With his unmistakable look, fearless attitude, and passion for pushing boundaries, Shane Burnell, better known as "The Pirate", has carved out a unique space in the worlds of alternative modelling, business, and branding. From skateboarding culture to international campaigns, his journey has been anything but ordinary. We sat down with Shane to talk tattoos, fashion, entrepreneurship, and the mindset that has driven his success.

I've been skateboarding for around 24 years, so I grew up surrounded by skaters, graphic artists, and creative people who saw the world differently. That lifestyle shaped who I am; it taught me to think outside the box and never settle for being average.

I've always loved extreme sports and anything that pushes limits. If it's adventurous or challenging, I'm interested! That passion for living life on the edge naturally carried over into tattoo modelling and acting. These days, I'm taking both to the next level because they suit my personality perfectly. The more extreme, the better! [Laughs]

Not at all! I never imagined I'd end up looking the way I do today or working as a model. I've always been comfortable in front of a camera, but usually because I was messing around rather than taking it seriously.

Everything really changed after I got my first tattoo. I knew straight away it wasn't going to be my last. As my collection grew, I started thinking more seriously about where I wanted my life to go. I'd worked a variety of jobs, some great, some not so great, but I wanted something different.

Eventually, a local clothing company approached me to front one of their campaigns. That led to three campaigns with them, which then caught the attention of a professional modelling agency. Around the same time, I'd already started building my own alternative modelling agency because I'd previously been rejected by agencies that simply didn't know what to do with someone who looked like me.

Show-Offs was born from rejection, but in the best possible way.

I wanted to build a modelling career, yet every traditional agency turned me away because I didn't fit their image. Instead of accepting that, I thought, "Why not create something ourselves?"

I founded Show Offs not only to represent myself but also to give opportunities to other alternative models who were experiencing the same thing. So many talented people don't fit conventional standards, and I wanted to create a platform where individuality was celebrated instead of overlooked.

I got my first tattoo when I was 16 years old... and it's safe to say I never stopped after that!

Tattoos are definitely becoming far more accepted, which is great to see. At the same time, I think a lot of people rush into getting tattooed because it's fashionable without fully understanding the commitment.

Every tattoo tells a story. Mine represent experiences, important moments, emotional journeys, lessons I've learned, and memories I want to carry with me forever. None of my tattoos are random; they're all custom-designed and deeply personal.

I think that's the difference. Trends come and go, but meaningful artwork stays with you for life.

I'd probably have gone into defence, security, the military, or something involving nature and animals. I've always enjoyed challenging environments and careers that require discipline, purpose, and adventure.

I think style is completely individual. Everyone has their own style; it's just about how confidently you wear it.

For me, authenticity is what matters most. If you're comfortable in who you are, your style naturally reflects that.

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