Interview with Andrea — Student and Model
Andrea is a 19-year old model residing in San Francisco, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello! My name is Andrea and I am a model based in California. I am of Italian and Puerto Rican heritage. My Italian side is more prominent in my life; in fact I am typing this from Southern Italy. I am going to school here and traveling for four months. I was born near SF California and I have lived in that area all my life. I attend Saint Mary’s College. I have a small family and I love it that way because we are very close. I love to workout; I like hiking, yoga, lifting weights, running, TRX, swimming and dancing. I was a cheerleader and track runner in high school and had a great time. I love to spend time with family and friends. I currently am a full time student. In California I work part time at a tanning salon and do paid modeling jobs on occasion. Although my main focus is my BS in Kinesiology as I prepare to be a pediatric nurse.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I first signed to a small modeling agency at age 15 just by submission. They didn’t get me much work so I then found interest in participating in a pageant. I competed with zero experience in Miss Teen California in 2011, it wasn’t what I imagined it to be so I then went back to modeling. I began shooting with local professional photographers and making connections. I have shot with well over 20 professional photographers and others in the industry.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
I am a very dedicated person. School is my professional priority at the moment. I would like to continue modeling on the side for as long as I can. In five to ten years I see myself working as a pediatric nurse in a hospital hopefully starting a family of my own.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
My modeling workload varies a lot. Some months when I am more free I will be test shooting, booking myself work, and attending castings multiple times a week. Other months, I am more busy. I do mostly photo-shoots. I like making short modeling films and acting as well. I like to shoot fashion, lifestyle, glamour, commercial, and art. My favorite I would say is swimwear.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I have had many varying experiences. I have worked with many talented photographers that I have become friends with over time and that is great to me. I love working with a full team of great makeup hair and stylists. I love shooting for companies and magazines. I am fortunate to have not had any terrible experiences, but there is nothing worse than a scam.
While I am here in Italy and traveling in Europe I will be shooting with some amazing photographers and I am very excited about that.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
My most embarrassing modeling memory was shooting lingerie and being so excited about how awesome the pictures were going to come out and as we put the pictures up on a big monitor my tampon was sticking out in most of the shots…easy edit but so embarrassing!
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
Definitely. Height requirement. You would never be able to tell I am under 5’8 in photos yet I am denied by fashion agencies for that statistic. It doesn’t make any sense to me. The average person is 5’4-5’5 and advertisements are suppose to appeal to the most people so why would you put a super tall lanky person for print. I think the height requirement should be omitted and instead the requirement should be a naturally healthy looking physique because that is what we are trying to push in our society.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
Health is very important in my life. I try to exercise 3 to 6 days a week all the time. I never eat fast food or drink soda. I love to go on adventures that require exercise rather than be in a gym. I love running and hiking outdoors. I do enjoy good food. I value food as a culture and just try to cook fresh local foods and get my workouts in.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I am an only child and I know myself very well. Growing up with many adults I get along with elders well and I am mature for my age. I love to talk to old people and hear stories of their life.
Would you change anything about yourself?
I would make myself more easy going toward myself. I am hard on myself in a lot of ways. I try to do it all and get upset if I can’t. I also get jealous easily especially of other females. It’s taken me a long time to gain confidence and I have gotten a lot better but there is always room for improvement.
What is the one talent you wish you possessed?
I really wish I was good at singing. I am mesmerized by a beautiful voice and I think most people are. I feel like a beautiful voice makes someone so much more attractive for some reason. If you have ever been to a concert and hear a solo, no matter what the person looks like, everyone falls in love with them after their solo.
Visit Andrea’s website for more photos and information