Interview with Model Max — From nothing to something
Model Max is a 24-year old model residing in Chicago, Illinois.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
When I was four years old I was adopted from Russia because my parents were abusive and alcoholics. That was one of the best times of my life but it had led to one of the most heartbreaking goodbyes when I had decided to pursue my own choices and dreams of being a model. My family hadn’t agreed with my life and they hadn’t changed much because I had to watch my brother walk out of the door to live on the streets when he was 17. I was taught to always follow the rules and follow the family tree so for years I didn’t have a voice but once I realized how hard it was to have nothing I worked ten times harder to be somebody. I worked out day in and day out to lose weight and still I had felt that no one noticed, so I had an idea of becoming a model. Did I know what a model was or even did? No. But when I had stepped in front of the camera I had found myself. My own voice and my personality had come out. I felt as if that’s all I had and even have.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
It’s been a year and a half since I started to model but I started on Craigslist and I had called professional photography places to ask and get a better understanding of what it takes to be a model and I still always felt as if something was missing. I never got answers there but then I started to join online contests and networking with others on social media. I met some great people along the way and have gotten to understand people. I fell in love with finding myself and the more I did it I lost and gained many relationships. I found out who was there and who wasn’t there for me. It’s an industry that will truly mold you into who you are.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My personal goal is to be the best person I can be by staying true to others. I will never lose my head or myself because of all the heartbreak. To this day I fight it and I plan on taking my humbleness the entire way. I’ve met people on the top and bottom and I must say that I had learned something from everybody including myself. These are personal but my professional goal is to become a fashion designer. I was blessed to have a second chance by being accepted into the Art Institute in Chicago so ten years from now I can see myself giving great opportunities to the misfortunate and all the people who deserve a chance to be someone.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
Lately I’ve slowed down to focus on school. I shoot from time to time and I still workout but modeling is very spontaneous and you have to be patient so I’ve found a passion to only shoot for fashion and underwear modeling. If other opportunities came up I would still shoot but I love to shoot for a purpose.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
My best experience in modeling was to be chosen as top 20 out of 400 nationwide for an international modeling calendar. Yes that sounds typical but my number one experience was to look back and see how far I’ve come physically and mentally because a year ago I did have my worst experience that had led me into almost giving up. I had an entire portfolio done by a famous designer in Chicago and in the end I hadn’t received a single photo. I was talked up and built up to only crash and burn in the end. I knew it was coming but I found the strength to get up and keep going. I never gave up and it had only led to me being stronger today.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
Yes, I fell in love. I had met a very talented makeup artist and bodypainter that has completely changed my life around. She’s my strength that keeps me going daily. She had seen how far I’ve come and she’s done the same but I will say that among everything I’ve gained in my entire career, love is the best thing that I had gotten from it. A blessing that had come after my decision of not joining the military.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
Yes. The stereotype of only having to be good looking and confident. It is a major plus but it takes away from all the people that truly don’t believe in themselves.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
Greens, rice, and chicken is the ultimate diet. Bread is a no no and it’s crazy to know that most of this world has some of the worst foods for you. Fast food is a complete lie and if it could be changed so that everyone knows and understands that your health is the most important thing for you. It gives you a better mood and energy as well. Also my sport of choice is running. It’s not something you should do but it’s something that you should want to do because running is a mental sport that gives you the time to reminisce about you, your life, your gains and your struggles. It’s truly saved me to keep going and better, yet I’m staying healthy while I’m growing physically and mentally.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I’m a writer. I love to write ️poetry; drawing and art has been a huge part of my childhood.
Would you change anything about yourself?
None of us are perfect but I wouldn’t change a thing about me. I am who I am today because I don’t put myself first and I accept myself to who I am.
What is a trait that everyone should have
Is to never give up on someone. We all make mistakes and forgiveness is one of the best qualities to have. We aren’t perfect people but we can teach each other to be better by standing for someone.