Marilee's fans and clients are well-acquainted with Bombshell magazine, a premier pinup publication with stunning imagery edited by amazing UK-based photographer and publisher Nicola Grimshaw-Mitchell. Nicola kindly agreed to answer some of our questions, sharing her story as an artist and businesswoman, offering insight on her artistic philosophies and process, and giving advice to photographers, models, and publishers!

You are well-known in the pinup community as both a photographer and editor of Bombshell and Femme Rebelle magazines. What was the genesis of these publications? How have they evolved over the years in theme and format? Have they taken you in unexpected directions?

Femme Rebelle came first! I wanted to find a publication that was suitable for my own particular style of boudoir photography, but there was nothing out there - so I started my own! The tag line was from Shakespeare - "By the Pricking of my Thumbs, Something Wicked This Way Comes!!!" I taught myself Adobe InDesign and set to work - it built up quite quickly in 2018 and went from strength to strength. As my own style morphed more into vintage and pinup I decided to create Bombshell - a magazine JUST for that style. Femme Rebelle has changed slightly over the years as I ran a separate issue alongside called ALLURE - more for boudoir and glamour.

As an editor, which are your favourite themes and genres to work with (classic pinup, alt pinup, boudoir/lingerie, vintage glamour, holidays, on location, &c.)? Does your answer change when you put on your photographer cap?

I LOVE colourful pin-up - tiki especially, there are some wonderful sets in the US, a lot more imaginative that over here in the UK - you guys can source some fantastic thrifty vintage items that are impossible to get there in the UK! As a photographer I love to see really creative fantasy edits for Femme Rebelle, mystical and with inventive hair and make-up and designer costumes.

Describe the perfect cover image. What kinds of photos get you excited to see as an editor?

For Bombshell I love bright studio images, colourful sets and outfits.

For Femme Rebelle my eye is always drawn to strong fashion poses and contrast lighting, black and white fetish style images are always very dramatic for a cover.

Do you have a favorite issue of Bombshell or Femme Rebelle? Would you be willing to share some of your favorite covers/images/sets you’ve published in your magazines? Both shot by you and by others, and why you love them. :)

I've attached a few of my faves! Again, strong, colourful, dramatic, high contrast. I always love to showcase models of all sizes too!

When did you know you were an artist? When did you know you wanted to be/were a photographer? What have been some of your influences and inspirations? What other artists have inspired you? Were you always interested in pinup (boudoir, &c), or was there a specific catalyst?

I've always loved photography, since being very little. I was an industrial chemist, so a complete career change for me! I fancied working more from home as my son was very tiny. My influences were Helmut Lang and ALWAYS fabulous perfume adverts from the 80's and 90's - lots of swishy hair! I love cinematography and music videos ad have always took inspiration from these and also from old film stars of the 1940's.

What do you love most about your work, both as an editor and photographer?

As a photographer I most love the creativity, I can change my style at will and experiment as I shoot a lot of models too! As an editor I love to be able to see other photographers work up close, I do offer a review option too so I can give feedback to photographer if they want it - this is ALWAYS my best bit!

What have been your greatest challenges as an artist, editor, businesswoman? Your greatest accomplishments?

Challenges are keeping up with changing trends, being relevant. Having enough time in the day is always a problem as running a business yourself is so demanding. My greatest accomplishment was starting boudoir photography in 2008 (I was a wedding photographer previously) right as the 'credit crunch' hit in the UK - it was an INSTANT success as it was so unusual here!

How often do you create art just for yourself? Any recent, current, or future projects you’d like to discuss?

My most recent creations for myself have been using Midjourney for AI - I just loved learning how to manipulate the code to create something weird and wonderful! At the moment i'm thinking about designing Christmas sets for pin-up shoots!!!

What are your goals for the future?

During these hard times its just to keep relevant and popular - hard when lots of people are suffering financially.

Any advice for aspiring photographers, models, pinups, publishers? How would you advise your previous self if you could go back in time?

Hmmm - advice for a previous me would be to not spend so much on props and wardrobe! I've spent a FORTUNE over years, many things only been used once - luckily I manage to sell on a lot of things!

Advice for photographers would be to practice a LOT! Learn to edit REALLY well and your work will always have a polished feel.

Models/Pinups - shoot with the very best and often - get lots of fabulous colourful sets you can share online - publications keep your popularity up and a cover especially!

Publishers - A lot of people think going into publishing is an easy option to make money - it is INCREDIBLY hard work!!! I've seen many publications come and go over the years. Its easy to underestimate the time needed to put together just one issue, never mind 12 a year! (I do 24 a year for my 2 magazines!)