Interview with Eleonora Leona — Don’t Look At Art – Be Art!
Eleonora Leona is a 24-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Eleonora Leona. I’m 24 years old and originally from Russia. I finished the courses in Shchukin Theater Institute, which is one of the most prestigious drama schools in Russia, Theatrical Art, History, History of Art, Acting, Dancing. In 2007, I got accepted in Pyatigorsk State Linguistic University. I finished the interpreter department of two foreign languages English and Spanish. In 2011, I moved to US. I spent several months in South Carolina then permanently moved to LA. I’m trying to keep myself participating in music videos, mainly with background acting, trying to escape from the “grey” days and feel useful. I’m open-minded, camera-friendly, punctual, hardworking.
My friends call me “an Octopus” because I’m trying my best to succeed in my life. Since I was a child I understood one important thing – I don’t want to look at the Art, I want to be an Art. It’s my credo. To create something new, to help people, be honest to myself, first of all. I know I have a potential, if I hadn’t had it I wouldn’t have crossed the sea and worked hard to make my wishes come true. I’m not afraid to fail. Anything I’ve ever attempted I’m always willing to fail. As Arnold Schwarzenegger said “You can’t be paralyzed by fear of failure”. I believe in it!
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I started modeling couple years ago. My friend told me I have remarkable features of my face, so I decided to take a chance. And it works really well for me. Besides modeling I’m getting invited to the music videos and video projects.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
I want to be a well-known person so it won’t be necessary to introduce myself. But nothing is going to be easy, especially nowadays. It’s going be a lot of pain involved. At the end of the days it is going to be a celebration when I accomplish my goals.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
Couple times in the month. Doing photo-shoots alongside with acting in the numerous music projects, both background acting as well as principal roles. Speaking about photo-shoots I’m doing every kind of shooting except of porno.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
The shooting in Las Vegas was remarkable one for me. I was working with LA based photographer who works on different kind of events which occur in LA including Red Carpets Events. So we went to the Nevada desert. The concept of the photo-shoot was topless lady in the middle of nowhere. The sun was terrifically bright and it was burning our backs particularly mine one cause I was with no t-shirt on. It was really hot but the result of the work was brilliant.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
My height is 5’04, So it’s enough for photo-shoots but unfortunately I cannot participate in the runway shows. Even when I applied for the American Next Top Model the producer called me to re-ask me my height, so this part of modeling I would change. If I’m not 5’07 or higher I have no less talent to be a part of the runway shows.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
Gym.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
Had open heart surgery 7 years ago in Moscow.
Would you change anything about yourself?
I would love to stop to over-think sometimes. It’s my biggest problem. But generally I’m really generous and honest. Sometimes people take my honesty like rudeness. What about me it’s better to be “rude” than “fake”.
Have you ever gone without wearing underwear all day? Why & what did you do?
Of course, I hate bras. Literally I don’t like them. So when I decide to go to the club I don’t wear bras, sometimes even pants. It happens very often.