Interview with Alex — Tattooed/pierced model
Alex is a 24-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Born in Detroit, MI., I am the youngest sibling to three older brothers. My hobbies and interests include painting, singing, beauty, spending time with my friends and boyfriend, and taking care of my two kitties. Currently working as a server at a popular venue in downtown LA, as well as a promotional model. Have worked both as a butcher and a Geek Squad Agent.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I had been in love with the idea of modeling since the age of 12. I can’t accurately describe my passion for modeling – for me it has always been so much more than being a pretty face. The artistry, and emotion an image can provoke was what has always drawn me in. I was unable to find a reputable agency in Michigan due to lack of resources until the age of 18, when I got introduced into promotional modeling and met the first photographer who wanted to jump start my portfolio. After that, I continued marketing myself for 3 years and became well-known as a model in Michigan. By the age of 22 I signed with the most reputable agency in Michigan, but there was a lack of work, thusly prompting my move to Sunny Los Angeles!
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My lifetime goal has always been to be a professional model. Where I am working as a model full-time with the resources to also continue expanding my portfolio collaborating amazing creative teams. I absolutely still see myself modeling 5 to 10 years from now, whether or not it’s on a professional basis.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I usually have about 4 modeling gigs a month. These jobs are usually based on beauty work, commercial jobs, glamour work, and portfolio building for upcoming makeup artists and hair stylists.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
There are a few photographers I have worked with since I had first started, and these photographers have been strong advocates for my career and continue to inspire me and help me grow as a model.
I’ve had my fair share of poor encounters with photographers, and all of these collaborations have one thing in common: lack of professionalism. I have worked with photographers who have refused to share photos, although the shoot was based on trade, because they may have been acting in a way I felt was inappropriate making me uncomfortable, and making that discomfort known. Regardless of how attractive you feel a model is, or the “vibe” you may feel you’re getting from a model, it never excuses acting unprofessionally.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
I worked a shoot at White Sands National monument in New Mexico, which was one of the coolest shoots I’ve done to date. And also the most challenging. There were quite a few things working against myself and the team – the blistering heat, the sun beaming off the white sand, and the strong gusts of wind. The wind would push and pull, making posing difficult and keeping equipment secure and safe just as challenging. The bright light was posing a problem to my sensitive eyes, keeping them open and still engaging was not an easy task. But by far, the worst challenge was just the sunlight itself. I am a very pale person, so I came prepared. I slathered myself in SPF 70 MULTIPLE times during the five hour shoot. I thought I was safe. Nope. It wasn’t until later in the evening I started to notice the redness… The next day, I was unable to move from how sore my body was. It seemed as though I hadn’t been wearing sunscreen at all, I was so burnt. I can’t even imagine how bad it would have been if we hadn’t been as prepared!
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
There are a few things I would change; primarily, the beauty standard. There are lots of arguments on what beauty is, and I don’t feel the modeling industry always accurately captures it. Men and women of all shapes, sizes, and colors should be accepted and celebrated in this industry. Beauty is absolutely something that emulates from within, and I feel the modeling industry should focus more on that aspect than on what is currently described as their “standard of beauty.”
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I enjoy hiking and bouldering very much. For those of you that don’t know, bouldering is essentially rock climbing for beginners. Other than that I may practice a bit of plyometrics, along with yoga.
As far as nutrition, I’m a bit of a smoothie fiend. Starting my day with a healthy smoothie gives me more energy than a cup of coffee – and it lasts all day.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
A fun fact not many people know is that I played drums and sang in a band for about a year. Fortunately for our lead singer and guitarist, she was discovered by a famous musician and began to tour around the country with him.
Would you change anything about yourself?
If I could change anything, it would be how critical I am on myself. I do feel it is important to be critical, but I feel I often go overboard with my criticism of myself and it often makes me feel as though no work I have ever done is good enough. Its upside is that it drives me to continuously want to do better.
Have you ever gone without wearing underwear all day? Why & what did you do?
I go without underwear almost everyday, haha. Too much information, perhaps. I feel underwear are mostly overrated and a nuisance! Most clothes fit better without them, thongs are uncomfortable, and I can’t stand the way panty lines look!
Visit Alex’s website for more photos and information