Interview with Deven — SAG-AFTRA Actress, Rock Singer, Model
Deven is a 28-year old model residing in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Greetings, and it’s a pleasure to have you take an interest in my work as well as this blog. I am Michigan-made and proud, having lived on both sides of the state. I have a Bachelors Degree in Theatre and took my passion overseas where I studied Drama in London, and growing up on the stage put a curse on the world for me, it’s the only place I really feel like I am home, although it definitely helped with my wonderful relationship with the camera and how I express myself.
When I moved to Detroit, I became a full-time artist; shooting films and commercials, modeling for local clothing companies and magazines, as well as developing two very amazing rock bands. I also grew up in a family of musicians, so music and singing are also huge parts of my life; and aside from the arts, I have many hobbies, including fitness training, pole dancing, yoga, dance, cooking, astronomy, and traveling… not forgetting my family and adorable cats.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I started modeling in my late teens but never felt comfortable branching out until I started acting professionally. I never saw myself as a model, just a young girl who liked dressing up and taking photos. When I started getting exposure from film, I knew I had to set my standards higher for myself which meant branch out in different areas of art, which included modeling. Head shots were crucial so on top of a headshot session, I would have a modeling session. Then I got involved with doing live runway shows and print work in Detroit which was an incredible experience.
My inner tigress came out during the live shows, I felt like I was thriving; in my recent shoots, I have been known to be aggressive, raw, and let’s say… unconventional, depending on what type of shoot, of course. I prefer going places models usually don’t go, because I have the advantage of extensive acting experience on camera and on stage, and as such my passion drives my body wherever it happens to go in the shoot. Now, I am taking my career to a whole different, higher level of commitment, and finally believe I can make my mark as an artist. Modeling is a huge part of helping me love and respect myself, and to help aspire to be the best I can be.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
Professional goals are simple: win an Oscar, win a Grammy, and create art with incredible people around the world, which will be a lot of work, but I am one to reach instead of wonder. I hope to one day be able to travel all over the world and connect with people from all walks of life, maybe even raise a family and live in a different place… I can see myself touring in a few years, filming overseas and taking my cats wherever I go. Most importantly, I want to see myself happier and healthier than ever.
Wherever I will be, I hope it is surrounded by good food, good company, and good beer. I love craft beer, always loved the idea of running a theatre or brewery down the road and I can get away with running the show. So, nothing too big.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I am a working actress, which is my primary career, and I do a lot of print shoots that are more Gothic or alternative fashion; then I got into doing more Erotic, Fetish, and BDSM shows and walk the catwalk, flog the models, and others. Lingerie and Chains soon became some favorite things to wear. I took a break from modeling as I went through a transition in my life and am now back and ready to rock, and I have a promo video in production which should be ready by Spring. I was also just recently published with over 20 prints, and have more in the mix, and I am always in search of more gigs and hope to make modeling another career.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I haven’t really had a bad experience, I learned from other models to research who you are working with and always be in communication with the photographer. So, I’ve never been in a bind, however, the most interesting shoot I did was in town, and I never met the guy personally. I loved his style, and we wanted to meet up and talk, where he told me to just bring a bunch of different clothes and we would wing it. When I got to his studio, I took a look at his artwork and immediately knew the clothes I brought would be useless. So, thankfully I had pasties, I put on a Mexican wrestling mask, and we ended up shooting for almost 8 hours!
It was an awkward beginning but as we worked, we developed a great friendship; it was intense and emotional, and crazy and wild. He is still a dear friend of mine. My best experience so far has been recent, as I just had my first publication of being a Cover Model for a magazine, as well as having over 10 solo shots and 10 shots with a lovely young woman. It was an honor to have been selected, and I can’t wait to get published again. Fingers crossed!
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
Probably, however I have no shame and prefer the strange, so what may seem normal to me, may be strange for others. I guess not every gig will ask a model to flog the other models at the end of a fashion show, and dance in nothing but leather straps; before the show, I was lucky enough to have a fellow model tell me I had toilet paper stuck on the bottom of my boot, so she saved me from some embarrassment.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
Yes. However, I think the industry is evolving in a positive direction, at least how the world views models. The expectations are more realistic and healthy, models are different sizes and shapes, which are more relatable to the public eye. Designers are growing bold, and there are many more models and designers coming into their own thanks for social media. I am looking forward to seeing where the industry goes.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I am a gym monkey, I am in at least 5 days a week, rotating cardio, swimming, and weightlifting. I also pole dance and study yoga. Diet and nutrition are very important to maintain the type of physique I identify with, although most of my young adult life, I was a horrible eater and always forgot to eat or starve myself a week before a shoot. The weight would come off but come back on just as fast. That would cycle into lowering self-confidence, and fearing the gym.
Plus, I am a musician and we had a lot of shows, and a lot of drinking to do. I’d see myself in pictures as skinny, and not in a good way, so I decided instead of getting frustrated with myself, I took action to develop healthy habits instead of grandiose goals. Goals sounds sexier, but habits are consistent, as with eating healthy, I have energy and optimism to work out, which helps my overall mentality and perception on life. Go eat some colorful food, drink a lot of water, get some good sleep, and smile.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I am hyper-extended in my arms and legs, which makes horror shoots extra fun, which means I can spin my arms around in different ways and gross out the manliest of men.
Would you change anything about yourself?
I have always had an insecurity towards my nose, and tried to distract from it by having bangs for 8 years. Since I grew my bangs out, I have had more compliments on my nose and face than ever before. I found my nose irritating because it would cast a shadow in photos, and utter nonsense that I eventually realized there was no point in criticizing. I took to heart what friends said: to just embrace myself, nose and all.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Beer and cheese, or beer cheese, or pasta with cheese… I have an unhealthy obsession with it. Life is too short not to indulge every once in a while. In fact, it’s healthy to treat yourself in moderation. If I gave up cheese forever, I would die, or just be very sad.
Visit Deven’s website for more photos and information.