'It Was Never a Phase, Mom' is a photobook that responds to the common misconception that participating in a darker aesthetic is just something you grow out of. However, the truth is that the art, philosophical themes, and cultural ideas stay with you, even if it's not always expressed through outward appearance. Though we do not see as many Goths day to day, they are still everywhere — taking your food order, sitting behind a desk, or jamming to The Cure on their commute to the kid’s soccer game. 

To portray this message, images contain Goths partaking in mundane activities. Models expressed themselves in varying goth styles such as Romantic, Traditional, Victorian, and even Corpse Paint to encapsulate the idea that “it was never a phase,” but rather an understanding or appreciation for the darker parts of life.