Photo by Peter “Pandapod” Brud, Latex by Maebelle Latex[/caption]Tell us about your career as model. How did you get started?I got started after being spotted in the Stockholm Pride Parade back in 2007. After that things really just took off on their own for me, both through agencies and as a freelance model. I only do freelancing these days, but I’m grateful for the opportunities I got through the agencies back then!Did you always want to be a model or did you have other career aspirations when you were growing up?I never really thought about wanting to be a model, I just always knew I wanted to create things. Styling weird looks has been second nature for me more or less all my life, so alt modelling came as a natural progression of that. Though I still have no idea what I want to be when I grow up! ;)Apart from having a great look, what else do you think is an important factor in succeeding as a model?I think that one really important part is finding the balance between taking your work seriously and making sure not to take yourself too seriously. It’s important to be professional in any business, but at the end of the day we’re all just people so it’s just as crucial not to let success get to your head. All the successful models I know are great at this, they’re all total sweethearts.How did you come up with the name Insanitea and what’s the significance of it?I’m a sucker for a terrible pun, so it’s pretty much just a result of that (since my name is Tea). I wanted something that reflected that, but which also captured the wonderful madness of artistic endeavours.What other advice do you have for models just starting out?Always trust your instincts and never agree to anything you do not want to do. The alt scene especially is so full of opportunities to express your own sense of beauty and creativity, so don’t let anyone tell you that you need to fit their standard to make it. Sure, some designers or photographers have a certain style they look for in a model, but just because you’re not right for everyone you want to work with that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you.Do you love any one genre of modelling more than another?I can never say no to a fairytale looking shoot. I love latex, lingerie and corsets as they are too, but put in a context that looks like something from a story makes everything so much better. I’m working on a project with Josefine Jönsson where we style shoots around characters from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and it’s by far the most fun I’ve ever had working on shoots. For me the details of a shoot are the best part, so planning these things and picking out things to reference aspects of the story is amazing. I’m so happy that she’s working on this with me, she’s a lovely person and an amazing photographer who really captures fairytale type aesthetics.What do you consider your career highlights so far?This year I got a couple of magazine covers that I’m really happy about, the photos I sent along with this interview was part of one of those features. It was for KULTUR Magazine and I got to work with a new photographer for it, all in all it was a great experience full of amazing people. I started working with some new designers who I really admire recently, too. So it’s been a good year! In general though, getting to travel to the UK to work with What Katie Did as one of my first ever assignments back in 08 or 09 was pretty amazing. And all the runway shows I’ve ever been part of have been highlights for me, I love doing those!If you could shoot with or for anyone, who would you choose and why?There are so many talented people out there who I’d be honoured to work with, but if I get to daydream a little I would love a chance to shoot with Miss Aniela. Her photography just blows me away every time I see it, and I get the feeling that she shares my love of fairytales. I’d also love to work with Biban Blue or Royal Black Couture, they both capture a certain mood in their pieces that I really admire.As well as modelling you’re also a performer. Can you describe what you do as a performer?I haven’t been able to pursue this in a while, which is a real shame. I have a few half-finished costumes around the house and planned out choreographies that I never really rehearse due to a lack of time. Between modelling, my band and my studies something has had to take the back seat for a while and sadly, that something has been burlesque. But the shows I’m working on, albeit very slowly, are gothic and fairytale inspired numbers. I’m planning on making my own music for them and readjusting them some more before showing them, so it might become part of future live shows with the band.You’re a model, burlesque performer, stylist and singer in Ashbury Heights. Where do you find the time for it all?Not to mention a full-time university student! Coffee. So. Much. Coffee. And it really all comes down to time management, for instance I’ve been going through the rough mixes of our album tracks on the bus lately, and I’m generally planning shoots and sending emails during my lunch breaks at uni. But at the end of the day I don’t really have the time for everything I’d like to, or I’d be a lot more active as a performer. As soon as our album is released that’ll be a huge weight off my shoulders, so hopefully I’ll be able to find some time to finish a couple of burlesque acts soon.You say you’re a “life-long” vegetarian. Could you briefly explain why?I was a vegetarian before I knew that that was even a thing, basically. I’ve always been a super picky eater, and when I was a kid I had no idea that there was a whole bunch of people out there who also went “I don’t eat that” whenever meat was presented to them. So it came before any awareness of the circumstances surrounding the treatment of animals for me, however finding out about that definitely made me feel stronger about it. I try to keep as close to a vegan diet as possible, but I have a few allergies that make it tricky to stay completely vegan.What’s your favourite vegetarian meal? My all-time favourite thing is home-made vegan sushi. My fiancé and I make it sometimes and no matter how much of it we make there is literally never ever enough… I also really like Thai food and various soups. I love food that lets me overdose on ginger, chili or garlic.Before we go, do you have any tips for new models that find you inspiring? Do what you want to do, for your own sake, and in your own way. Try not to compare yourself to others, try to focus on your own journey and goals instead. Aspire to be someone who would impress 7-year old you. And never hesitate to ask around for advice!If you want to see more of InsaniTea check out her Facebook and on Instagram @insaniteatime. Check out the gallery below and let us know if you love her as much as we do!