Header photo A Penny For Your Thoughts by photographer Caroline Julia Moore with model Ivy Huxley taken at Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

We love shining the limelight on fabulous creatives in the PurplePort community, sharing their unique journeys and creative processes.

In this episode of FEATURED, we interviewed Ivy Huxley, a part-time PurplePort model with more than 11 months of experience based in Bristol, United Kingdom. 

Portraits - keeping it simple… no costumes time! by  photographer Edward Roy with model Ivy Huxley

About PurplePort model Ivy Huxley

Ivy is a 21-year-old freelance model with one year of industry experience and just over 100 shoots (as of this month). 

She specializes predominantly in costume photoshoots (otherwise known as the genre of cosplay), where she dresses up as various fictitious characters, fantasy creatures and fun costumes. These costumes range from the likes of nightmare fuel, such as Pennywise the clown from the horror movie IT, Chucky from Childs Play and the masked psycho killer Scream, to a more lighthearted woodland pixie or fallen angel. 

While originally from Oxfordshire, Ivy is now based in Bristol and has worked all over the Southwest and South Central. She hopes to travel around the UK on tour this winter and in 2026 after she has finished her bachelor's degree. 

Since joining our creative community in 2023, Ivy has received an impressive 100+ glowing references on PurplePort, and her fabulous work has been featured in the Front Page Image (FPI) Collection.

Unmasked killer by photographer Terry Onslow Photography with model Ivy Huxley taken at Alastair Currill Photography and Studio

I See Red by photographer Portraits by Gus with model Ivy Huxley taken at Old Bakery Photography Studio

FEATURED Interview with PurplePort model Ivy Huxley

How did you get into modelling? 

Funnily enough, getting into modelling had never been a set-out intention of mine. While I have always had a love for the arts and dabbled in some (questionably bad) photography in my teen years for art projects, I managed to stumble into modelling by replying to a portrait casting online from a local photographer, Paul Warren, whom I happened to follow. 

During the shoot, Paul complimented my comfortability in front of the camera and recommended that I join PurplePort (which, admittedly, at the time, I had no clue what realm of the internet I was being directed to, haha) and see about getting some shoots booked in.

I created an account out of curiosity using the images from my shoot with Paul and a few from my college projects to get my portfolio up and running. The rest is history! 

My very first shoot! by photographer Paul Warren with model Ivy Huxley

What did you do before becoming a model?

I am about to begin my third year of university, working to become a Paramedic. Fortunately, the NHS doesn't have much uniform leeway, so I can't use my costumes as a 2 for 1—whoops! 

Man’s world by photographer Paul Warren with model Ivy Huxley

Do you have a health or fitness regime?

If I had to pinpoint a sport I follow, it would be powerlifting.

I attended several GB Powerlifting competitions in 2023 and 2024 in the under 63kg category and achieved a total of just under 300kg between squat, bench and deadlift at my best.

Whether this aids my modelling career or not, I’m unsure! But I do manage to carry all my bags of costumes in one trip.

Game face by photographer Aaron Hopkins Photography with model Ivy Huxley

How do you prepare for photoshoots?

Pre-communication! Having everything discussed, planned and agreed upon makes for a great shoot. With some leniency on the day for in-the-moment-inspirations, of course. 

An introductory phone call is always preferable, as I feel it helps with any nerves on either end, too. 

I’m an absolute sucker for checklists and organization, although my ‘floor-drobe’ at home may suggest otherwise. My costumes are divided into bags-for-life so that they are easy to grab and interchange between shoots—a lifesaver when in and out the door. 

Ivyby photographer Afrofilmviewer with model Ivy Huxley taken at Studio88

What style of photoshoot do you enjoy working on the most?

You guessed it! Anything costume-related would be my favourite style of shoot.  

I also thoroughly enjoy shooting alternative, retro and gothic fashion looks and hope to do more of this going forward. 

Angel of retribution by photographer Ian Phillips Photography with model Ivy Huxley

What’s the most interesting photoshoot you’ve ever worked on?

A notable shoot was working with J.B. Coll last Halloween with a joker-inspired look, during which I received quite a few concerning looks and laughs trundling through the Bristol city centre.

Particularly from the children's party looking out the window as ‘the strange joker lady’ proceeded to climb a lamppost. Anything for the shot! 

Laughing like a maniac by photographer J.B. Coll with model Ivy Huxley

I have also thoroughly enjoyed working with Nigel Wood Photographs and Ian Phillips Photography, both of whom seem to know the most fantastic location spots to shoot at!    

Falling in reverse by photographer Nigel Wood Photographs with model Ivy Huxley

What do you most enjoy about being a model?

From a very young age, Halloween has been my absolute favourite time of year. Not just because sweet treats were involved, but I’m sure that they were a part of the basis. I have my wonderful Mum and Dad to thank for many years of costume help and creation that definitely played a huge role in my passion for costumes.

From dressing up as the weeping angels in Dr Who at age 6 and Aragog, the huge spider from Harry Potter, for World Book Day at school, my younger self would be ecstatic to know that the Halloween experience is now an everyday occurrence for me! 

We who hath fallen by photographer Ian Phillips Photography with model Ivy Huxley

What would you describe as your main strengths as a model?

Without intentionally sounding like a broken record, I very much pride myself on the costumes I create, source, and style. It’s what I enjoy most and where my creativity flows. 

It’s not all it would seem by photographer Thammondphotography with model Ivy Huxley taken at Studio88

What's your absolute favourite photo?

I see you with model Ivy Huxley

Is there anyone in particular who inspires you?

I am always in awe of Rick Jones's work, ‘Horrify Me’. I can’t peel my eyes away from each set, and I would love to one day have the chance to work with them. 

I frequently find myself saving images to my inspiration collection by SallySparrow Photography. Each image compliments her subject so well, creating an ethereal look. You can see with each image the thought and matched stylistic choices applied, which effortlessly seam together. 

Space awaits us by photographer Toby Lewis with model Ivy Huxley

I’ve also had the absolute pleasure of working with AlternativeCapture on a knight's armour shoot, whose work I followed before I started modelling and who continues to inspire me.  

A not so historically accurate knight by photographer AlternativeCapture with model Ivy Huxley taken at Fine and DanDee Studio's

What advice would you give to a model just starting out?

Always go with your gut, take on the work that you are most passionate about and proud to produce, and have fun with it! 

Pin Up Honey Trap by photographer Thammondphotography with model Ivy Huxley taken at Studio88

One final question. Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

In all honesty... Never tried it! Can’t slam something until you’ve given it a whirl. Maybe that will be tonight's meal? 

A Penny For Your Thoughts by photographer Caroline Julia Moore with model Ivy Huxley taken at Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

Speak No Evil by photographer Philip Jenkins with model Ivy Huxley

Who, me? by photographer Orson Carter with model Ivy Huxley

Thanks again for speaking with us and sharing your creative journey, Ivy Huxley. 

We hope you all enjoyed this interview. Check out the links below for more of Ivy Huxley's beautiful work!

Here's where you can find more of Ivy Huxley's work

PurplePort: Ivy Huxley

Instagram: ivyhuxleyy 

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