Interview with Miranda Wright — Fine art nude model
Miranda Wright is a 24-year old model residing in Chicago, Illinois.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Weirdo with a hot mind. Born in Chicago on the south side of the city…
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I have been involved with modeling ever since I was a child. When my parents were still together we used to live in a basement apartment across the street from Washington Park. I barely remember going outside but I do remember the times in that tiny apartment where I would walk back and forth across the floor, twirling and twisting. Every now and then, I would ask my mom could I take ballet classes. She would say “if I had the money I would.” I would go on and continue walking until my feet got tired or she yelled at me to “sit down and stop all that walking!”
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
Currently I am working on my first figure drawing art book for artists. I would also like to make that cross over into doing fine art nudes similar to Volo Magazine. It is my goal to establish myself as a fine art model here in Chicago and move to California where I believe my look is more attractive to photographers and artists. From there I would like to join an agency where they can help me perfect my craft as a visual artist and model.
In the next five years, I see myself in California working with art and being around artists who are taking their careers seriously because they have a true passion for what they do.
If I could meet someone who understands fine art and doesn’t mind me posing nude, we would be very good companions because I am open minded and a very good listener. I just hope that who ever he is he helps me feel less weird and comfortable enough to show him who I really am.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I model on a monthly basis but I am always shooting because I have a blog of my own that I use to help other models find affordable clothing and give them tips on modeling. My focus is on fine art so I mainly pose nude for artists throughout Chicago and its suburbs. I get booked for drawing classes, open studio, costumed sessions as well as artists who are working on specific projects.
Every year, I work as a freelance visual merchandisor where I am asked to help set-up on one day and then model the garments the next. The convention takes place at the Merchandise Mart and gives me another modeling job for the year.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I had the absolute worst experiences as a fashion model. Before I made the cross-over into fine art, I made an attempt to be a fashion model without doing the proper research; starting out at 19, I still struggled with self-esteem issues that aided in me getting taking advantage of. When people know you’re good they will find a way to get near you but a good person and bad people do not mix no matter how sweet you want to be.
I don’t want to name the people because they’re too many, I just want to mention that there are lots of women in Chicago who are doing local fashion shows and have to promote the fashion show and sell tickets as compensation. I remember doing more than one photo shoot and fashion show and not receiving a photo. Just thinking about all the time I wasted modeling for people at some show where there are only 3 designers and not enough clothes for the models or they ask you to bring the clothes!
Yes, people would clap for me as I twirled down the runway and give me confidence to keep going but I was not going anywhere professionally in my modeling career and I literally had to cut ties with those people.
Everything changed when I started researching jobs that I could do: Posing always came natural to me but it was hard to show that to a photographer when you’re still struggling with self-identity issues. Working with a local photographer aided in helping build my confidence. One day I came to shoot and said I am ready to do nudes! The photographer describes the experience as watching a butterfly leave its cocoon.
After submitting my info to one of the oldest fine art organizations in Chicago, I received an email from a monitor 2 weeks later! I had my first session as a fine art model in November of 2013, I do not know where I would be if I wasn’t posing nude.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
One time, when I got up from sitting in a pose, an artist joked and asked “Did you blink, Miranda.” I laughed and said yeah.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
Like every other industry, I do not like that we have to constantly compare ourselves; I do not a have a problem knowing that I may never grace the cover of Vogue because I have accepted what I can do. Yet, I do not like seeing models who are really reality characters get picked over models who are professional and deserve it more. Modeling is a hard job that gets glorified but people do not realize the discipline it takes to be a “subject” and have to transform yourself constantly yet remain true to yourself. I understand that celebrities are great for advertising but models are models because they know how to model.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
Kickboxing OnDemand, pilates and plenty of squats and green tea; the only thing I do consistently is drink green tea every morning. I watch my portion sizes and stay away from pork because it is hard for me to digest.
If I did not exercise on a regular basis, artists would not pick me because I am not strong enough to hold the poses. I also eat fruit and vegetables every week and get plenty of sleep.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I can rap.
Would you change anything about yourself?
If I could fast forward to see how things turn out then yes. Otherwise, no I am who I am supposed to be
If you had only 24 hours left to live, what would you do?
Writing has always been a passion of mine, and few people know that I can rap. If I only had 24 hours left, I would create a mix tape of my experiences thus far and leave behind an album of my life to share.
Visit Miranda Wright’s website for more photos and information