Once upon a time, in a distant and enchanted land, there lived a fearsome beast who was said to possess all the treasures of the world. This beast had amassed a vast collection of riches, from shimmering jewels to gleaming gold, and his lair was a spectacle of opulence and grandeur.

Dark gothic makeup with red eyes and black face paint in dramatic lighting.
Halloween horror makeup featuring red glowing eyes and metallic accents against dark background.
Gothic horror costume with dramatic red eye makeup and claw-like hand gestures.
Dark fantasy character in metallic clothing with elaborate face paint and red accents.
Gothic figure in black leather with dramatic face paint against textured gold background.
Horror character with intricate face paint examining something in dramatic lighting.
Gothic character with spiked hair holding red heart prop against gold backdrop.
Dark fantasy portrait with red eye makeup holding heart-shaped object in dramatic lighting.
Dark artistic portrait with dramatic gold and black face paint featuring spiked hair and theatrical expression.
Gothic figure in dramatic makeup holds a pink rose against a metallic backdrop.
Dramatic gothic character holding red heart prop against golden textured background.
Theatrical mask-like makeup in gold and black with dramatic side lighting.
Close-up of dramatic skeleton-inspired makeup with red accents and black details.
Detailed shot of hands wearing ornate gothic rings and jewelry against dark clothing.
Gothic figure with dramatic makeup holding decorative bell against shimmering background.

Riches galore

However, despite his immense wealth and splendor, the beast was plagued by a profound loneliness. He yearned for something more valuable than all the treasures he owned: he longed for true love and beauty to fill the void in his heart. He believed that if he could find someone to love him despite his monstrous appearance, he would finally find the happiness he had been seeking.

Love bites back

In his quest for love, the beast explored the far reaches of the land, encountering many potential companions. But as soon as he felt a spark of affection, he would take a bite of it, metaphorically speaking. His fears of being rejected and hurt were so strong that he would sabotage his own chances at happiness. Each time he opened his heart to the possibility of love, his insecurities and fears would overtake him, causing him to push away those who genuinely cared for him.

Realization

The beast's heartache only deepened as he realized that the more he chased after love, the more elusive it became. He had all the treasures in the world, but they brought him no solace. He would gaze at his vast wealth, feeling a hollowness within him that no amount of gold could fill. The beauty he sought was not in his collection of treasures, but in the genuine connection and affection he craved.

The Rose

One day, as the beast wandered through a quiet forest, he stumbled upon a secluded cottage. There, he discovered a garden of exquisite roses, each bloom radiating with natural beauty. Among these roses was a single, exceptional rose unlike any he had ever seen. It was delicate and enchanting, its petals reflecting the moonlight in a way that seemed to hold a promise of the love he so desired.

Dramatic portrait with gothic makeup and gold chains against deep red background.
Gothic styled figure in dark clothing with chains and dramatic makeup poses against red backdrop.
Gothic styled figure in dark attire and face paint sits against red textured wall.
Dark figure in gothic attire poses dramatically against red textured wall.
Gothic styled figure in decorated clothing poses on red couch with dramatic lighting.

Ethereal enlightenment

Entranced by the rose's beauty, the beast couldn't help but reach out to touch it. But as he did, a sharp thorn pricked his paw, causing a drop of blood to fall onto the petals. In that moment, the rose seemed to shimmer with an ethereal light, and a voice echoed in the air, revealing itself as a magical enchantment woven into the rose's existence.

Face your Fears

"I am the embodiment of true love," the voice murmured. "To attain the love you seek, you must learn to overcome your fears and insecurities. Only then can you truly appreciate and cherish the beauty that exists around you."

Gothic figure with dramatic makeup examines jewelry box with props and green lighting effects.
Gothic styled scene with jewelry box, animal skull and heart decoration against red backdrop.
Gothic figure in dark clothing shows off steampunk accessories against red backdrop.
Dark-clad figure with face paint gestures dramatically with floating mechanical objects.
Steampunk styled figure poses with mechanical props against crimson background.
Gothic figure holds ornate heart-shaped prop while wearing elaborate costume.
Figure in dark attire poses with decorative heart-shaped prop against red velvet background.
Dramatic close-up portrait with face paint and dark styling against red background.
Figure with face paint poses with sparklers against bokeh light effects.
Theatrical portrait with face paint and sparklers against orange bokeh lights.
Dramatic portrait with elaborate face paint against dark red background.
Gothic figure poses with mechanical props and heart decoration against red backdrop.

Looking deeper into self

The beast was struck by the revelation, realizing that he had been his own greatest obstacle in finding love and happiness. With newfound determination, he set out on a journey of self-discovery and growth. He faced his fears, confronted his insecurities, and learned to see beyond the surface to the true beauty within himself and others.

A dark gothic figure in elaborate makeup holds a glass-domed display case in a dimly lit setting.
Gothic figure holds illuminated pink display case against dark mirrored background.
Mysterious figure in dark clothing examines glowing pink object in ornate display case.

Softer still

As he transformed his inner world, the beast's exterior began to change as well. His fur became softer, his claws less fearsome, and his once-intimidating presence softened. And in this transformation, he found a profound sense of self-acceptance and a genuine appreciation for the beauty that existed within and around him.

Dramatic horror makeup with red accents and dark details against orange background.
Intense gothic makeup design featuring red and white face paint with dark shadows.
Horror-style makeup with red highlights and metallic accents against warm background.
Dark gothic makeup design with red eyes and gold metallic elements.
Gothic figure holding pink rose in glass dome with dramatic face makeup.
Dark artistic portrait showing gothic makeup and pink rose in golden display.
Hands wearing ornate rings hold glass-domed pink rose against textured background.
Dramatic close-up of intricate gold skull makeup and costume design with red accents and candlelit atmosphere.

Beauties Embrace

And so, the beast's tale evolved from a story of endless seeking into a narrative of self-discovery, growth, and the true nature of beauty and love. He realized that he didn't need all the treasures in the world to find happiness; he simply needed to open his heart and embrace the beauty that was already there.

Gothic themed scene with skull makeup and antique decorative objects against red lighting.

CREDITS


Studio and Makeup and Hair by

corneliminnaar_art

https://www.instagram.com/corneliminnaar_art/


Photography by Wild Love


Clothing and jewellery and Model is Michael Eaton.


Inspiration Mood board on Pinterest:

https://pin.it/sb8t400