo shoot was a whirlwind of classic pinup poses and edgy, youthful fun, and we even managed to sneak in a few questions in the interim.

BC: When did you get your first tattoo?

Andi Lee: When I was about 18 or 19. (She turns over her right wrist to reveal a replica of Mila Jovovich’s famous ancient ink from the popular film The Fifth Element.) I was supposed to get something on the inside of the other wrist too, but I didn’t have the money. (We both chuckle a little.)

BC: What piercings have you had?

Andi Lee: My tongue, nose, the upper lip (twice including currently), six different helix piercings…

Her lobes have also been pierced most of her life, and stretched for several years, now measuring in at a perfect half inch.

BC: Why the six different cartilage piercings?

Andi Lee: I ended up losing ’em. They were done with a gun. (She gestures and makes a cute hole punching noise.) Every time!

That’s right boys and girls; there’s a reason that the Association of Professional Piercers does not recommend getting pierced with a piercing gun instead of a needle.

While we talk upcoming projects and interesting new ink, the tattoo on the inside of her bicep comes up. It’s a beautiful scrolling script that reads “coffee” in Arabic, a nod to a fondly remembered stay in Marrakech, Morocco a few years ago for (get this) volunteer work.

We would ask what she’s been up to lately, but with three big photo shoots in the past ninety days, a new portfolio in the works, and an appearance in Every Time I Die’s upcoming music video, it’s a safe bet that the answer would probably be, “a lot.”