Life & Work with Lilith Jenovax

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lilith Jenovax.

Hi Lilith, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I begged my mom for my first DSLR when I was around 10 years old; that really propelled the entire aspect of photography in my life, I think. Over a decade ago when Tumblr was still thriving, I found myself swooning over the moody artwork there that told so many stories in one image. I spent a lot of time on DeviantArt as well, maybe studying composition without even knowing it. I had always appreciated art and spent a lot of time drawing and writing and singing, but photos spoke to me in a different way. My mom agreed to pay half, and I could save up the other half with my allowance.

Once the camera was in my hands, I found myself photographing everything: stones, rivers, abandoned buildings, trinkets, animals. But I wanted a model, and I was the only one around… so I started taking self-portraits, without really knowing what I was doing at all. Eventually, I graduated high school and turned 18. The same month I started university, I ended up doing my first official photoshoot – and nude at that. A photographer on Facebook had seen my portraits and asked if I would model for him. The career, unknowing at the time, went off from there. I spent the next few years attending university full time while working with other artists, networking, and traveling when my schedule would permit it. I remember nights on the road with days full of photoshoots, trying to make sure I had time to finish my school work before I had to sleep.

Throughout those years, I began perfecting the craft of photography and editing as well. I learned the functions of my camera and how to manipulate them in both pre and post work. I eventually graduated with my degree in psychology in 2019. Now in 2021, I am still a touring model and photographer with national and international publication for both. I love modeling, but I am working on pushing more of my photography work. As mentioned previously, writing and singing was also a large part of my life. I always knew I wanted to do something with music, even as my career picked up with freelance modeling. Eventually, my art life led me to an amazing producer and musician who I felt understood what I was trying to convey in my music. That person eventually became my partner and helped me create my debut album Only Temporary, which is scheduled for release on November 23rd of 2021 on all streaming platforms.

It has been such a long journey, but it brings me comfort to know that my childhood self would be proud of where she ended up today. I never left art behind, and I hope I can always say that.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to where I am today was definitely not a smooth one, but it was so very fruitful. College was an obvious struggle; I don’t think going to school full time is easy for anyone, regardless of the degree they are acquiring, especially if you are traveling and working on top of that. But beyond that, my mental health has never made anything necessarily easy in my life. I’ve had depression and anxiety my entire life which can make doing small things incredibly overwhelming. Later on, I actually found out my depression was manic depression, or bipolar. Being unmedicated with any mental disorder can cause a lot of doubt and conflict. Oftentimes, it made it hard for me to create and work, especially in social settings.

In 2019, I found a good combination of medications that worked for me and made conquering life so much easier. There are still struggles, especially with the pandemic; it essentially caused a cease of all freelance artwork. We couldn’t travel or interact, and that is a lot of what creating art is. As the world gets back on its feet, I constantly remind myself to do the same. Artists often struggle with appreciating their own work, and I am very familiar with that. It’s so important to always remember to be inspired by others’ art, not envious, as well as to be your own biggest fan; if you don’t like what you create, how can you expect anyone else to?

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I would think I am probably mostly known for my modeling, but more and more people are beginning to recognize me in the photography and music realm. I specialize in artistic modeling and photography, but I am involved in other genres as well (fashion, glamour, etc.). I love creating images with a strong mood and story, but I can also appreciate the simple things. Regarding my music, I write all the lyrics as well as take on the vocals. I’m incredibly proud of the publications I’ve been in, such as Rat Rod Magazine, Vogue Italia, Dark Beauty Magazine, Southern Distinction Magazine, and more as a model as well as Alternative Press Magazine as photographer. Perhaps silly, but I am also proud of the medal I got in high school when my thespian troupe performed Twelve Angry Jurors at regionals and state. I love acting and it will always hold a special place in my heart, too. This year, however, I am most proud of my debut album. It has been such a journey creating this album and learning more about myself and music along the way.

What sets me apart from others, I think, is my eye for composition as well as multifaceted backgrounds in various genres of art. In modeling, my past in dance often comes out and assists me in posing; though I haven’t been a dancer in years, I still get comments on it. In university, before I switched to psychology, I did study art which changed the way I thought about composition and color as well. But mostly, I would say it is my mind; ultimately everything I create comes from the moods I am feeling or channeling and my past experiences and knowledge. I’m always looking at other avenues to weave into the arts.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Growth and self-appreciation. I try to tell myself to not fall into a routine; change is necessary and crucial for growth. I never want to be lagging behind or stagnant – not so much in relation to anyone else, but to myself and what I know I can achieve. Each and every time I model, snap the shutter, pull up a photo to edit, or step into the recording studio, I learn something new or try something different. Experimenting is what I always want to do in life and in art, to find new passions, horizons, techniques, thoughts, and abilities. Above all, it comes down to self-appreciation and self-worth. I always want to do things I am proud of, things that I find joy in, and things that benefit myself and others. I want to be content, but still eager to grow. That is what is most important to me, both in life and in art.

Pricing:

• Modeling $250 for 2hrs
• Photography $250 for 10-15 images
• Modeling $400 6hr half day
• Modeling $800 8hr full day

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.lilithjenovax.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenovaxlilith
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenovaxlilith
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LilithJenovax
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/lilithjenovax
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/lilithjenovax
• Other: www.patreon.com/jenovaxlilith

Image Credits:
@thisisnotbeauty
Kam Wickam
Wanderlust Boudoir
@thisisnotbeauty
West Destiny Drive
Justin Sellers
Joel Jordan
@thisisnotbeauty