Teen Gothic

I'm going to a goth concert alone for the first time in a couple of weeks. I'm a little apprehensive. Any tips for what to expect and how to stay safe?

Got these clothes gifted to me. Does anyone know how to style them?

This is normally how I do my makeup. I wanna slowly but surely transition to doing more of a trad goth style of makeup. But I especially wanna change my eyeshadow routine. But I can't seem to find a good, affordable, and pigmented eyeshadow. That and I'm not very good at eyeshadow lol. I would appreciate some make recommendations(for products) and tips. Thanks 🙂

I am a casual goth dresser. I've got typically accessory, wearing only shades with exception of rings, and an active goth listener.

However I feel as if lately that I feel ashamed of myself for being intrigued by morbid culture. It feels like that's "me" but I've been doubting myself.

Being goth has always been a beautiful concept to me. Finding an identity that made so much sense to me but I just feel rejected in a sense by society. Please any advice so that I could stop caring? I feel insecure.

hey so i’ll be going to sisters of mercy this saturday i’m pretty nervous because this is my first time i’m going to a concert alone since no one i know irl is into goth music it’s not a really large venue but i still feel a bit nervous any advice for this situation will be well appreciated 🙂

I've seen an influx of posts on here of people who are struggling to find their local scene. To put it simply, goth scenes are hard to find for a variety of reasons– either they don't exist in your local area, or they're run by older people who primarily use Facebook to promote, or just in general, there is little to no promotion for the event happening at all because its a small, tight-knit group of people who have been doing scene-related things together for years.

Goth is a pretty niche subculture. You'll often find that goth scenes just don't exist in the city/town you're located in, or whatever scene there is, it's small. I'm a brand new promoter in DC, and so far, I haven't had a completely dead night where no one showed up, but it happens, because the scene is small, and it's hard to find if you aren't intentionally looking for it. As a promoter and an owner of a club night, we do our best to make ourselves visible and accessible, but the work we do can only go so far.

So, here's my advice to people who are struggling to find their local scene– make your own. It isn't as difficult as it sounds, but it is definitely intimidating if you've never been in charge of anything before.

Step number one is to learn how to DJ. By far, the most difficult step out of all I'm about to talk about because it can get expensive. You'll need a DJ table, a laptop, and a digital library of music. I got a cheap table for maybe only $ 150, but you could probably even thrift one. Some tables don't require laptops, but they get more expensive than standard tables.

Step number two is to find a venue. Most goth nights get hosted at bars because the venues are eager to make money off of patrons, so they're always willing to host an event. Find a local bar, talk to the bartender, tell them you're interested in setting up an event there, ask them how to get an event set up, etc.

Step number three: promote. Make flyers for the event. You can make these in something like Canva, which is a photo-editing app that lets you put text over pictures. Print them out, and post them up around local spots (libraries, cafés, anywhere that lets you advertise with paper flyers). Take the image and upload it to IG, or Twitter, upload it to Facebook, make a Facebook event for it, and use hashtags related to your local area. For example, if you live in DC like me, you would use the tags "#dcgoth" or "#dmvgoth".

All of these steps are way simpler if you have friends to help you out along the way. These steps are also incredibly simplified, but I am definitely 100% willing to give a more in-depth explanation to anyone who wants to start their own scene in their area.

I’ve been into the subculture for years now and have been listening to the music and attending shows. Now I’m going to a goth club for the first time in LA next week. I’ve never been in any type of night club. I’m going with my brother who isn’t in the goth scene but is always down for an adventure so I won’t be alone. I’m excited to finally get to experience the goth club scene(Im 23). Any advice for someone new to the club scene? Anything I should know about beforehand?

Hey, first time posting in here. I'm a baby bat but have been listening to goth music for years without realizing it. Now I'm trying to get more into the fashion and culture. Goth friends, what do you recommend to a baby bat like me? I've been wearing a lot of black, but otherwise I have no idea where to start. I saw someone in another place say to read the book "Gothic Charm School" by Jillian Venters but not sure if there's anything else.

tdlr; What books/resources/videos do you recommend to a baby bat for the fashion and culture aspect of goths? Where does your style come from?

Sorry if this is silly, I'm still learning things about goth culture!

So I’m going on a trip soon, and I’ve never quite figured out how to store my jewelry for travel. Usually I’ll just shove them in an old makeup bag, and hope for the best. I find they can get tangled, and it’s harder to find a particular piece. Does anyone have any advice on this?

Hey darklings, I’m beginning to make plans to attend Wave-Gotik-Treffen in 2023. I don’t plan to make any concrete decisions until the set list is released ;). I’ve dreamt of going since I was a teen and I’m finally in a position to make it happen. I’ve never traveled outside of the U.S. and I plan to go alone. I’m a bit nervous, but I have confidence in myself. I’m here asking for any advice or guidance. What do you wish you knew your first year that you know now? I’d also love to meet some folks who also plan to attend from the U.S. Thanks much my friends! <3

edit: typo.